If you’re a fan of hummingbirds and impatiens, you may be wondering whether these tiny birds are attracted to this popular flowering plant. Impatiens, also known as busy Lizzies, are a common choice for gardeners due to their bright colors and ability to thrive in shady areas. But do hummingbirds like impatiens? The answer is yes, but there are a few things you should know before planting them in your garden.
Hummingbirds are attracted to flowers that are rich in nectar, and impatiens are no exception. In fact, impatiens produce a lot of nectar, making them a popular choice for hummingbirds. However, it’s important to note that not all impatiens are created equal when it comes to attracting hummingbirds. Some varieties, such as double-flowered impatiens, may produce less nectar and therefore be less attractive to hummingbirds. Additionally, the color of the flowers can also play a role in attracting hummingbirds.
To ensure that your impatiens are as attractive as possible to hummingbirds, it’s important to plant and care for them properly. This includes planting them in a location that receives partial shade, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged, and fertilizing them regularly. By following these simple tips, you can create a garden that is not only beautiful but also attracts these fascinating birds.
Key Takeaways
- Hummingbirds are attracted to the nectar produced by impatiens, but some varieties may be more attractive than others.
- Proper planting and care, including partial shade and regular fertilization, can help ensure that your impatiens are as attractive as possible to hummingbirds.
- There are many other nectar-rich flowers that can also attract hummingbirds to your garden.
Hummingbirds and Impatiens
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If you are a hummingbird enthusiast and enjoy gardening, you might be wondering if hummingbirds like impatiens. The answer is yes, hummingbirds are attracted to impatiens.
Impatiens are a popular choice among gardeners due to their vibrant colors and ability to thrive in shady areas. Hummingbirds are attracted to the sweet nectar produced by the flowers of impatiens.
Impatiens come in a variety of colors, including red, white, orange, pink, and purple. Hummingbirds are particularly drawn to red flowers, as they associate the color with nectar-rich tubular flowers, which are their preferred food source. However, hummingbirds will also visit other colors of impatiens if they are in the area.
There are several types of impatiens, including Impatiens walleriana, New Guinea impatiens, Impatiens hawkeri, Impatiens capensis, and Impatiens pallida. All of these types produce nectar, making them attractive to hummingbirds.
If you want to attract more hummingbirds to your garden, you can also plant other nectar-rich flowers such as cardinal flowers, salvias, and zinnias. This will provide a variety of food sources for hummingbirds and help to attract them to your garden.
Planting and Caring for Impatiens
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Impatiens are a popular choice among gardeners for their easy-to-grow nature and minimal maintenance requirements. They are an annual plant that can be planted in borders, beds, containers, and baskets. Impatiens come in a variety of cultivars, including compact and shrub-like varieties.
When planting impatiens, it is important to choose a location that receives partial shade to full shade. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and will benefit from regular watering during dry spells. Impatiens are also sensitive to frost and should be planted after the last frost date in your area.
To promote healthy growth and flowering, fertilize your impatiens every two to three weeks with a balanced fertilizer. Deadheading spent flowers will also encourage new growth and prolong the blooming period.
Impatiens are known for their colorful and vibrant flowers, but their leaves can also add interest to your garden. The leaves come in a variety of shapes and colors, from green to variegated.
Overall, impatiens are an excellent choice for gardeners looking for an easy-to-grow annual with beautiful flowers and minimal maintenance requirements. With proper planting and care, your impatiens will thrive and add a pop of color to your garden.
Attracting Hummingbirds to Your Garden
If you want to attract hummingbirds to your garden, there are a few things you can do to make your backyard more inviting. Hummingbirds are attracted to brightly colored flowers, especially those that are red, orange, or pink. Impatiens are a great choice for attracting hummingbirds because they produce bright, colorful blooms that are perfect for these tiny birds.
When planting impatiens in your garden, make sure to choose a location that receives plenty of sunlight. Hummingbirds love to bask in the sun, so a spot that gets full sun for most of the day is ideal. However, if you live in a hot climate, you may want to provide some shade for the birds to cool off in.
In addition to planting impatiens, you can also attract hummingbirds to your garden by setting up hummingbird feeders. These feeders provide a source of nectar that hummingbirds can drink from, and they are especially helpful during times when flowers are not in bloom. When setting up a hummingbird feeder, make sure to place it in a location that is sheltered from the wind and rain.
Creating a hummingbird-friendly environment in your backyard is not difficult, but it does require some planning. By planting impatiens, providing plenty of sunlight, and setting up hummingbird feeders, you can attract these beautiful birds to your garden and enjoy their company all season long.
Other Nectar-Rich Flowers for Hummingbirds
While impatiens are a popular choice for attracting hummingbirds, there are many other nectar-rich flowers that can also do the trick. Here are some of the best options:
- Salvia: This native plant produces bright spikes of flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, and red that hummingbirds love.
- Bee Balm: Also known as Monarda, this plant has colorful flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. It grows well in partial shade.
- Petunia: These colorful flowers are easy to grow and come in a wide range of shades. They are a good choice for hanging baskets and window boxes.
- Lupines: These tall, spiky flowers come in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white and are a favorite of hummingbirds.
- Hollyhocks: These tall, showy flowers come in a range of bright colors and are a great option for adding vertical interest to your garden.
- Cardinal Flower: This native plant produces bright red flowers that are a favorite of hummingbirds. It grows well in moist soil and partial shade.
- Honeysuckle: This vine produces fragrant flowers that hummingbirds love. It can be invasive, so be sure to choose a non-invasive variety.
- Butterfly Bush: This shrub produces long spikes of flowers in shades of purple, pink, white, and yellow that attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
- Fuchsia: These exotic-looking flowers come in shades of pink, purple, and red and are a favorite of hummingbirds.
- Foxgloves: These tall, spiky flowers come in shades of pink, purple, and white and are a favorite of hummingbirds and bees.
- Lantana: This colorful plant produces clusters of flowers in shades of red, orange, pink, and yellow that hummingbirds love.
- Cleome: This tall, spiky plant produces clusters of flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white that attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
- Coral Bells: This plant produces spikes of small, bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, and white that hummingbirds love.
- Ground Cover: Orange Jewelweed and Yellow Jewelweed are both great options for ground cover that hummingbirds love.
When choosing nectar-rich flowers for your garden, it’s important to consider the growing season and whether the plant is native to your area. By planting a variety of flowers in different colors and shapes, you can attract hummingbirds to your garden all season long.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some plants that attract hummingbirds and butterflies?
Hummingbirds and butterflies are attracted to brightly colored flowers that produce nectar. Some common plants that attract both hummingbirds and butterflies include bee balm, salvia, and zinnias.
What are some full sun annuals that attract hummingbirds?
If you have a sunny garden, you may want to consider planting sun-loving annuals that attract hummingbirds. Some popular options include petunias, marigolds, and snapdragons.
What are some shade annuals that attract hummingbirds?
If you have a shady garden, there are still plenty of options for attracting hummingbirds. Shade-loving annuals that are known to attract hummingbirds include impatiens, fuchsia, and begonias.
What is the best hanging plant to attract hummingbirds?
Hanging baskets are a great way to attract hummingbirds to your garden. Some of the best hanging plants for hummingbirds include petunias, fuchsia, and trailing lobelia.
What is a hummingbird’s favorite annual flower?
Hummingbirds have a strong preference for flowers that produce red, orange, and pink blooms. Some of their favorite annual flowers include petunias, impatiens, and fuchsia.
What potted plants do hummingbirds like?
If you don’t have a garden, you can still attract hummingbirds by placing potted plants on your balcony or patio. Some of the best potted plants for hummingbirds include petunias, fuchsia, and geraniums.