Southwest Plants That Attract Hummingbirds: Desert Willow!
Hummingbirds are attracted to a variety of plants found in the Southwest, many of which offer the nectar and shelter these birds seek.
Plants such as Desert Willow, Red Yucca, and Agave bloom with vibrant flowers that serve as natural feeders for hummingbirds. Incorporating these plants into your garden can create a welcoming habitat for these tiny aviators.
Hummingbirds are naturally drawn to certain types of plants, especially those with brightly colored flowers and high nectar production. In the Southwest, these birds play a crucial role in pollination.
The following are some of the plants known to attract hummingbirds:
Key Takeaway
Native Hummingbird-Attracting Plants
The Southwest is home to several native plants that attract hummingbirds, providing a vibrant and essential food source for these fascinating birds. Some of these plants include the desert honeysuckle, the fairy duster, and the Texas sage.
The desert honeysuckle, with its vibrant orange flowers, is particularly attractive to hummingbirds. Its tubular flowers contain nectar that is rich in energy, making it a valuable food source for these tiny birds.
Similarly, the fairy duster produces small red flowers that are rich in nectar, while the Texas sage, also known as the cenizo, boasts tubular purple flowers that hummingbirds find irresistible.
These native plants not only enhance the beauty of the Southwest landscape but also play a crucial role in supporting the delicate ecological balance by providing sustenance for hummingbirds.
Best Flowering Plants for Hummingbirds
One can find a variety of flowering plants in the Southwest that are particularly appealing to hummingbirds.
These plants include the desert honeysuckle, also known as Anisacanthus quadrifidus, which produces tubular orange or red flowers that attract hummingbirds with their nectar.
Another favorite is the penstemon, a perennial plant with long, tubular flowers that come in various shades of red, pink, and purple.
The trumpet vine, scientifically named Campsis radicans, is also a popular choice, boasting clusters of vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that hummingbirds find irresistible.
The agastache, or hummingbird mint, is a fragrant, drought-tolerant plant that produces spikes of tubular flowers in shades of pink, orange, and purple.
These flowering plants not only beautify the Southwest landscape but also provide essential nourishment for the delightful hummingbirds.
Desert Shrubs and Hummingbird Favorites
Desert shrubs in the Southwest provide an excellent habitat for hummingbirds and offer a diverse array of nectar-rich flowers. These shrubs are essential for attracting and providing sustenance for hummingbirds.
Here are some desert shrubs that are hummingbird favorites:
- Chuparosa (Justicia californica): This vibrant red tubular flower is a favorite of hummingbirds due to its abundant nectar production.
- Ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens): Its clusters of tubular red flowers bloom in spring, providing a vital nectar source for hummingbirds.
- Fairy Duster (Calliandra eriophylla): This drought-tolerant shrub produces fluffy, pink to red flowers that hummingbirds find irresistible.
These desert shrubs not only add beauty to the landscape but also play a crucial role in attracting and nourishing hummingbirds. Now, let’s explore the perennial blooms to entice hummingbirds.
Perennial Blooms to Entice Hummingbirds
Perennial blooms throughout the Southwest offer a consistent nectar source to entice hummingbirds, complementing the desert shrubs’ role in nourishing these tiny birds.
Some perennial blooms that attract hummingbirds in the Southwest include the following:
| Plant Name | Bloom Color |
|---|---|
| Penstemon | Red, Pink, Purple |
| Agastache | Orange, Pink, Purple |
| Salvia | Red, Pink, Purple |
These perennial blooms provide a reliable and vibrant source of nectar for hummingbirds throughout the blooming season.
Their long-lasting nature ensures a continuous supply of nectar, making them an essential addition to any garden aiming to attract and support hummingbirds.
By incorporating these perennial blooms into their landscape, individuals can create an inviting environment for these delightful and fascinating birds.
Annuals That Hummingbirds Love
Continuing the discussion from the previous subtopic, numerous annuals in the Southwest serve as beloved nectar sources for hummingbirds. These annuals not only add vibrant colors to the landscape but also attract these delightful birds with their abundant nectar.
Here are some annuals that hummingbirds love:
- Salvia: With its tubular, nectar-filled flowers, salvia is a favorite of hummingbirds. Its long blooming period provides a consistent food source for these birds.
- Zinnia: These colorful flowers produce an abundance of nectar, making them a popular choice for hummingbirds. Their open, daisy-like blooms are easily accessible for these tiny birds.
- Lantana: Lantana’s clusters of small, brightly colored flowers are a magnet for hummingbirds. Their sweet nectar and extended blooming season make them a valuable addition to any hummingbird garden.
Conclusion
If one wishes to attract hummingbirds to their garden, they should consider planting native flowering perennials and annuals. Of course, if one prefers to keep their garden as barren as a desert, they can always opt for desert shrubs.
After all, who needs the beauty of blooming flowers when hummingbirds can feast on the stark beauty of desert shrubs? It’s a win-win for both the garden and the hummingbirds.
