10 Hanging Basket Plants That Attract Hummingbirds

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Are you a bird lover? Do you love sitting in your garden and watching hummingbirds flutter around? If yes, then why not lure them into your garden with hanging basket plants? There are many plants that attract hummingbirds, but few are as convenient and versatile as those in hanging baskets.

In this article, we'll explore the top ten hanging basket plants that attract hummingbirds. We’ll also provide tips on how to care for your plants to keep them healthy and vibrant throughout the season. So let's get started!

Why attract hummingbirds to hanging baskets?

Hanging baskets are a great way to add color and beauty to your porch or garden. But more than that, they can be used to attract pollinators such as hummingbirds. These tiny creatures are essential in maintaining an ecological balance, and engaging with nature can be rewarding. You can even put up a nectar feeder so hummingbirds can visit daily, giving you the opportunity to observe their behavior.

Benefits of using hanging baskets for hummingbird attracting plants

There are several advantages that come with growing plants in hanging baskets. First, they save space if you have a small yard or patio. They are also easy to manage since they require no digging, hoeing, or bending. Additionally, hanging basket plants prevent soil-borne diseases and pests that may otherwise harm the plants.

Top 10 Hanging Basket Plants That Attract Hummingbirds

1. Fuchsia Hanging Baskets

What is the Fuchsia plant?

The fuchsia plant is native to Central and South America and has an interesting bell-shape flower. It comes in different shades of pink, purple, white, and red. This plant grows well in partial sunlight, making it perfect for hanging baskets.

How does Fuchsia attract hummingbirds?

Hummingbirds are attracted to fuchsia's sweet nectar, which is found at the base of each flower. Since the plant blooms heavily, it makes an ideal food source for Hummingbirds.

2. Petunia Hanging Baskets

What are Petunia plants?

Petunias are popular flowers and come in different colors such as pink, purple, white, and red. The plant loves a warm climate but grows well under partial light. They can be grown in baskets, containers, or in the ground.

How do Petunias attract hummingbirds?

Petunias produce a lot of nectar, which attracts hummingbirds. They have a tube-like structure that is perfect for the bird's long beak. Petunias can bloom all season leaving a constant source of nectar for the birds.

3. Lobelia Hanging Baskets

What is the Lobelia plant?

Lobelia is known for its small blue or purple flowers. It likes partial sun exposure, making it perfect for hanging baskets.

How does Lobelia attract hummingbirds?

The tubular shape of Lobelia's flower is a great source of hummingbird nectar. Its bright blue color is also visible from afar, attracting these tiny creatures.

4. Salvia Hanging Baskets

What is the Salvia plant?

The Salvia plant produces spikes of blue, pink, white, or reddish-purple flowers that are a great source of nectar for hummingbirds.

How does Salvia attract hummingbirds?

Hummingbirds love salvia's shape and fragrance. The flower's long tube-like structure makes it an ideal food source.

5. Begonia Hanging Baskets

What is the Begonia plant?

Begonias have ample green leaves with bright flowers in shades of white, pink, yellow, or orange. This plant prefers partial light exposure and grows well in hanging baskets.

How does Begonia attract hummingbirds?

Begonias produce abundant blooms throughout the season, thereby attracting hummingbirds regularly.

6. Impatiens Hanging Baskets

What are Impatiens plants?

Impatiens come in different colors such as red, pink, white, and purple. These plants do well in partial sunlight and can be grown in hanging baskets.

How do Impatiens attract hummingbirds?

Hummingbirds are attracted to impatiens' tubular shape and bright color. They are also drawn to their sweet nectar.

7. Nasturtium Hanging Baskets

What is the Nasturtium plant?

Nasturtiums have round leaves and flowers in shades of red, orange, yellow, or white. They do well in partial sunlight.

How does Nasturtium attract hummingbirds?

Nasturtiums produce nectar that is rich in sucrose, fructose, and glucose, which is perfect for attracting hummingbirds.

8. Lantana Hanging Baskets

What is the Lantana plant?

The Lantana plant comes in many different colors such as pink, yellow, orange, and purple. This plant prefers full sun exposure.

How does Lantana attract hummingbirds?

Lantana creates a lot of nectar, which attracts hummingbirds. It has brightly colored flowers with nectar at the bottom of each flower.

9. Verbena Hanging Baskets

What is the Verbena plant?

Verbena has small flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white. The plant prefers a warm climate and grows well under partial sunlight.

How does Verbena attract hummingbirds?

Hummingbirds are attracted to verbena's bright color and fragrance. The plant produces a lot of nectar, making it an ideal food source for these tiny birds.

10. Cuphea Hanging Baskets

What is the Cuphea plant?

The Cuphea plant produces tubular flowers that come in shades of orange, pink, and purple. This plant loves partial sunlight.

How does Cuphea attract hummingbirds?

Hummingbirds are attracted to Cuphea's sweet nectar, which is abundant at the bottom of each flower. The bright colors of the flowers make it easy for hummingbirds to find them.

Summary of the best hanging basket plants for attracting hummingbirds

When you want to lure hummingbirds to your garden, hanging basket plants can be a great option. There are many plants that can be grown to attract these tiny creatures, but the top ten plants listed above are sure to bring them in droves. They all have beautiful flowers and produce enough nectar to keep the birds coming back.

Tips on how to care for your hanging basket plants

While it's easy to grow plants in hanging baskets, they still need proper care for optimal growth. Be sure to water them frequently, as they tend to dry out quicker than regular garden plants. Use well-draining soil and fertilize once a month using organic or slow-release fertilizer. Prune your plants regularly to maintain their shape and prevent overgrowth.

FAQ

What other tips can attract hummingbirds to hanging baskets?

Apart from planting the right flowers in your hanging baskets, you can use a hummingbird feeder with nectar concentrate to attract them. Additionally, using brightly colored baskets or decorative elements can help lure the birds.

Do I need to water hanging basket plants frequently?

Yes, hanging basket plants need to be watered more often because they tend to dry out faster than other plants. Water them every day or two, depending on the weather conditions.

What type of soil is best for hanging baskets?

Hanging baskets require well-draining soil but also have good moisture retention. A premixed potting mix enriched with perlite and vermiculite will work well.

Can I mix several hanging basket plants in one container?

Yes, you can mix different types of hanging basket plants in one container to create a beautiful arrangement. However, be sure to choose plants that have similar light, soil, and water needs.

How do I keep bugs and pests away from my hanging basket plants?

You can prevent bugs and pests by keeping your plants clean and free of debris. Additionally, avoid using chemicals that harm beneficial insects such as ladybugs, honey bees and butterflies.

Are there other benefits to hanging basket plants besides attracting hummingbirds?

Yes! Hanging basket plants can add color and beauty to your porch, balcony, or garden without taking up much space. Additionally, they help purify the air, reduce stress, and provide relaxation benefits.

How can I make sure my plants stay healthy and vibrant all season long?

Regular watering and fertilization are key to keeping your plants healthy and vibrant throughout the growing season. Be careful not to overdo both though.

When is the best time to plant hanging basket plants for attracting hummingbirds?

The best time to plant hanging basket plants depends on where you live. As a general rule, wait until the last frost has passed before planting.

Should I choose a specific color for my hanging basket plants to attract hummingbirds?

Not necessarily. Hummingbirds are attracted to brightly colored flowers, so you can choose plants with colors that complement each other to make your basket more attractive.

Do all types of hummingbirds like the same hanging basket plants?

Different species of hummingbirds have different preferences when it comes to nectar sources. However, the plants we discussed in this article are universally popular among most species of hummingbirds.