10 Herbs for Hummingbirds

Creating a garden that attracts hummingbirds is a delightful way to enjoy wildlife and contribute to the conservation of these charming birds. Hummingbirds are attracted to gardens that provide them with nectar, shelter, and breeding opportunities. I

ncorporating specific herbs into your garden can make it an irresistible haven for hummingbirds. Here are ten herbs that are known to attract hummingbirds, thanks to their vibrant flowers and nectar-rich blooms.

1. Bee Balm (Monarda)

Bee Balm is a favorite among hummingbirds due to its bright, tubular flowers, which come in shades of red, pink, purple, and white. This herb is easy to grow and thrives in full sun to partial shade. Its fragrant leaves can also be used to make tea.

2. Agastache (Anise Hyssop)

Agastache, or Anise Hyssop, produces spikes of purple, pink, or orange flowers that are rich in nectar. This herb prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Its leaves have a sweet, anise-like scent, making it a great addition to the garden for both hummingbirds and humans.

3. Salvia (Sage)

Salvias offer a wide range of colors, including blue, red, pink, and white. These flowers are nectar-rich, making them perfect for attracting hummingbirds.

Salvia thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and there are varieties that bloom from spring to fall, providing a long season of interest.

4. Lavender

Lavender’s fragrant, purple spikes are not only beloved by humans but also by hummingbirds. This herb requires full sun and well-drained soil. It’s drought-tolerant once established, making it a low-maintenance option for a hummingbird garden.

5. Fuchsia

Although technically not an herb, many gardeners include Fuchsia in their herb gardens for its beautiful, pendulous flowers that are magnets for hummingbirds. Fuchsia thrives in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.

6. Catmint (Nepeta)

Catmint produces clusters of lavender-blue flowers that are highly attractive to hummingbirds. This herb is easy to grow, drought-tolerant, and prefers full sun to partial shade. It’s also a great way to add a splash of color to the garden.

7. Borage

Borage is known for its striking blue flowers that attract both bees and hummingbirds. This herb prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Borage is easy to grow and can even be used as a culinary herb, with both flowers and leaves edible.

8. Yarrow (Achillea)

Yarrow produces clusters of small, tightly-packed flowers in shades of yellow, red, pink, and white. This herb is drought-tolerant, easy to grow, and thrives in full sun. Its flat-topped flowers are perfect for hummingbirds to feed on.

9. Zinnia

While not traditionally considered an herb, Zinnias are often included in herb gardens for their vibrant, nectar-rich flowers. They come in a wide range of colors and sizes, making them versatile for any garden. Zinnias prefer full sun and well-drained soil.

10. Mint

Mint varieties, with their fragrant leaves and small, tubular flowers, are attractive to hummingbirds. Be careful, though, as mint can be invasive. Planting it in containers can help keep it under control while still providing benefits to hummingbirds.

Conclusion

Incorporating these herbs into your garden will not only provide a beautiful and aromatic space but also a haven for hummingbirds. By choosing plants with different blooming times, you can ensure a continuous supply of nectar throughout the growing season.

Remember to provide a source of water and avoid the use of pesticides to keep your garden safe for hummingbirds. With a little planning and care, your herb garden can become a bustling hub of hummingbird activity.