© By Deborah Tukua, Editor

www.journeytonatliv.com

In the evenings, we enjoy watching hummingbirds dip in and out of the orange, Asiatic lilies in the flowerbed. Jewelweed also known as Spotted touch-me-nots are in bloom on both sides of the creek. Morning Glory wraps around the stand of the hummingbird feeder. Hummingbirds are welcomed summer guests, beautiful to watch and easily enticed into your flower garden.

Important Facts to Know to Attract Hummingbirds:

Hummingbirds are attracted to flowers by color. They are particularly drawn to red, orange and pink blooms for the nectar.

A second factor to consider is the shape of the flowers. Plants with tubular, bell-like blooms are the hummingbird’s favorite. Tubular flowers grow not only on perennials but also on vines, bushes, herbs and wildflowers.

Planting natural sources of botanical nectar not only entices these unique creatures to your yard, but provides essential nourishment and energy to visiting hummingbirds.

To encourage hummingbirds to linger in your flower garden, plant any of the following botanicals:

Azalea
Bee Balm
Bellflower
Borage
Butterfly weed
Columbine
Cypress Vine
Flowering Quince
Foxglove
Fuchsia
Hibiscus
Lilac
Lily
Mock Orange
Morning Glory
Petunia
Phlox
Rhododendron
Salvia
Spotted Touch-me-not; aka Jewelweed, is often found in the wild along waterways. Note the orange and yellow bell shaped blooms in photo above.
Sweet William
Trumpet Honeysuckle
Weigela
Zinnia