Florida, with its balmy climate and diverse flora, is a haven for hummingbirds. These tiny, iridescent dynamos bring a touch of magic to any garden, their rapid wingbeats and aerial acrobatics a constant source of delight. Attracting these feathered jewels to your Florida garden is a rewarding endeavor, and selecting the right plants plays a crucial role. We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to the best plants for attracting hummingbirds in Florida, ensuring your garden becomes a vibrant hummingbird hotspot.
Understanding Hummingbird Preferences
Hummingbirds are primarily nectarivores, meaning their diet consists mainly of the sugary nectar produced by flowers. They are attracted to brightly colored, tubular flowers, particularly those in shades of red, orange, and pink, although they will also visit flowers of other colors. While nectar provides the essential carbohydrates for their high-energy lifestyle, hummingbirds also consume small insects and spiders for protein and other nutrients. Therefore, creating a hummingbird-friendly habitat involves more than just planting nectar-rich flowers. It also requires providing a source of insects and a suitable environment for nesting and raising young.
Top Native Florida Plants for Hummingbirds
Native plants are particularly beneficial for attracting hummingbirds as they have co-evolved with these birds and are perfectly suited to their needs.
- Firebush ( Hamelia patens ): This vibrant shrub boasts clusters of fiery-orange, tubular flowers that are irresistible to hummingbirds. It blooms throughout the year, providing a consistent nectar source.
- Coral Honeysuckle ( Lonicera sempervirens ): A beautiful vine with bright red, trumpet-shaped flowers, coral honeysuckle is a hummingbird magnet. Plant it near a trellis or arbor to allow it to climb and create a vertical feeding station.
- Walter’s Viburnum ( Viburnum obovatum ): While less showy than some other options, Walter’s viburnum offers clusters of small, white flowers that hummingbirds find appealing, especially during the spring blooming season. Its dense foliage also provides shelter and nesting sites.
- Wild Coffee ( Psychotria nervosa ): Though its name suggests otherwise, Wild Coffee is non-caffeinated and offers fragrant white blooms attractive to hummingbirds. Its red berries also provide a food source for other wildlife.
- Butterfly Milkweed ( Asclepias tuberosa ): This brightly colored milkweed attracts both butterflies and hummingbirds. Its vibrant orange flowers are rich in nectar, and the plant itself serves as a crucial host for monarch butterfly caterpillars.
Other Excellent Choices for Florida Gardens
Beyond native plants, several non-native species thrive in Florida’s climate and are also highly attractive to hummingbirds.
- Salvia ( Salvia spp. ): Numerous Salvia varieties, including red salvia, pineapple sage, and Mexican bush sage, are hummingbird favorites. Their vibrant colors and tubular flower shapes make them irresistible.
- Pentas ( Pentas lanceolata ): Available in a range of colors including pink, red, and white, pentas are prolific bloomers that attract hummingbirds throughout the year. Their star-shaped flower clusters provide ample nectar.
- Canna Lilies ( Canna spp. ): These striking plants offer large, showy flowers in a variety of colors, including red, orange, and yellow. Hummingbirds are drawn to their abundant nectar.
- Shrimp Plant ( Justicia brandegeeana ): This unique plant’s drooping flower bracts resemble shrimp, hence its common name. Its vibrant colors and ample nectar are highly attractive to hummingbirds.
- Cypress Vine ( Ipomoea quamoclit ): This fast-growing vine boasts delicate, star-shaped flowers in red, pink, or white and is a prolific bloomer, attracting hummingbirds throughout the summer and fall.
Creating a Hummingbird-Friendly Environment
Beyond planting the right flowers, consider these additional tips to create a welcoming haven for hummingbirds:
- Provide a water source: Hummingbirds need a source of fresh water for drinking and bathing. Consider adding a shallow dish or a mister to your garden.
- Avoid pesticides: Pesticides can harm hummingbirds directly and also eliminate their insect prey. Opt for natural pest control methods instead.
- Offer perching spots: Hummingbirds need places to rest between feeding bouts. Provide twigs, branches, or small trellises.
- Stagger blooming times: Plant a variety of flowers with different blooming periods to ensure a continuous supply of nectar throughout the year.
- Deadhead spent flowers: Removing faded blooms encourages plants to produce more flowers, providing a consistent nectar source.
By following these guidelines, you can transform your Florida garden into a haven for these fascinating birds, enjoying the beauty and vibrancy they bring to your outdoor space. Creating a hummingbird-friendly environment is a rewarding endeavor, allowing you to observe these remarkable creatures up close and contribute to their well-being.