Hummingbirds are Here!

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Created: Friday, 25 May 2018 09:53

Despite being the smallest birds on earth, hummingbirds expend so much energy flapping their wings that they must eat at least half their body weight each day to replace the calories they burn. Most birds visit nearly one thousand flowers every day to meet their nectar needs. Although feeders will bring some birds to your yard, you will attract even more birds when your feeder is accompanied by nectar-rich flowers. If you plant the right ones, your flowers are sure to entice those hungry little birds to your garden all summer long.

A quick rule-of-thumb when shopping to attract hummingbirds is to choose tubular flowers which hold lots of nectar, in shades of red or orange. Hummingbirds have a weak sense of smell, so they rely greatly on their sense of sight when feeding on flowers. It is important to choose bright plants that will stand out to birds flitting by. If you are planting in an area with full sun, consider the Garden Phlox or Daylilies. Coral Bells are a beautiful option in shady spaces. For smaller spots in need of a pop of color, a Hibiscus plant will do the trick. If you need a plant to fill your perennial bed, Bee Balm is the perfect fix, growing up to 4 feet tall.

When planting your new flowers, be sure to leave space for hummingbirds to hover and move between flowers. Hummingbirds also love water, especially when it is continuously moving. A small concrete fountain or birdbath is a great way to add some variety to your landscaping and attract even more hummingbirds. Also, don’t forget to buy at least one of the “Our Best” Hummingbird Feeders! Find everything you need to create a hummingbird paradise at your local Joe’s Market Basket store. Stores are located in Edwardsville, Godfrey, Troy, O’Fallon, and now St. Peters, Missouri or visit www.joesmarketbasket.com.