If you were going to start a garden to attract hummingbirds what would be your top three plants that would go in first? Zone 8B.
Top Plants for Hummingbirds?
Cuphea/Cigar plant
Buddelia
Salvia's
Firebush....Hamelia sp., hummers love them, they're in plantfiles. Vitex is a great small tree that they love.
Feeders! LOL
Seriously, I have been told from folks in my area that they like:
Firebush
Black and Blue Salvia
Cape Honeysuckle
This message was edited Dec 16, 2006 10:33 PM
I agree with Becky....FEEDERS!!! Heh! Heh!
Cape Honeysuckle
Hamelia Patens (Firebush)
Turk's Cap (hibiscus with a small closed flower)
Here's a photo of two fighting for the Cape Honeysuckle.
TPP - I AM SOOOOO JEALOUS!!!!! I have two large Cape Honeysuckle plants that have so many blooms on them right now ...... where are the hummers? Nadda one here! :-( :-( ARGHHHHHH!!!!
they really love the giant red Turks Cap
The only thing my hummers go for is Firebush. I have put in some other of their favorites, like Salvia and Firespike, but so far no takers on those.
I have firebush hedges lining both sides of my driveway and see hummies zipping back and forth across the driveway all the time.
I used to worry about them getting into the garage when I'd drive into the garage but so far have had only one get in...and that was only because I'd been working in the front yard and left the garage door open while I did so.
I read about hummies going after the hanging manual handle - which is red plastic...so I got smart and spray painted it green :o) It's always a good feeling to watch them and hear them chirping and squeaking in glee.
~ Cat
TPP, what's that cat that loves to eat the Firebush? I couldn't find the thread on it.
Hmmm, nobody mentioned Red Yucca...they love it!
Pluto Sphinx moth (xylophanes pluto) uses hamelia patens as a larval host.
Cool army green camouflaged moth and scary looking caterpillars (well to a bird or lizard) :o)
This is the bug file page for the xylophanes pluto where I've posted photos of the moth, caterpillar and cocoon.
http://davesgarden.com/bf/go/1450/
~ Cat
So many great suggestions, thanks for the replies! Already have feeders and plenty of hummers. Just want to add plants so the birds are not totally dependent on the feeders all season. According to the responses so far, it looks like I won't go wrong starting with;
A) Firebush
B) Cape Honeysuckle
C) Salvia
Turk's Cap and Red Yucca close behind so far. :-))
Thanks Cat!
Good luck Lane...keep us posted!
Cardinal Flower,Cigar bush,Indian Pinks (spigelia marilandica)Trumpet vine Mexican Flame vine.Arbors for the vines to grow on.After you plants are well established be sure to watch just after sun rise and about 1/2 hour before sunset. Lots and lots of feeders to draw them in.They may not visit the feeders but they draw them in and then they find the flowers.
Interesting ..... I didn't know the hummers liked Mexican Flame vine. Whooo Hooo ..... another plant I have in my yard for the hummers! Now all I need is just a hummer or two to find my yard! lol
gardenpom - How fast do your firebush grow? I have a starter plant that kind of just went into a dormant state. Probably shock from the transplant. It's not dead, just not doing much of anything since I planted it several months ago.
Mine grew moderately fast, but this is the slow season, I imagine as long as it is alive it should take off in the spring.
Nobody mentioned crocosmia either......................... they love those too!!!
Not that we have hummingbirds in this country...................... wish we did !!!!!!!!!!!!!
You "da man" on CroCOZ'-mia, Mark...LOL... Actually I had been wondering is BFs and Hummies might like them!
:>
LOL......................... i know hummingbirds do..............!!!!
Plus i always get bees and butterflies on mine here............. so i guess they like them too!!
Hibiscus and canna!!!! Don't forget those!