A gardener’s dream is a thriving garden, buzzing with bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds – nature’s most vibrant avian jewels. A more specific dream might include the alluring dance of hummingbirds around a garden filled with purple flowers. Why purple, you might ask?
Well, why not? It’s regal, it’s mysterious, it’s the color of royalty and rock stars. And, let’s face it, who doesn’t like to imagine themselves as a bit of a Prince or Queen Elizabeth when they’re out in the garden?
So, pull on those royal purple gardening gloves, let’s plant some purple and watch those hummingbirds descend like they’re coming to their own regal banquet.
1. Buddleia (Butterfly Bush):
The first on our list is the Buddleia, fondly known as the Butterfly Bush, and not without reason. This plant doesn’t care who it attracts – it’s an insect and bird party waiting to happen! With its lilac-like purple clusters and sweet nectar, it’s like catnip for hummingbirds.
It’s also a low-maintenance flower, and if you’re anything like me, that’s a big plus. Anything that means less work and more time for admiring the nature’s spectacle!
2. Lavender:
I’m sure you’ve guessed this one. It’s the grand dame of purple plants, the sweet-scented lavender. Besides looking good and smelling even better, these flowers provide an ample amount of nectar for our tiny, fast-flapping friends.
And I must confess, nothing beats seeing a hummingbird zipping around my lavender plants on a sunny morning, while I sip my coffee in my purple bathrobe.
3. Salvia:
Say hello to the plant that sounds like a sassy salsa dancer, Salvia! These flowers are not only vibrant purple, but they also bloom prolifically, offering an all-you-can-drink buffet for hummingbirds.
They’re easy to grow, and if I can do it, you can too. Trust me, the only thing you need is a gardening trowel and a can-do attitude (and maybe some water).
4. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea):
Number four is Echinacea purpurea, or as I like to call it, the purple coneflower. This purple beauty is drought-tolerant, making it perfect for those summer days when you’d rather lay in the hammock than water the garden. And let’s be real, who wouldn’t?
The flowers’ large centers are the perfect landing pad for hummingbirds to stop, snack, and chat about their day (in hummingbird language, of course).
5. Weigela:
Next up is Weigela, a shrub that produces an abundance of trumpet-shaped purple flowers. Just as we humans love a good trumpet solo, hummingbirds appreciate these flowers and their deep reservoirs of nectar.
Not to mention, Weigela’s hardy nature makes it ideal for those of us with a not-so-green thumb. Trust me, I’ve killed more plants than I care to admit, but my Weigela stands strong.
6. Rhododendron:
These are the bold and beautiful bloomers of the garden. Rhododendrons, with their clusters of vibrant purple flowers, offer not only a spectacular sight for our eyes but also an excellent feast for the hummingbirds.
They are pretty easy to grow and look fabulous next to my lawn gnome, Fred. But remember, Fred’s just for decoration, not for scaring off the hummingbirds.
7. Morning Glory:
What better way to start the day than with Morning Glories and hummingbirds in your garden? These climbing vines produce vibrant purple, trumpet-shaped flowers that act like fast-food drive-thrus for hummingbirds. But don’t worry, this is one fast food habit you won’t have to break!
8. Lupine:
Lupine is next on our list, a true purple gem. These vertical spikes of purple flowers are just the right height for hummingbirds, making them an excellent choice for your royal garden. Lupine is like the Tower of London, only without the beefeaters and ravens, but with the added bonus of hummingbirds.
9. Petunia:
Don’t let the delicate name fool you. Petunias are as hardy as they come, tolerating heat, drought, and a range of soil conditions. Their large, brightly colored flowers are a hummingbird magnet. And between you and me, they’re also great for covering up that patch of lawn that just refuses to grow grass.
10. Sweet Pea:
Ah, the Sweet Pea. These charming flowers with their intoxicating fragrance are not only pleasing to our noses, but their bright purple blossoms are like flashing neon signs to hummingbirds. So go ahead, plant some sweet peas. Your garden (and the hummingbirds) will thank you.
11. Clematis:
This climbing vine is known for its dramatic purple blooms. Clematis, or the “queen of vines,” is like a red carpet inviting hummingbirds to your garden. It’s like a grand opening event, only instead of celebrities, you have hummingbirds. And let’s be honest, that’s far more exciting.
12. Bee Balm (Monarda):
The name might imply bees, but hummingbirds can’t resist these either. Bee Balm flowers are perfect for a pop of purple and a whole lot of hummingbird action in your garden. Plus, if you’re lucky, you’ll get some bees thrown into the mix for free! Talk about a 2-for-1 deal.
13. Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea):
Last, but not least, we have Foxglove. These tall, majestic plants produce clusters of tubular purple flowers, perfect for hummingbirds who love a good challenge. They’re also mildly hallucinogenic, but I assure you, the hummingbirds are just coming for the nectar.
Purple Flower Gardening Tips: The Royal Charter
Now that we’ve covered our floral guest list, let’s share some tips for keeping your garden hummingbird-friendly. Make sure you choose a variety of plants that bloom at different times to ensure a constant supply of nectar.
Variety is the Spice of Life:
Make sure to choose a variety of plants that bloom at different times. This strategy ensures that the all-day hummingbird buffet in your garden never runs out of stock. And remember, a consistent supply of nectar is the secret ingredient to a hummingbird’s heart.
Water Features are Winners:
Providing a water source like a birdbath or a fountain not only gives your garden a tranquil ambiance but also keeps your hummingbirds hydrated. Picture this: a hummingbird splashing about in your birdbath while you splash around in your purple wellies. Sounds like a delightful scene, doesn’t it?
Say No to Pesticides:
It’s tempting to resort to pesticides when insects crash your garden party. But remember, we want to create a haven for hummingbirds, not a hazard. Think of pesticides as uninvited party crashers who spoil the fun. Besides, nothing spoils a hummingbird’s day quite like a pesticide-laced lunch.
Plant it and They Will Come:
Patience, my royal gardener, is a virtue. It may take a while for hummingbirds to discover your garden, but when they do, their aerial displays will leave you spellbound. It’s like waiting for your favorite rock star to come on stage, the anticipation only makes the show more rewarding.
Embrace Your Hummingbird Fame:
Once hummingbirds make a regular pit-stop at your garden, brace yourself for local hummingbird celebrity status.
You may even have to give out autographs, or at least, that’s what I like to imagine when they buzz by. Don’t be surprised if you start getting fan mails addressed to “The Hummingbird Whisperer”.
By following these tips, you’ll ensure your purple garden becomes the go-to hotspot in the hummingbird social scene. So pull on those purple gloves, and let the garden magic begin!
Creating a hummingbird haven with purple flowers isn’t just about enhancing your garden’s aesthetics, it’s about playing a role in conserving these spectacular creatures. It’s a win-win situation.
You get to feel like a rock star or a queen with your purple garden, and the hummingbirds get a VIP ticket to the best garden gig in town. So, go ahead, get your royal gardening gloves on, and let the hummingbird extravaganza begin!