Hummingbirds are tiny, colorful birds that many people enjoy watching in their backyards. You don’t need a big garden or special feeders to attract them.
Surprisingly, one of the best ways to invite hummingbirds is by planting petunias, a common flower that blooms all summer and is easy to care for.
Jenny Rose Carey, a gardening expert and author, explains why hummingbirds love petunias. These birds are drawn to flowers that are bright, full of nectar, and shaped like tubes.
Petunias fit this description perfectly, making it easy for hummingbirds to reach the nectar inside. While many think red flowers attract hummingbirds best, Carey says they are flexible and will visit any tubular flower with nectar.
Her favorite petunia color for attracting hummingbirds is hot pink, which has enough red tones to catch their attention.
To make your garden a hummingbird hotspot, Carey suggests planting petunias in containers such as hanging baskets or window boxes. These are easy to water and place where hummingbirds can easily reach them.
Hanging baskets are especially good because they hang at the right height for hummingbirds to fly between flowers and nearby trees. It’s important to use pots with drainage holes to prevent root rot.
Petunias need at least four to six hours of sunlight daily, and more sun helps them grow better. Since they are sensitive to cold, plant them only after the last frost. Containers dry out quickly, so consistent watering is necessary.
Carey recommends using compost-rich soil and occasionally feeding the plants with a fertilizer that encourages flowers rather than leaves.
Unlike some flowers, petunias don’t need deadheading (removing old flowers) because they clean themselves. However, cutting back some stems helps keep the plants bushy and healthy.
To keep hummingbirds safe, avoid using pesticides or herbicides near your petunias, as chemicals can harm these delicate birds.
With their bright colors, long blooming season, and easy care, petunias are a simple way to enjoy watching hummingbirds all summer. Just plant a few, skip the chemicals, and relax while these tiny jewels visit your garden.
