My kids tell me that we had hummingbirds at our old house. We had a wall of Honeysuckle against our detached garage and the hummingbirds would visit when the flowers were in bloom. My kids said that they were tiny — about the size of a large bumblebee — which is probably why I never saw them.
When I lived in Southern California, I saw hummingbirds all the time. They were larger and an iridescent green color. I haven’t spotted any hummingbirds at our new house so I’m going to plant more flowers to attract them this spring, as well as more flowers for the butterflies.
Plant a Garden to Attract Hummingbirds
Trumpet Honeysuckle
“Lonicera sempervirens is a species of honeysuckle native to the eastern United States. It can grow in many areas due to its hardiness. It is most often grown as a plant for wildlife. Ruby-throated hummingbirds use it in their natural range as well as other birds, butterflies, and bees.” from Wikipedia
Trumpet Vine
“Birdwatchers are often tempted to plant trumpet vine because its orange flower attracts hummingbirds. Experienced gardeners often know better, since this climber is aggressive to the point of being a nuisance. This deciduous woody vine suckers profusely from underground runners and also self-seeds rampantly.” from The Spruce
Bee Balm
“Add bee balm to flower beds or an herb garden for life and color. Try growing bee balm in view of a window so you won’t miss the acrobatics of hummingbirds that visit in summer. Bee balm also attracts butterflies and bees. In a sunny field or meadow, let plants spread and multiply to create a blanket of color.” from Bonnie Plants
Salvia (Sage)
“The flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies and occasionally to hummingbirds.” from Wimaster Gardener
Rhododendron
“Catawba rhododendron (Rhododendroncatawbiense) are broadleaf evergreen bushes that have dark-green, leathery foliage, and spectacular flowers in the spring that are effective for attracting hummingbirds.” from Wikipedia
Azalea
“Encore® Azaleas are not only hardy shrubs with year-round interest, but their vibrant blooms are also ideally suited to nectar-sipping beauties like butterflies and hummingbirds.” from Encore Azalea
Impatiens
“Brightly-colored flowers that are tubular hold the most nectar, and are particularly attractive to hummingbirds. These include perennials such as bee balms, columbines, daylilies, and lupines; biennials such as foxgloves and hollyhocks; and many annuals, including cleome, impatiens, and petunias.” from The Old Farmer’s Almanac
Learn About Hummingbirds with this Picture Book
Hummingbirds by Nicola Davies, illustrated by Jane Ray
The Ruby-throated hummingbird migrates, like the Monarch butterflies, from Mexico up through the United States and into Canada. This lovely narrative nonfiction picture book takes us on their journey which mirrors a trip a girl from Mexico takes as well. Davies includes interesting facts about hummingbirds in sidebars including their lifecycle. The beautiful illustrations remind me of The Ox-Cart Man. [picture book, ages 5 and up]
Hummingbird Feeder to Bring Them to Your House
Hummingbirds Plus ranks the First Nature 3055 32-ounce Hummingbird Feeder
Learn About Hummingbirds from STEM Videos for Kids
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p.s. Related posts:
Osprey Migration Books for Kids
Birds of North Captiva, Florida, Saved From Extinction!
Science of Owls and Bats Through Picture Books
Picture Books with Birds as Inspiration or Character
My books:
BEST #OWNVOICES CHILDREN’S BOOKS: My Favorite Diversity Books for Kids Ages 1-12 is a book that I created to highlight books written by authors who share the same marginalized identity as the characters in their books.
Love hummingbirds, Mia & just read the new Davies book! The illustrations are so gorgeous!!