Hello, my fellow green-thumbed enthusiasts! There’s something incredibly magical about stepping into your garden to find a hummingbird flitting amongst the flowers.
These shimmering sprites are not just pleasing to the eye but also extremely beneficial for your garden, serving as miniature pollinators on turbocharge! Want to make your garden a prime pit stop for these enchanting creatures? Then let’s dive into the realm of red.
Oh yes, you heard it right! Hummingbirds have a fancy for fiery shades and are particularly drawn to the color red. So, without further ado, let’s explore 11 red flowers that act as hummingbird magnets!
1. Bee Balm (Monarda didyma):
Bee Balm, fondly referred to as the ‘Balm of Gilead’ in hummingbird circles (Okay, I made that up, but it should be), is a captivating sight with its crown of red tubular flowers. This delightful perennial offers the perfect sip station for our tiny friends, as its shape allows for a comfortable hover-and-drink maneuver.
If you’re looking to transform your garden into a hummingbird hotspot, then Bee Balm is your best buddy! But remember, while the hummingbirds are high-fiving you, the bees and butterflies won’t be far behind, and you’ll have a garden buzzing with life.
2. Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia uvaria):
Red Hot Poker, also known as Torch Lily, isn’t called ‘red hot’ for nothing. With its flaming torch-like clusters, it practically shouts, “Hey, hummingbirds, free nectar over here!”
Its blooms offer a high-energy nectar buffet that’s perfect for these flying jewels. The Red Hot Poker is an open bar for hummingbirds – just make sure you remind them to drink responsibly!
3. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis):
The Cardinal Flower, with its vibrant crimson hue, is like the red carpet for hummingbirds. These perennials flash their bright red tubular flowers, luring in hummingbirds from far and wide. The flower’s shape is perfect for the hummingbird’s long beak, almost as if they were designed for each other!
It’s a bit like watching a romantic movie – hummingbird meets flower, hummingbird falls in love with flower, hummingbird pollinates flower. Oh, the drama of the garden!
4. Red Salvia (Salvia coccinea):
Who could resist the allure of Red Salvia? Certainly not our hummer friends! This perennial plant flaunts spikes of radiant red flowers that are, quite frankly, irresistible to these flying sugar addicts.
They can’t get enough of the nectar-rich blooms and will dart from one flower to the next, providing a stunning aerial display for your viewing pleasure. When you plant Red Salvia, you’re not just a gardener, but a hummingbird party planner!
5. Trumpet Creeper (Campsis radicans):
The Trumpet Creeper is like a siren call to hummingbirds. Its extravagant, trumpet-shaped red flowers and rich nectar content are as inviting as an all-you-can-eat buffet.
Its vines sprawl across fences and trellises, creating a beautiful cascade of red, that’s practically a runway for our feathered friends. Yes, the Trumpet Creeper may be a bit showy, but hey, all the best parties are!
6. Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ (Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora):
Despite its slightly intimidating name, Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ is a heaven for hummingbirds. Its fiery red, lantern-shaped flowers bobbing in the summer breeze is the equivalent of a neon “Open” sign for the hummers.
Bonus points for being low maintenance and highly resistant to pests and diseases. Plant it, love it, and watch the hummingbird fiesta unfold!
7. Red Columbine (Aquilegia formosa):
When it comes to allure, the Red Columbine is a master seductress. Its delicate red and yellow flowers, shaped like small crowns, hold droplets of nectar that hummingbirds simply can’t resist.
They’ll zoom in, get their sweet fix, and take off again, all in a heartbeat. It’s like a hummingbird drive-through in your very own garden!
8. Autumn Sage (Salvia greggii):
Autumn Sage, contrary to its name, is a glorious addition to your garden from spring to fall. This perennial subshrub features clusters of tubular red flowers that are practically designed for a hummingbird’s beak.
These tiny diners will grace your garden, hovering, sipping, and, if you listen closely, you might even hear them saying, “Hmm, best garden in town!”
9. California Fuchsia (Epilobium canum):
Meet the California Fuchsia, or as the hummingbirds call it, the ‘Cool Fuel Station’! Its tubular red-orange flowers are nectar factories, serving up energy-rich cocktails for hummingbirds throughout the summer and fall.
Not to mention, it’s drought-tolerant and ideal for xeriscaping. So, it saves water and attracts hummingbirds – that’s what I call a win-win!
10. Canna Lily (Canna indica):
The Canna Lily’s large, glossy leaves and bright red flowers can transform any garden into a tropical paradise.
More importantly, it’s like a VIP lounge for hummingbirds, offering up a rich nectar cocktail. If you’re looking to jazz up your garden while also enticing these tiny aerial acrobats, the Canna Lily is the ticket!
11. Pineapple Sage (Salvia elegans):
Lastly, allow me to introduce you to the Pineapple Sage, a unique blend of the delightful aroma of pineapples and stunning bright red flowers.
The hummingbirds might come for the nectar, but I bet they stay for the sweet fragrance. Trust me, once you’ve had a whiff, you’ll be humming with the birds!
Crimson Tips for a Hummingbird Heaven
Now that we’ve perused the fiery world of red flowers that attract hummingbirds, let’s delve into some pro tips to make your garden a hummer haven.
First off, aim for a prolonged bloom cycle. By mixing and matching plants that bloom at different times of the year, you can ensure a consistent nectar supply. More nectar means more hummingbird visits, and who doesn’t want that?
Next, add a few hummingbird feeders for times when flowers might not be in full bloom. Clean them regularly to prevent the growth of harmful mold and bacteria. And remember, you don’t need to color the sugar water red – they’ll find it anyway!
Grouping similar plants together can also make your garden more attractive to hummingbirds. It’s like advertising a one-stop shop for all their nectar needs!
Finally, avoid using pesticides in your garden. They can harm these little creatures, and let’s face it, you wouldn’t want to eat at a restaurant that could potentially poison you, would you?
So, there you have it, folks! 11 brilliant red flowers that will turn your garden into a hummingbird hotspot. It’s not just about creating a visually stunning garden, but also about fostering a space that nurtures and feeds these wonderful creatures.
Gardening isn’t just a hobby, it’s a love story between us and nature, filled with bright colors, intoxicating fragrances, and the sweet hum of wings. Now, off you go! It’s time to paint your garden red!