cultivating a bird-pleasing hanging basket: an assortment of plants Sure to entice hummingbirds!
In the enchanting world of the garden, there's a magical creature that adds a touch of whimsy: the hummingbird. These tiny, vibrant birds can be enticed to visit your garden with a well-crafted hummingbird-friendly hanging basket.
Hummingbirds have a unique diet, feeding on nectar from flowers. They can consume up to eight times their body weight in nectar daily, making the provision of nectar-rich blossoms essential for attracting them.
Creating a hummingbird-friendly hanging basket involves selecting plants that not only provide an abundance of nectar but also thrive in a basket environment. Here are some excellent options:
1. Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans) - Though it can be vigorous, in a hanging basket, it can be more manageable and offers beautiful trumpet-shaped flowers that hummingbirds love.
2. Red Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) - This perennial is known for its bright red tubular flowers, but it might require more moisture and may need staking in a basket.
3. Coral Bells (Heuchera spp.) - Not typically considered a primary nectar source, but attractive to hummingbirds when in bloom and great for adding foliage interest to a basket.
4. Catmint (Nepeta spp.) - Offers small tubular flowers in shades of pink, white, and lavender, which are attractive to hummingbirds. It is also drought-tolerant.
5. Petunias (Petunia spp.) - These annuals come in a variety of colors, including red and purple, and have a trailing habit perfect for hanging baskets.
6. Fuchsia (specifically, trailing varieties like 'Thalia') - Provides tubular flowers in a range of colors, including reds and pinks, which are highly attractive to hummingbirds.
When creating the hanging basket, consider the following tips:
- Choose a basket that is at least 8-10 inches deep to accommodate root growth. - Select a well-draining potting mix to prevent waterlogged soil. - Ensure full sun to partial shade, depending on the plant requirements. - Regularly water and fertilize to support plant health and nectar production. - Incorporate a mix of plants that bloom at different times to provide a constant nectar source for hummingbirds throughout the growing season.
Other plants that are suitable for hummingbird hanging baskets include Morning glories, trailing verbena and lantana, native vines like Virginia creeper and crossvine, Million bells (aka Calibrachoa), and Nasturtiums. Trailing petunias offer rich colors, big blossoms, and an evening fragrance, while Coral honeysuckles offer nectar-rich blossoms, although they don't appreciate fragrance.
Hanging baskets filled with hummingbird-loved flowers not only attract the birds but also allow for close observation without the need to refill feeders frequently. They also reduce the risk of hummingbirds coming into contact with stray cats. Hanging baskets provide an option for bringing hummingbirds closer to windows or patios, making your garden a captivating haven for these mesmerising creatures.
- To bring more color and nectar sources into your garden's lifestyle and home-and-garden landscape, consider creating a hummingbird-friendly hanging basket.
- In addition to the previously mentioned plants, you can also include Morning glories, trailing verbena, lantana, native vines like Virginia creeper and crossvine, Million bells (aka Calibrachoa), and Nasturtiums in your hummingbird hanging basket for added variety and attraction.
