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The weather is warming up, flowers are starting to bloom, and hummingbirds are back! These remarkable little creatures have always had a special place in my heart, and I look forward to their return each year.
I think it’s important to create a habitat for all kinds of wildlife, but hummingbirds are one of my favorites. A good variety of flowering plants and trees for nesting are some of the most important things you can do to attract them to your yard. Here in our growing zone(7), hummingbirds start arriving at the beginning of April. It’s still a little early for many nectar-rich blooms, so I try to make sure my feeder is filled and ready for their arrival. Hummingbirds have incredible memories, and will return to the same feeders year after year!
The recipe is quite simple, and I use the Empress of Dirt’s recipe. It’s basically one part sugar to four parts water.
Best Hummingbird Nectar
1/2 Cup granulated sugar
2 Cups water
Combine in sauce pan and boil about 5 minutes, until sugar has dissolved. PLEASE do not add food coloring to your nectar. Red 40 is just as bad for the birds as it is for us. A red feeder is enough to attract them, so don’t worry about them not finding the nectar.
Hummingbirds’ Favorite Flowers
Each year I try to plant a variety of nectar-rich flowers my hummingbirds enjoy. Because it’s so hot and dry here in Texas, I also make sure to keep the feeder full for hydration. If you aren’t sure what plants they may like in your growing zone, take a look at the shape of the flower head. Hummingbirds typically prefer trumpet or tube shaped flowers. Here are some of their favorites:
- Salvia
- Catmint
- Trumpet Vine
- Petunia
- Daylily
- Gladiolus
Don’t worry if you don’t have enough space for a garden. These plants will also do well in pots for a season. Plus, you will have lots of bees and butterflies too!
If you take a bit of time to encourage these sweet little birds to your yard, they’ll reward you by coming back year after year. Happy planting!
