Hummingbird Garden
Hummingbirds are one of my favorite magical creatures to find in my garden. They are so swift and elusive it feels like a gift each time I find one and they are so spectacular to see drinking from a flower. We also happen to have the same favorite color which is red. They are attracted to flowers by color which is why artificial food is red. That being said, there is a huge advantage to adding these plants to your garden space. Long tubular orange and red flowers are a sure invitation for hummingbirds throughout the season.
Firecracker fern ,full to part sun, 2.5 x 2.5 ‘deer resistant , low water. Semi evergreen zones 8-11
Red Prince Weigela 6×6 full to part sun. Semi evergreen
Mexican Bush Sage, 5×5′ full to part sun, deer resistant and low water. Deciduous, Zones 8-10. Though it’s not red, it is tubular and these types of flowers hold the most nectar. Hummingbirds are high energy and they need the most food they can get from each flower.
Aloe Vera 2 x 2 full to part sun, low water, deer resistant except flowers. Evergreen
FIre Bush 5 x 5 part sun. Deciduous
Pineapple Sage, 3×3 ‘ full to part sun, annual will reseed.
Texas Star Hibiscus, a Texas star indeed ,medium water full to part sun, deciduous
Fireman’s Cap / Helmet Coral Bean-Full Sun 10 x 10 full sun, low water, deer resistant. Deciduous
Of all the birds that have visited our gardens, I still get excited every time a hummingbird graces us with its presence. We have some amazing hummingbird species in Austin and the surrounding area. Because they are so quick and fleeting, you really have to position yourself to be in the right place at the right time to see them at work, but you can create a perfect space that attracts them to make the sightings more common. Be sure to place seating areas throughout your space so you have different vantage points throughout the year. Here is a guide to central Texas hummingbirds.
Tropical Sage, 2 x 2′ sun to shade, low water, reseeds readily. Deciduous
Pink Salvia is the most common, bright pink and a great hummingbird and butterfly attraction. 3×3′ full sun, deer resistant, low water. Evergreen. There is also a beautiful red called Furmans red, Hotlips which is red and white and a lavender and white variety that are not quite as hardy as the red and pink, but worth the effort if you find the right spot.
Mexican Oregano 3×3′ low water, deer resistant, full to part sun. Evergreen
Yellow Bells Esperanza-beautiful and drought tolerant, full sun 8×6′ . Deciduous
Lily’s of all kinds are also great for hummingbirds be there are many to choose from. So for the next spring or faIl season add some of these beautiful plants to the landscape or pots close to a window or patio where you can enjoy the view and the hummingbirds too.
If you are in Austin or the surrounding area and would like a landscape design or educational consultation to include theses and many more beautiful native and adapted plants, shrubs and tree to your landscape, call me at+15127337777 or email me at lisalapaso@gmail.com.
Lisa LaPaso
Lisa’s Landscape & Design
“Saving the Planet One Yard at a Time”