What is the Best Hanging Plant to Attract Hummingbirds?

Hummingbirds, those tiny jewels of the sky, are a delight to watch as they flit and hover, sipping nectar from vibrant blooms. Attracting these captivating creatures to your garden is a rewarding experience, and a well-placed hanging plant can be a particularly effective strategy. But with so many flowering options available, how do you choose the best hanging plant to entice these nectar-loving birds? This article explores the most attractive options, delving into their specific characteristics and care requirements, ensuring your hanging basket becomes a hummingbird haven.

Table of Contents

Understanding Hummingbird Preferences

Before diving into specific plant recommendations, it’s crucial to understand what attracts hummingbirds in the first place. These tiny dynamos are drawn to several key factors:

Color: Hummingbirds are strongly attracted to red and orange flowers, although they will also visit other colors. Think bright and bold hues.
Shape: Tubular or trumpet-shaped flowers are ideal for hummingbirds, as their long beaks and tongues are perfectly adapted for reaching the nectar within.
Nectar Richness: Plants that produce abundant nectar are a significant draw for hummingbirds, providing them with the high-energy fuel they need.
Flower Abundance: A plant with many blooms offers a more reliable food source than one with only a few flowers.
Location: Hanging plants placed in sheltered areas, away from strong winds, will be more accessible and attractive to hummingbirds.

Top Hanging Plant Choices for Hummingbird Appeal

Several hanging plants excel at attracting hummingbirds, each with its unique characteristics and advantages. These plants are not only beautiful additions to your outdoor space, but also provide a valuable food source for these amazing birds.

Fuchsia: A Hummingbird Magnet

Fuchsias are renowned for their vibrant, pendulous flowers that dangle gracefully from hanging baskets. These plants are almost irresistible to hummingbirds, thanks to their bright colors and tubular shape.

Popular Varieties: ‘Dark Eyes’, ‘Swingtime’, and ‘Trailing Queen’ are excellent choices for hanging baskets. Their cascading growth habit and prolific blooms make them visually stunning and highly attractive to hummingbirds.
Care Tips: Fuchsias thrive in partial shade and require consistently moist soil. Regular fertilization will promote abundant flowering. Protect them from extreme heat, which can cause the flowers to drop. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage further flowering throughout the season. Consistent watering is essential, especially in warmer climates.

Petunia: A Versatile and Attractive Option

While not all petunias are created equal when it comes to hummingbird appeal, certain varieties are highly attractive to these nectar-loving birds. Look for petunias with tubular flowers and vibrant colors.

Recommended Varieties: ‘Supertunia Vista Bubblegum’, ‘Supertunia Royal Velvet’, and ‘Petunia Integrifolia’ (trailing petunia) are excellent choices. These varieties produce masses of blooms and are known for their vigor and resilience.
Care Considerations: Petunias prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Regular fertilization is crucial for maintaining abundant flowering. Deadheading spent blooms will also encourage continuous flowering. Petunias are relatively low-maintenance and can tolerate a wide range of conditions, making them a popular choice for hanging baskets. Ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent root rot.

Trailing Lantana: A Heat-Tolerant Favorite

Trailing lantana is a fantastic choice for warmer climates, as it is highly tolerant of heat and drought. Its clusters of small, brightly colored flowers are a magnet for hummingbirds and butterflies.

Ideal Cultivars: ‘Trailing Lavender’, ‘Trailing White’, and ‘Radiation’ (yellow, orange, and red) are all excellent choices for attracting hummingbirds. These varieties cascade beautifully from hanging baskets and produce a profusion of blooms throughout the growing season.
Maintenance Notes: Trailing lantana prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is relatively low-maintenance and can tolerate infrequent watering. Deadheading spent blooms is not necessary, as the plant is self-cleaning. In colder climates, trailing lantana is often grown as an annual. Lantana is known for its drought tolerance, making it an excellent choice for drier climates.

Impatiens: Shade-Loving Blooms

While not as intensely attractive as some other options, impatiens can still draw hummingbirds, especially in shady areas where other flowering plants may struggle.

Hummingbird-Friendly Types: Look for varieties with vibrant colors, such as red, orange, and pink. While double impatiens are beautiful, single-flowered varieties are more accessible to hummingbirds.
Growing Tips: Impatiens thrive in shade or partial shade and require consistently moist soil. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Regular fertilization will promote abundant flowering. Impatiens are a good choice for hanging baskets in shady areas where other flowering plants may not thrive. Consistent moisture is crucial for impatiens, especially during hot weather.

Begonia: Versatile Beauty

Certain types of begonias, particularly those with vibrant colors and tubular flowers, can attract hummingbirds to your hanging baskets.

Best Begonia Choices: Choose Begonia boliviensis varieties like ‘Bonfire’ or ‘Santa Cruz Sunset’. These have a cascading habit and produce masses of vibrant orange or red bell-shaped flowers.
Care and Placement: Begonias generally prefer partial shade and well-drained soil. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage further flowering. Begonias are relatively low-maintenance and offer a long blooming season.

Additional Tips for Attracting Hummingbirds with Hanging Plants

Beyond selecting the right plants, several other strategies can enhance your efforts to attract hummingbirds to your hanging baskets.

Plant Groupings: Combining several hummingbird-friendly plants in a single hanging basket or grouping multiple hanging baskets together will create a more visually appealing and attractive display.
Water Source: Providing a shallow dish of fresh water nearby can also attract hummingbirds. Ensure the water is clean and refreshed regularly.
Avoid Pesticides: Pesticides can be harmful to hummingbirds and other beneficial insects. Avoid using pesticides on or near your hummingbird-friendly plants. Opt for natural pest control methods instead.
Provide Shelter: Placing your hanging baskets in a sheltered location, such as under an eave or near a tree, will provide hummingbirds with a safe place to rest and feed.
Supplemental Feeders: Consider adding a hummingbird feeder near your hanging plants. This will provide a supplemental source of nectar and further entice hummingbirds to visit your garden. Clean the feeder regularly to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria.

Creating the Perfect Hummingbird Hanging Basket: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating a thriving hummingbird haven in a hanging basket requires a bit of planning and preparation. Follow these steps to ensure your hanging basket is both beautiful and attractive to these fascinating birds.

Choosing the Right Container: Select a hanging basket that is large enough to accommodate the mature size of your chosen plants. A 12-inch or larger basket is generally recommended. Ensure the basket has adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
Selecting a High-Quality Potting Mix: Use a lightweight, well-draining potting mix specifically formulated for hanging baskets. Avoid using garden soil, as it can become compacted and poorly drained.
Planting Your Flowers: Gently remove the plants from their nursery pots and loosen the roots. Plant them in the hanging basket, spacing them evenly to allow for growth. Fill in any gaps with potting mix and gently firm the soil around the plants.
Watering Thoroughly: Water the hanging basket thoroughly after planting, ensuring the soil is evenly moist. Allow excess water to drain from the bottom of the basket.
Fertilizing Regularly: Feed your hanging basket plants with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks, following the instructions on the fertilizer label. This will promote abundant flowering and healthy growth.
Hanging Your Basket: Choose a location that receives adequate sunlight and is sheltered from strong winds. Hang the basket securely from a sturdy hook or bracket.
Ongoing Maintenance: Regularly water your hanging basket, especially during hot, dry weather. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage further flowering. Monitor your plants for pests and diseases and take appropriate action if necessary.

Beyond the Basket: Supporting Hummingbird Habitats

While hanging plants are a wonderful way to attract hummingbirds, it’s important to consider the bigger picture of creating a supportive habitat for these amazing creatures.

Plant a Variety of Flowers: Plant a diverse range of flowering plants in your garden, including those that bloom at different times of the year. This will provide a continuous source of nectar for hummingbirds throughout the growing season.
Provide Nesting Materials: Hummingbirds use soft plant fibers and spiderwebs to build their nests. Leave some natural materials in your garden for them to use.
Avoid Herbicides: Like pesticides, herbicides can harm hummingbirds and their food sources. Avoid using herbicides in your garden.
Support Local Conservation Efforts: Support organizations that are working to protect hummingbird habitats and populations.

By following these tips, you can create a beautiful and inviting garden that provides a valuable resource for hummingbirds and other pollinators. A well-chosen hanging plant is a fantastic starting point, adding a touch of vibrant color and attracting these delightful creatures to your outdoor space. Remember, creating a hummingbird-friendly garden is a continuous process of learning and adapting.

Which hanging plant is generally considered the most attractive to hummingbirds?

The Fuchsia plant, particularly varieties with vibrant red or pink tubular flowers, is widely considered one of the most attractive hanging plants for hummingbirds. These plants are known for their prolific blooming throughout the growing season, offering a consistent source of nectar that hummingbirds crave. Their pendulous flowers also make it easy for hummingbirds to access the nectar while hovering, a crucial element for these energetic birds.

Fuchsias thrive in partial shade, making them ideal for hanging baskets in locations that receive morning sun and afternoon shade. In addition to their beauty and attractiveness to hummingbirds, they are relatively easy to care for with regular watering and fertilization. The visual appeal for humans combined with their irresistible nectar source makes them a top choice for hummingbird enthusiasts.

Are there specific colors of hanging flowers that attract hummingbirds more than others?

Hummingbirds are strongly attracted to red, orange, and pink flowers. These colors mimic the hues of the natural nectar-rich flowers they’ve evolved to feed on. While they will visit flowers of other colors if nectar is available, plants with these bright, warm colors act as visual beacons, drawing the birds in from a greater distance.

It’s not solely about color; shape also plays a role. Hummingbirds prefer tubular or trumpet-shaped flowers because these shapes allow them to easily access the nectar with their long beaks and tongues. Therefore, the combination of a vibrant color like red and a tubular shape is the most effective way to entice these tiny pollinators.

How much sunlight do hanging plants that attract hummingbirds typically need?

Most hanging plants that attract hummingbirds, like Fuchsias and Petunias, prefer partial shade or morning sun with afternoon shade. These plants often struggle in intense, direct sunlight, which can scorch their leaves and reduce flowering. The ideal exposure provides a balance of light to fuel blooming and protection from the harshest rays.

However, some varieties like certain types of Salvia can tolerate more sun. Always check the specific needs of the plant variety you choose. Generally, ensuring your hanging plant receives at least 4-6 hours of indirect or gentle morning sunlight will promote healthy growth and abundant blooms, attracting plenty of hummingbirds.

How often should I water a hanging plant to keep hummingbirds coming back?

Consistent moisture is crucial for keeping hummingbird-attracting hanging plants healthy and producing nectar. Generally, these plants need to be watered regularly, especially during hot and dry periods. The frequency will depend on factors like the specific plant type, the size of the container, the weather, and the location.

A good rule of thumb is to check the soil moisture daily. If the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, it’s time to water. Water deeply until you see water draining from the bottom of the container. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as this can stress the plant and reduce flower production, thus discouraging hummingbirds.

Besides Fuchsias, what are some other good choices for hummingbird-attracting hanging plants?

Petunias, especially those with trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of red, pink, or purple, are excellent alternatives to Fuchsias. They are readily available, easy to grow, and produce a profusion of blooms throughout the season. Their vibrant colors and ample nectar make them a popular choice for attracting hummingbirds to hanging baskets.

Another great option is Salvia, particularly varieties like ‘Black and Blue’ or ‘Wendy’s Wish’. These plants offer striking foliage and long-lasting flower spikes that are highly attractive to hummingbirds. They are also relatively drought-tolerant once established, making them a low-maintenance choice for hanging baskets in sunny locations.

What kind of fertilizer should I use for hanging plants to attract hummingbirds?

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer with a slightly higher phosphorus content (the middle number in the N-P-K ratio). Phosphorus promotes abundant blooming, which is essential for attracting hummingbirds. Avoid fertilizers with excessively high nitrogen levels (the first number), as this can encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers.

Fertilize your hanging plants every 2-4 weeks during the growing season, following the instructions on the fertilizer package. Regular feeding will ensure that your plants have the nutrients they need to produce plenty of nectar-rich flowers, keeping hummingbirds coming back for more. Opt for an organic option for a more environmentally friendly approach.

How can I protect my hanging hummingbird plants from pests and diseases?

Inspect your hanging plants regularly for signs of pests, such as aphids, spider mites, or whiteflies. Treat any infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil. These are relatively safe options that won’t harm hummingbirds. Avoid using systemic insecticides, which can contaminate the nectar and harm the birds.

To prevent fungal diseases, ensure good air circulation around your hanging plants by spacing them adequately. Water at the base of the plants rather than overhead, and avoid overwatering. Remove any dead or diseased leaves promptly. These simple steps can help keep your plants healthy and thriving, providing a welcoming environment for hummingbirds.