7 Great Potted Flowers You Can Plant That Attract Hummingbirds

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Hummingbirds are a rare sight for some, especially in cities and areas with less vegetation. Luckily, there are a plethora of potted plants that can draw them straight to your doorstep or patio. Keep reading to learn about seven potted plants that you can grow to attract hummingbirds.

Hummingbirds are often a welcomed sight because they are one of the most unique and beautiful species of birds. They get their name from the sound that their wings make while flapping. Because they flap their wings around 10-15 times per second, they create a special humming sound which is why they’re called hummingbirds or “hummers.”

Hummingbirds live for around 3 to 5 years, and will usually return to the same flowers and feeders annually. This means that if you establish a great potted garden for hummingbirds to visit, you’ll likely see them over and over. This is because of their amazing memory. The birds remember every flower and feeder they’ve been to, as well as how long it takes for flowers to refill with nectar. If you create a garden of many potted flowers and plants, you’ll likely see hummingbirds return to it often.

One great thing about hummingbirds is that you won’t need to bring out a flashlight to try and find them. The birds are diurnal, or active during the day, so you can spot them feeding throughout the entire day. They have very high metabolisms and have to feed about every 10-15 minutes.

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While many of these plants can also be planted in the ground, potted plants are great for city dwellers and those without a backyard. Living in an apartment doesn’t mean that you can’t have hummingbirds come to visit. When it comes to potted flowers, you can keep them in separate pots or mix a few species together.

The good thing about creating a hummingbird garden is that it doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. You can plant the flowers in pots and containers, or even recycle things like yogurt tubs and large soda bottles.

Location is key when it comes to creating the perfect potted hummingbird garden. Make sure the flowers are in an area where you can see them. If you have a large window, you can place the plants outside of it. You can also put them along walkways or by your front door. Make sure that the area they are in gets ample sunlight, and water them regularly. If you have little space on the ground, consider getting window boxes or hanging pots instead. Once you have a plan and some containers, it’s time to decide which flowers to purchase.

Impatiens are a great choice for hummingbirds because they are annuals and they come in so many bright colors. Hummingbirds are most attracted to reds and purples, so choose impatiens in that color scheme if possible.

©Ole Schoener/Shutterstock.com

Named after their unique, tubular-shaped flowers, the cigar plant is extremely attractive to hummingbirds. This is because the flowers are red and usually hold a lot of nectar. They are perennial plants that grow well during the spring and summer months but should be brought inside to overwinter.

©TTONN/Shutterstock.com

Begonias come in many colors, but one variety is more attractive to the birds than others. Bonfire begonias have bright orange trumpet-shaped blooms and red-edged leaves. They are very easy to grow and require partial sun to full sun.

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Lantana flowers are perennials, making them a more sustainable option for your potted garden because they bloom year after year. Lantanas also come in a variety of colors, and many have multiple colors on each plant. Choose bright lantanas that are red, orange, or purple to attract the most hummingbirds.

Bee balms have bright pink, red, or purple blooms that attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. They are perennial plants that give off a fragrant aroma that is pleasing to pollinators as well as people. Bee balm plants can handle partial shade but do best with at least six hours of full sun daily.

Daylilies come in a few different colors, but choosing a bright orange can be most attractive to hummingbirds. They are also perennials, and they don’t require a lot of care making them an easy container plant.

Like many of the others on this list, fuchsia blooms are trumpet-shaped and bright in color. They grow very well in pots, hanging baskets, or containers. They are perennials but bloom longer than many other perennial plant species.

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