Do Hummingbirds Like Marigolds? (Guide)

Hummingbirds are fascinating creatures known for their vibrant colors, incredible agility, and their love for nectar-rich flowers. If you’re a fan of these delightful birds and have marigolds in your yard, you may be wondering if hummingbirds are attracted to marigolds and if they are among the best flowers for hummingbirds. In this guide, we will explore the relationship between hummingbirds and marigolds, as well as discover some of the top flowers that can attract hummingbirds to your yard.

Key Takeaways:

• Hummingbirds primarily eat nectar-rich flowers and need a steady intake of sugar for energy.
• Marigolds do not produce large amounts of nectar and lack the tubular shape that hummingbirds prefer.
• While marigolds can attract small insects that hummingbirds eat, they are not among the top favorites for these birds.
• Salvia, bee balm, agastache, cardinal flowers, penstemon, and lupines are some of the best flowers for attracting hummingbirds.
• When creating a hummingbird garden, consider the growing zone, bloom time, and flower characteristics.

Flowers That Attract Hummingbirds

When it comes to attracting hummingbirds to your garden, selecting the right flowering plants is key. Hummingbirds are naturally drawn to flowers with vibrant colors, high nectar production, and tubular shapes that are perfect for their long beaks.

Choosing a variety of flowering plants that bloom at different times of the year ensures a consistent food source for hummingbirds throughout the seasons. Additionally, considering the growing zone and whether the flower is an annual or perennial will help you create a sustainable hummingbird garden.

Flowers That Hummingbirds Love

• Salvia: With its tubular-shaped flowers and bright hues, salvia is a favorite among hummingbirds. Varieties like Pineapple Sage, ‘Black and Blue’ salvia, and ‘Love and Wishes’ salvia are especially attractive to these tiny birds.
• Bee Balm: Also known as Monarda, bee balm produces fragrant flowers that hummingbirds adore. The pink, red, and lavender blooms are nectar-rich and sure to attract these flying jewels.
• Agastache: Commonly referred to as ‘hummingbird mint’, agastache offers long-blooming tubular flowers that are irresistible to hummingbirds. The vibrant colors and abundant nectar make them a must-have for any hummingbird garden.
• Cardinal Flowers: Known for their striking red tubular flowers, cardinal flowers are a magnet for hummingbirds. Planting a few of these in your garden will surely catch their attention.
• Penstemon: Penstemon, or beardtongue, boasts beautiful tubular flowers in various colors. Hummingbirds are particularly fond of the vibrant red and pink varieties.
• Lupines: With their tall spikes of purple, blue, and pink flowers, lupines are not only visually stunning but a favorite among hummingbirds as well. Planting these in your garden will create a feast for their eyes and taste buds.

By incorporating these flowering plants into your garden, you’ll create a mesmerizing display of colors while attracting hummingbirds to your doorstep. Remember to consider the specific growing zone and the bloom time of each plant to ensure their success in your area.

Benefits of Perennial and Annual Flowers

When selecting flowers for your hummingbird garden, it’s important to understand the difference between annual and perennial plants.

An annual flower completes its life cycle within one growing season. These flowers provide beautiful displays of color but require replanting each year. Annuals are a great option if you want to experiment with different flower varieties or create a temporary burst of hummingbird activity.

A perennial flower, on the other hand, comes back year after year, offering a more permanent presence in your garden. Perennials are low-maintenance and provide a reliable food source for hummingbirds. By planting a combination of annuals and perennials, you can ensure a constant supply of fresh nectar for these delightful creatures.

Creating a hummingbird haven in your yard is a rewarding experience. With the right combination of flowering plants, you’ll not only enhance the beauty of your garden but also provide a valuable food source for these fascinating birds.

In Summary

Flowering plants play a crucial role in attracting hummingbirds to your garden. By selecting varieties with tubular shapes, vibrant colors, and high nectar production, you can easily catch the attention of these remarkable birds.

Consider the growing zone and bloom time of each plant to ensure their suitability in your area. And don’t forget to mix in both annual and perennial flowers for a consistent food source throughout the seasons.

Sage – A Hummingbird Favorite

Sage, particularly different varieties of salvia, is a clear favorite of hummingbirds. These flowers have tubular shapes and produce nectar that hummingbirds can easily access. Some popular varieties of sage that hummingbirds are especially fond of include Pineapple Sage, Hummingbird sage, Wild Watermelon Salvia, ‘Black and Blue’ salvia, ‘Love and Wishes’ salvia, and ‘Mystic Spires Blue’ salvia. Most salvia can be grown as perennials in USDA hardiness zones 7 or 8 through 11, and as tender annuals in lower zones. They have prolific blooms that last from spring through fall, making them a reliable choice for attracting hummingbirds to your garden.

If you want to create a hummingbird garden, including a variety of salvia plants is a great strategy. These vibrant flowers will not only add beauty to your garden, but they will also attract these delightful creatures, allowing you to observe them up close. With their tubular shapes and abundant nectar, sage plants are irresistible to hummingbirds. By planting different varieties, you can ensure a continuous bloom throughout the hummingbird season.

“Hummingbirds absolutely love salvia! These flowers are like magnets for them. I have a variety of salvia plants in my garden, and I am always amazed at the number of hummingbirds they attract. It’s a joy to watch their acrobatic flights as they feed on the nectar-filled blossoms.” – Jane, Hummingbird Enthusiast

Choosing the Right Sage for Your Hummingbird Garden

When selecting sage plants for your hummingbird garden, consider the growing zones and bloom time. Different varieties of salvia thrive in specific climates and have varying bloom periods. It’s essential to choose varieties that are suitable for your region to ensure successful growth.

Here are a few popular sage varieties to consider:

• Pineapple Sage: This variety produces vibrant red flowers and has a fruity fragrance that is irresistible to hummingbirds. It typically blooms in late summer and early fall.
• Hummingbird Sage: As the name suggests, this sage variety is a favorite of hummingbirds. It features stunning purple flowers and blooms from late spring to early summer.
• Wild Watermelon Salvia: With its pink flowers and melon-like fragrance, this salvia variety is a hummingbird magnet. It blooms from mid-summer to early fall.
• ‘Black and Blue’ Salvia: This unique variety has dark purple flowers and deep blue calyxes. It blooms from spring to fall and is a favorite of hummingbirds.
• ‘Love and Wishes’ Salvia: With its deep burgundy flowers, this salvia variety adds a touch of elegance to any garden. It blooms from late spring to fall, attracting hummingbirds throughout the season.
• ‘Mystic Spires Blue’ Salvia: This compact salvia variety features beautiful blue flowers and blooms from spring to fall. It is known for its long-lasting blooms and ability to attract hummingbirds.

By incorporating these sage varieties into your hummingbird garden, you can create an inviting space that is sure to attract these delightful creatures. With their vibrant colors and abundant nectar, sage plants are a must-have for any hummingbird enthusiast.

Other Flowers That Attract Hummingbirds

While sage is undoubtedly a favorite of hummingbirds, there are several other flowers that these delightful creatures are attracted to. Here are some beautiful blooms that will surely invite hummingbirds to dance in your garden:

1. Bee Balm (Monarda): With its vibrant pink, red, and lavender flowers, bee balm is a nectar-rich plant that hummingbirds adore. The fragrant blossoms are not only a treat for the eyes but also a feast for these graceful creatures.
2. Agastache (Hummingbird Mint): The aptly named hummingbird mint produces long-blooming tubular flowers in brilliant colors that are simply irresistible to hummingbirds. Planting agastache in your garden will surely attract these delightful visitors.
3. Cardinal Flowers: Known for their stunning red blossoms, cardinal flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds. The tubular flowers provide easy access to nectar, making them a popular choice for creating a hummingbird-friendly environment.
4. Penstemon: With their bright and tubular flowers, penstemons are another excellent option to attract hummingbirds. These hardy perennials come in a variety of colors, adding a touch of beauty to your garden while also providing a nectar source for hummingbirds.
5. Lupines: The tall and elegant flower spikes of lupines are not only visually striking but also a magnet for hummingbirds. Available in shades of purple, blue, and pink, lupines can add a pop of color to your garden while offering a delightful buffet for these tiny birds.

To create a hummingbird garden that keeps these enchanting creatures coming back year after year, it’s important to consider the growing zones and bloom times of these flowers. By choosing a variety of nectar-rich plants that bloom at different times, you can ensure a continuous food source for hummingbirds throughout the seasons.

Tips for Attracting Hummingbirds

If you’re eager to welcome hummingbirds into your garden, here are a few additional tips to keep in mind:

• Plant a variety of flowers with different bloom times to ensure a continuous supply of nectar.
• Provide a water source, such as a shallow birdbath, for hummingbirds to drink and bathe.
• Hang hummingbird feeders filled with a sugar-water solution, especially during times when natural nectar sources may be scarce.
• Avoid using pesticides in your garden, as these can be harmful to hummingbirds and other beneficial insects.
• Consider adding a few perches, such as small branches or decorative stakes, for hummingbirds to rest and observe their surroundings.

By creating a haven filled with bee balm, agastache, cardinal flowers, penstemon, lupines, and other hummingbird-friendly plants, you can transform your garden into a vibrant oasis that attracts these beautiful birds. Enjoy the mesmerizing sight of hummingbirds fluttering and sipping nectar as they bring joy and vitality to your outdoor space.

Conclusion

While marigolds may not be the top choice for attracting hummingbirds to your garden, they can still add a burst of color to a hummingbird-friendly space. However, if you want to specifically attract these enchanting birds, there are other flowers that are more reliable options. Flowers like salvia, bee balm, agastache, cardinal flowers, penstemon, and lupines are known for their ability to attract hummingbirds.

When creating a hummingbird garden, it’s important to consider factors such as the growing zone, bloom time, and the characteristics of the flowers. By selecting a variety of nectar-rich flowers that bloom at different times throughout the year, you can provide a continuous food source for hummingbirds.

In addition to planting the right flowers, consider supplementing their natural nectar sources by providing hummingbird feeders. These feeders can offer a convenient and readily available food source, especially during periods when flowers may be scarce. By creating a welcoming habitat with an abundance of nectar-rich flowers and supplemental feeding, you can create an ideal environment for hummingbirds in your garden.