Hummingbirds are some of the most beloved birds, known for their iridescent feathers and ability to hover and fly backwards. These tiny birds have captured the fascination of people for centuries. A key way many people enjoy observing hummingbirds is by attracting them to their yards or gardens. This raises an important question – what plant attracts hummingbirds the most?
Quick Answer: Trumpet Vine
The plant that attracts hummingbirds the most is trumpet vine. Trumpet vine produces bright orange-red, tubular flowers that appealed strongly to hummingbirds. The nectar provided by trumpet vines is especially attractive to hummingbirds.
What Makes Trumpet Vine So Popular With Hummingbirds?
There are a few key reasons why trumpet vine is the best plant for attracting hummingbirds:
- Bright red tubular flowers – Hummingbirds are drawn to bright red flowers, and the unique shape of trumpet vine flowers makes it easy for hummingbirds to access the nectar inside.
- High nectar content – Trumpet vine flowers produce abundant, sucrose-rich nectar which provides hummingbirds with quick energy.
- Blooms throughout summer – Trumpet vines bloom from early summer through fall, providing a constant food source for hummingbirds.
- Native species – Trumpet vine is native to North America which makes it highly attractive to local hummingbird species.
In combination, these characteristics make trumpet vines an ideal choice for attracting hummingbirds to backyards and gardens.
Do Other Flowers Also Attract Hummingbirds?
While trumpet vine is the overall best plant for attracting hummingbirds, there are other flowers that also appeal strongly to these tiny birds. Some other top options include:
Fuchsia
Fuchsia produces drooping, tubular flowers in shades of red, purple, and pink. Hummingbirds are highly attracted to the bright colors and sweet nectar content.
Bee Balm
Also known as monarda, bee balm produces dense clusters of tubular flowers in shades of red, pink, and purple. The flowers bloom throughout summer.
Cardinal Flower
Cardinal flower blooms in late summer with spikes of bright red tubular flowers favored by hummingbirds.
Petunias
Both single and double petunias in colors like pink, purple, and red attract hummingbirds to gardens.
Columbine
Columbines produce elegant, nectar-rich blooms in colors that appeal to hummingbirds like red and yellow.
Lantana
Lantana is a low maintenance plant that blooms continuously with clusters of brightly colored flowers that draw in hummingbirds.
While these plants will attract hummingbirds, trumpet vine remains the overall best choice due to its bright blooms, high nectar content, and long bloom period.
What Makes a Plant Attractive to Hummingbirds?
There are a few key factors that make a plant highly attractive to hummingbirds when looking to design a garden to draw them in:
Flower Color
Hummingbirds are attracted to flowers in shades of red, orange, pink, and purple. These vibrant blooms attract the birds’ attention and guide them to the nectar source.
Flower Shape
Tubular and funnel shaped flowers allow hummingbirds to more easily access nectar with their long beaks. They gravitate towards flowers with the right shape for feeding.
Nectar Production
Abundant, sucrose-rich nectar provides the high-energy food source hummingbirds seek from flowers. Plants that produce more nectar will be more popular.
Bloom Duration
Flowers that bloom continuously over a long season provide a consistent source of nectar. Plants with staggered or repeat blooming are best.
Native Species
Local native plants have evolved alongside hummingbird species and cater specifically to their needs.
By selecting flowers that offer several or all of these characteristics, you can create a garden that makes hummingbirds feel welcome and keeps them coming back throughout the season.
Where Should Hummingbird Plants Be Placed?
Proper placement of hummingbird attracting plants in your yard or garden can make a difference in how frequently these tiny birds visit. Here are some tips on where to position plants:
- Near windows – Hummingbirds are highly visual, so place plants where they can be seen indoors near windows.
- Close to feeders – Putting flowering plants near feeders encourages visits, as hummingbirds will move between flowers and feeders.
- In open areas – Hummingbirds prefer plants in open areas away from dense shrubbery or overhanging branches.
- Elevated sites – Positioning plants a bit above ground level on elevated beds, pots, or porches makes them more visible.
- Water nearby – Having a water feature like a fountain or bird bath close to plants provides drinking spots.
Following these guidelines allows hummingbirds to easily find, access and feel safe visiting the plants in your yard.
Providing Other Elements to Attract Hummingbirds
In addition to planting the right flowers, providing other elements can help transform your yard into a hummingbird haven. Some additional things to add include:
Feeders
Nectar feeders with a red base and quality sucrose solution will reliably attract hummingbirds to your yard.
Water
A fountain, mister or bird bath gives hummingbirds a spot to drink and bathe regularly.
Shelter
Trees, shrubs and trellises offer protected perching and nesting spots for hummingbirds.
Nesting Materials
Providing pet hair, moss, lint or other soft materials may encourage hummingbirds to nest in your yard.
Perches
Hummingbirds like to perch between flower visits, so have some sticks or shepherd hooks near plants they can rest on.
Pairing these enhancements with the right plants significantly improves your odds of hummingbird visits. For the best results, trumpet vine should anchor your setup.
How to Plant & Care for Trumpet Vine
Trumpet vine is relatively easy to grow, but does require some pruning and management to flourish. Follow these tips for planting trumpet vine in your yard:
Soil
Trumpet vine thrives in well-draining soil enriched with compost or manure. Amend clay or sand soils before planting.
Light
Full sun is required, choose a spot that gets at least 8 hours of direct sun per day.
Water
Keep trumpet vine well-watered until established, then water regularly during droughts once established.
Fertilizer
Use a balanced organic fertilizer at planting. Fertilize established vines every spring.
Pollination
Hand pollination may be needed since trumpet vine lacks nectar guides. Brush flowers to pollinate.
Pruning
Prune actively growing trumpet vines in late summer to control spread. Remove dead stems in winter.
Hardiness
Trumpet vine grows perennially in zones 4-9 and can be grown as an annual elsewhere.
With the proper care, trumpet vine will thrive and produce abundant blooms to attract hummingbirds all season long.
Best Trumpet Vine Varieties for Hummingbirds
There are several varieties of trumpet vine to choose from. The best types for hummingbirds include:
Scarlet Trumpet Vine
Vivid red blooms on vigorous vines that can grow up to 20 feet long.
Madame Galen Trumpet Vine
Profuse bloomer with orange-red flowers and dark green foliage.
Chocolate Trumpet Vine
Unique maroonish-purple flowers that maintain their color in high heat.
Apricot Trumpet Vine
Apricot-colored blooms that hold their color when mature make this a standout.
Pink Trumpet Vine
A less vigorous option with showy pink blooms instead of the typical red.
All of these trumpet vine varieties will succeed at grabbing a hummingbird’s attention thanks to their tubular blooms and nectar.
Tips for Photographing Hummingbirds at Trumpet Vine
Here are some tips to help you get great photos of hummingbirds visiting trumpet vines in your yard:
- Use a fast shutter speed like 1/2000th of a second to freeze their fast movement.
- Move slowly and stay still when approaching to avoid startling hummingbirds.
- Set up a tripod and remote shutter trigger and wait patiently nearby.
- Use a telephoto lens and extension tubes for close-up shots.
- Keep an eye out for good compositions like hummers framed by flowers.
- Capture hummers feeding, perching or in mid-hover for great action shots.
- Shoot early mornings or late afternoons when the light is softer.
With the right camera equipment and settings, creativity, and patience, you can get fantastic photos of hummingbirds enjoying trumpet vines in your garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
What month do hummingbirds come to trumpet vines?
Hummingbirds start arriving at trumpet vines in early spring when the vines begin to bloom. The peak visiting season is summer when the flowers are in full bloom and large numbers of hummingbirds are active.
How fast do trumpet vines grow?
Trumpet vines are vigorous climbers and can grow up to 20 feet in a single season. With their fast growth they can quickly cover arbors, fences and trellises.
Are trumpet vines invasive?
Trumpet vines spread aggressively through underground rhizome root structures and can sometimes spread out of control. They require pruning and management to keep them in bounds.
How long do trumpet vines bloom?
Trumpet vines start blooming in early summer and will continue blooming through fall until frost. This long bloom period provides nectar for hummingbirds for 4-5 months.
Are trumpet vines perennial?
Trumpet vines are herbaceous perennials with vigorous growth each spring. The vines go dormant and die back each winter in cold climates but the roots survive.
Conclusion
With its tubular orange-red blooms that hummingbirds find irresistible, trumpet vine has earned its reputation as the best plant for attracting these special birds. The nectar-rich flowers bring hummingbirds buzzing in for a high-energy snack from early summer through fall. Trumpet vine’s bright colors and long bloom season makes it the ideal choice as the backbone of a hummingbird garden. Pair it with feeders, water sources and supplemental flowers like fuchsia and bee balm to create an attractive haven. Use care when planting trumpet vine, however, as it can spread rapidly. But with proper annual pruning and management, the vibrant flowers and busy hummingbirds this vine attracts are sure to brighten up your yard.