Gardens that Attract Humming Birds

There are several types of plants that both bumble bees and humming birds love. If you are an avid birdwatcher, you already may have planted a hummingbird garden and have found masses of the furry little bumblebees enjoy it. Most people flee at the thought of a bee, but the bumblebee is a gentle little creature. I have spent many days in the garden with them buzzing around and even landing on me, with no problem. They are distinct and you immediately know the difference between them and other not so friendly bees. (Yes, I would bring them in if I thought I could train them. I have a passion for those little fellows. My sister and I have a running joke about "Bee," a little good luck character I had in Las Vegas. But that is another story.)

Some plants that create a great environment for a hummingbird garden are also wonderfully fragrant plants. Dame's Rockets (Hesperis matronalis) are wildflowers that have brought many to our yard. We had a neighbor that we referred to as "Mr. Sensitive." In fact we had all the neighbors calling him that - behind his back, of course. It started out when a wooden trailer was a few inches over the property line. We were clearing the area for a large garden and had moved it back. The properties were separated by 10 feet of trees, and Mr. Sensitive was allowing his lawn to go au naturale.

Mr. Sensitive came out to talk to us about the infringement on his property. The trailer was small, I don't know how he even saw it, but his remarks were these. "I've measured and you are over the property line. I'm very sensitive to that." Hence the name, Mr. Sensitive was created. At that point I decide to cover the area on the property line with big beautiful flowers so we wouldn't see the shambles of his yard. I also made certain that they were prolific spreaders...you guess the reason. Dame's Rockets and fennel were the choices and from this unfortunate incident came a great passion for this wild flower and herb, and lots of hummingbirds.

Hummingbirds are attracted to the color and shape of the flower so the strong, fragrant smell of the plant is a bonus. The fragrance of the Dame's Rockets grows in the evening and spreads for a block.

Other plants that have bright colors and attract the hummingbird (also fragrance) are bee balm, a butterfly bush, honeysuckle (aka: trumpet honeysuckle), and delphiniums. This is not the end of the list, but just a beginning. Think trumpet shaped and colorful and you will be able to add to the list.

Flowers that are rich in nectar are usually very brightly colored purple, red, pink, and orange. They can be perennials, but should have either annuals or perennials that blossom at a different time, planted closely together. The length of bloom for most perennial flowers is relatively short. You want something for the little friends all summer long. Don't forget to put water out for them too. A little kick-start with a hummingbird feeder can't hurt either.

Annuals like impatiens, salvia, petunias, and nicotinia (also called the tobacco plant) are great hummingbird beacons. Impatiens are one of the few plants that bloom with bright colors even in shaded areas. Just like you and I, the hummingbird likes to get out of the sun on a hot day, so these can be ideal. All the plants I have mentioned are brightly colored and have a trumpet, no matter how small. That is the key to drawing them into your garden.

I have found that bumblebees and hummingbirds both love the nectar from the flowers of oregano plants. Lemon balm was in the same area and I don't know if they were attracted to it too, or just waiting their turn to hit the oregano. Putting a few herbs in the area makes it convenient for your cooking and also a delicious meal for our furiously flying friend.

If you want to have a great vegetable garden, but also would like hummingbirds, line the vegetable area with plants that attract bumblebees and hummingbirds. They are great companion plants. Make certain that the plants that you choose are not those that spread into your vegetables. Herbs like oregano, fennel, and lemon balm spread easily so beware when you plant those.