Last Updated on November 23, 2022 by Cristina
Learn more about desert plants that attract hummingbirds.
You would like to attract hummingbirds to your garden, but aren’t sure which plants to choose because your environment isn’t exactly plant-friendly? Don’t despair, we’ve got you covered!
Did you know that you can create a hummingbird habitat in your somewhat “hostile” garden landscape that not only can put on a show-stopping display but will also be appreciated by both you and our pollinating friends?
To be honest, it takes dedication, patience, and a little know-how just to get everything right, but it’s really worth it. Therefore, keep reading this article to find out everything you might want to know about desert plants that attract hummingbirds.
What Plants Do Hummingbirds Like?
Before you even decide to get and plant desert plants that attract hummingbirds, it is very important to know what kind of plants they actually prefer.
As you can guess, not every plant arouses the same enthusiasm in these birds. When choosing, it would be preferable to opt for tubular flowers of bright colors. Why? – It’s very simple. Hummingbirds are attracted to colors, not fragrances.
Furthermore, neither appearance nor color means anything to them if that plant doesn’t provide a sufficient amount of nectar. Nectar is their source of energy and helps them get through the day. Additionally, it has been proven time and time again that plants with tubular flowers are actually perfectly shaped for their beaks.
Take Out Time to Also Read:
- Best Food Mix For Hummingbirds: 3-to-1, 4-to-1 or 5-to-1, Which Ratio To Choose?
- How Long Can Hummingbirds Fly? Disclaimer: More Than You Can Expect
Desert Plants That Attract Hummingbirds
We don’t know if you’ve ever thought about it, but we were amazed when we first heard that these birds are part of a network of pollinators responsible for the propagation and survival of 75% of flowering plants. How crazy isn’t it?
Now for something even more amazing, a full third of the food we harvest depends on pollinators alone. Unfortunately, a good percentage of people don’t think in this direction, which is why they kill and destroy pollinators, without even knowing how important they are to our ecosystem.
In addition to brightening everyone’s day with their appearance, hummingbirds also contribute to the additional essential services of insect population control and seed dispersal. However, as much as we think we love and protect them, their population is under constant threat of extinction due to habitat loss as a result of urban development.
Now that you have gained an impression of how indispensable they really are, we will introduce you to our favorite desert plants that attract hummingbirds.
Agastache
If you are thinking about planting some of the full sun hummingbird plants, but you aren’t sure which one to choose, you can’t go wrong with Agastache.
These aromatic herbaceous perennials have at least 22 known species, and what you may like the most, the largest percentage of them are exclusively native to North America. Feel free to consider planting Agastache as killing two birds with one stone.
Did you know that it is commonly referred to as “Hummingbird mint” and “Giant hyssops”? It’s no wonder that these birds adore them so much because they have their favorite colors (striking purple and red) and besides, the flowers literally stand out from among the leaves.
Agastache x ‘Blue Fortune’ (Anise) Perennial, blue flowers, #2 – Size Container
Native Butterfly Bush
Don’t let the name fool you, this plant isn’t only one of the butterflies but also one of the favorite hummingbird bushes. Don’t hesitate to plant it in your garden because its striking purple, red, pink, white, and yellow pointed flowers really attract these jewel-like birds.
Do we need to mention that this beautiful plant produces more than enough nectar? Frankly, this is a surefire way to get hummers to visit your yard again and again. Considering that the Butterfly Bush is pretty much drought-tolerant, it can easily be placed in the category of the best desert plants that attract hummingbirds.
Catmint
Although it is often accidentally confused with Catnip, as they both come from the same genus, Catnip is what’s euphoric to cats, not so much for hummingbirds.
Catmint is an aromatic herb plant and is characterized by its lavender-blue flowers rising from its stalks and flowers in early summer. We don’t want to forget to mention that this sun-loving plant produces a mild lavender scent, which as a result attracts hummingbirds and numerous other pollinators. Enrich your garden with Catmint and trust us, you will not be disappointed.
Cape Fuchsia
If you’re wondering who tops the list of favorite hummingbird plants, the answer is Cape Fuchsia. What makes it special is its long flowering season. Can you believe that it lasts at least from May until November? This is especially beneficial for hummingbirds as it effectively means that they will have a guaranteed food source for a longer period of time, i.e. almost the entire time they are in your region.
This semi-evergreen shrub usually grows in yellow, peach, coral, magenta, and red varieties and is known for its long, tubular flowers that hang upright or vertically on stems.
Weigela
When compiling a list of favorite hummingbird plants, the magnificent Weigela shouldn’t be left out. It is considered the number 1 choice primarily because of its pink and reddish color, but it is certainly necessary to note that there are varieties of Weigela that are yellow and lavender in color.
This is one of those desert plants that attract hummingbirds that have beautiful tubular-shaped flowers rich in nectar. Gardeners especially appreciate its leaves, which have almost all possible shapes, sizes and colors. Some are long, some oblong, and some have jagged edges, and a separate article could be devoted to their colors.
Abstract – Desert Plants That Attract Hummingbirds
These fascinating creatures are not difficult to attract to the garden, given that they are not too demanding. They greatly appreciate peace, the absence of other pollinators, as well as a sufficient source of food, whether it is a feeder full of nectar or nectar-rich flowers.
Feel free to opt for at least one of our favorite dessert plants that attract hummingbirds, trust us the results will not fail.
Got some that aren’t on this list? Tell us more in the section below.
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