by Mary Ann Melton

Created on: December 10, 2006   Last Updated: April 30, 2007

Attracting hummingbirds brings a lot of joy and delight. Nectar from flowers and small insects such as aphids are the mainstays of their diet. Over the years, I've been adding perennial plants to my yard that not only bloom all summer, but also attract the hummingbirds to my yard. The advantage to plants over feeders is that the birds are getting a natural diet, there are no feeders to clean, and there is never an empty feeder to disappoint your bird friends.

Living in Central Texas, I try to choose plants that are drought resistant to withstand the hot dry summers. With a busy, active lifestyle, I also choose plants that are low maintenance.

Althea, also called Rose of Sharon, is a member of the hibiscus family. It makes a short bushy tree about 8-10 feet tall at maturity. Filled with blooms all summer, the hummingbirds visit every day. They come in a variety of colors -whites, pinks, purples, and even red. Once established, it has needed very little care.

Indigo Spires, one of the Salvias has also been a successful hummingbird feeder. The small blue blossoms attract both hummingbirds and bees. It has proved to be a sturdy and drought resistant plant. It survives most winters in central Texas, but should be cut back during the dormant season.

The beautiful red trumpet vine also blooms most of the summer. As a climber, it needs a trellis or post in order to have a place to climb and expand.

Each part of the country will have different shrubs and perennials to attract these amazing birds.

To learn more:

Taylor's Weekend Gardening Guide to Attracting Birds and Butterflies: How to Plant a Backyard Habitat to Attract Hummingbirds and Other Winged Wildlife (Taylor's Weekend Gardening Guides) by Barbara Ellis

Attracting Butterflies & Hummingbirds to Your Backyard: Watch Your Garden Come Alive With Beauty on the Wing

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