Attract Hummingbirds with Xeriscape Landscaping

Hummingbirds are attracted to plants that explode with color and nectar production, not fragrance, because the hummers (like most birds) don’t have a good sense of smell.

Watching a hummingbird is like watching energy in motion. Hummers flap their wings about 55 times per second and their average flight speed is 25 mph. In the wild, they get their energy from flower nectar and get their protein from insects and spiders.

Xeriscape Plants Survive with Little Water

Drought tolerant gardens rely on very little water once the plants are established, but they do need moisture during the hottest months in order to survive. Deep watering is best for these plants.

Consider these following three, colorful drought tolerant plants that draw hummers.

Lantanas Dazzle with Color

Lantana comes in many color combinations including hot pink and yellow, purple, orange and yellow and red and yellow. Ground cover Lantana survives well in hot, dry areas with poor soil conditions and needs water only for maintenance in hot months. The plant flowers all summer and attracts hummers. It can be a perennial in zones 9-11 and an annual only in zones 3-8.

Butterfly Bush Blooms Profusely

The Butterfly Bush, as it names implies, attracts butterflies like crazy. However, the hummingbirds love it as well, for the sweet nectar and bright colors. The bush blooms in pinks, lavenders, reds, purples, and more colors; some gardeners refer to it as a bottle brush because of its flower spikes. This plant does not require good soil and is widely adaptable to various water amounts; it can be ignored and bloom profusely. It blooms from July through early autumn in zones 5-9.

Trumpet Honeysuckle Vine is King

Perhaps the granddaddy of all landscape plants that attract hummingbirds is the Trumpet Honeysuckle Vine, ‘Major Wheeler.’ This vine has been grown in test gardens and emerges as a winner with the most profuse bloomer to attract hummers. The tubular, blazing red-orange flowers attract the birds; the fast-growing vine can be trained to climb a lattice or fence. It needs more water than the average drought tolerant plant, however it will survive with minimal moisture. It blooms late spring to fall, typically more profuse the second year after planting. Hardy in zones 4-8.

Hummers Love Bright Colors and Sweet Nectar

Draw hummers to the garden or patio with stunning flowers that require little water. Drought tolerant plants come in blazing colors including reds, purples, yellows, hot pink and more that attract the birds. The kalanchoe plant also attracts the hummers, as do some summer annuals.