In nature, hummingbirds have a unique and fascinating relationship with plants. Hummingbirds, with their long beaks and high-speed vibrating wings, are loyal visitors to many flowers. Plants, especially those long tubular flowers rich in nectar, become an important food source and habitat for hummingbirds. As a plant expert, I will introduce you to the best plants for hummingbirds to help you create a vibrant and vibrant ecological garden that attracts these beautiful hummingbirds to visit.
The Symbiotic Relationship Between Hummingbirds And Plants
Hummingbirds are mainly found in the Americas, including North, Central and South America. Their primary habitat choices are those that produce nectar in large quantities, which are found in arid shrub jungles, desert oases, coastal lowlands, tropical rainforests, Nearctic pine forests, and alpine tundra. With its unique beak structure, hummingbirds can penetrate into flowers to suck nectar, and also pollinate plants, promoting plant reproduction.
Hummingbirds have special preferences for the color and shape of flowers. They prefer long tube flowers in red, orange or purple hues because they are more visually conspicuous and because their long tube structure allows them to dig deeper for honey. In addition, hummingbirds, despite their lack of sense of smell, have excellent color vision and are able to quickly recognize and fly to their target flowers.
The 5 Best Plants For Hummingbirds
1. Red flower Lobelia
The safflower lobelia is a perennial herb whose bright red flowers stand out against the green leaves. These flowers are rich in nectar and are an ideal food source for hummingbirds. Red lobelia has a longer flowering period and can continue to provide food for hummingbirds. In addition, it thrives in sunny places as well as cool, moist environments, making it a preferred food source for hummingbirds in different seasons and locations.
The cultivation of red lobelia is relatively simple, as long as the soil is kept moist and properly fertilized. Planting red lobelia in your garden will not only attract hummingbirds, but also add a touch of color to your garden.
2. Milkweed
Milkweed is a perennial herb with bell-shaped, brightly colored flowers that are rich in nectar and pollen. These flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds and are their preferred target when foraging. Milkweed blooms over a long period of time, from summer to autumn, providing a continuous source of food for hummingbirds.
In addition to being a food source for hummingbirds, milkweed has a high ornamental value. Its flowers are rich in colors and shapes, which can add a unique charm to the garden. At the same time, milkweed attracts other insects and birds, contributing to an increase in garden biodiversity.
3. The American Sky
The American mountain is a climbing plant with funnel-shaped flowers that are brightly colored and give off a light aroma. These flowers are rich in nectar and are a favorite of hummingbirds and other pollinators. The American mountain has a longer flowering period, which lasts from summer to autumn, providing a steady source of food for hummingbirds.
The mountain is a strong climber and can quickly climb trees or walls to add greenery and layer to the garden. At the same time, its flowers provide shelter and shelter for hummingbirds. When planting the American mountain, care needs to be taken to provide it with sufficient sunlight and moisture to ensure its healthy growth.
4. Red Acer
The red Acer is a deciduous tree whose leaves turn bright red in autumn, adding a splash of color to the garden. For hummingbirds, however, the value of the red maple lies not only in its beautiful leaves, but also in its abundance of nectar and pollen. The red maple has red or yellow flowers and is rich in nectar and is one of the main food sources for hummingbirds in spring and summer.
The red acer grows in a variety of environments, both in sunny areas and in shady environments. When planting red acer, care needs to be taken to provide it with adequate sunlight and well-drained soil. In addition, the red maple also provides hummingbirds with habitat and breeding sites, and is one of the indispensable plants in the garden.
5. Goldfish
Although it is an aquatic plant, it is also of great value to hummingbirds. The flowers are white or yellowish and rich in nectar, which attracts pollinators such as hummingbirds. Growing goldfish in lakes, ponds and other waters can not only provide a food source for hummingbirds, but also provide a habitat and breeding site for other aquatic life.
Growing goldfish algae is relatively simple, simply by placing it in water. However, it should be noted that the growth rate of goldfish algae is fast, and it is easy to cover the entire water area, so it needs to be cleaned regularly to maintain the ecological balance of the water area.
Planting And Maintenance Skills
1. Choose the right soil
Most plants suitable for hummingbirds prefer well-drained soil. Before planting, make sure the soil is loose, fertile, and has good drainage properties. For container-grown plants, choose basin soil with good permeability and replace the soil regularly to maintain its fertility.
2. Provide plenty of light
Plants suitable for hummingbirds usually need plenty of sunlight to thrive. When planting, choose a location with sufficient light to avoid excessive shading of the plant. For plants that prefer semi-shade, such as coral bells and lungweed, appropriate shade should be provided to prevent leaf burns.
3. Water and fertilize properly
In the maintenance process, reasonable watering should be carried out according to the water requirement of the plant. Avoid root rot caused by over-watering. At the same time, fertilize regularly to replenish the nutrients needed by the plant. For container-grown plants, special attention should be paid to controlling the amount of watering and fertilization to avoid salt accumulation causing damage to the plant.
4. Trim and trim regularly
In order to maintain the beautiful shape of the plant and promote flowering, it is necessary to prune and shape it regularly. Pruning removes yellow, sickly branches and leaves to make the plant healthier and more prosperous. Shaping can be adapted to personal preferences and the layout of the garden, so that the plants are in harmony with their surroundings.
5. Pest control
In the maintenance process, attention should be paid to the prevention and control of pests and diseases. Regularly check the leaves, branches and flowers of the plant, and take timely measures to prevent and control pests and diseases. Comprehensive control can be carried out by combining biological control, physical control and chemical control methods.
Conclusion
There is a wide variety of plants suitable for hummingbirds, which not only have ornamental value, but also provide a rich source of food and habitat for hummingbirds. By properly growing and caring for these plants, we can create a vibrant and vibrant ecological garden that attracts beautiful hummingbirds to visit. This not only helps to protect hummingbirds as a rare species, but also allows us to enjoy the peace and beauty of nature in our busy lives. Let’s work together to create a beautiful home for hummingbirds!
