The vibrant hues and appealing forms of hibiscus blossoms serve as a potent allure for hummingbirds, who are also drawn to the flowers’ abundant, energy-dense nectar. Select from a variety of hibiscus, including tropical, woodsy shrubs, or native perennials, to find the perfect fit for your local climate and available space. All are equally enticing to these avian gems. To maximize the appeal of your hibiscus, choose a planting spot where you can easily appreciate them, steer clear of pesticides, and have patience—eventually, the hummingbirds will discover your floral oasis.
Keen to see more of these tiny birds flitting about your yard this summer? Cultivate hibiscus plants, with their large, enduring flowers that act as a magnet for hummingbirds. Available in a variety that suits nearly any garden, from tropical varieties to robust native perennials, hibiscus can enhance any green space. Heed the advice of Melinda Myers, gardening expert and host of “How to Grow Anything” from The Great Courses, to make your hibiscus garden a haven that supports and attracts these energetic birds.
Hummingbirds, with their intense metabolism, are constantly seeking flowers that offer a high nectar yield, and hibiscus, with their typical red, tubular blooms, often fit the bill. Myers explains that while color and shape do play a role, it’s the high-energy content of the nectar that truly entices these birds.
Hibiscus plants come in a array of types, from native perennials to tropical annuals, and are adaptable to a range of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade, according to Myers.
Tropical hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) is cherished for its vivid colors and continuous bloom throughout the summer. In the warmer USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11, these can be planted directly into the ground as perennials, while in cooler zones, they are typically grown as annuals or kept in pots and brought indoors for the winter. Myers suggests a simple approach: leave the plant in its nursery pot and place it directly in your garden during the warmer months, moving it indoors before the first frost.
For those in cooler regions who wish to preserve their tropical hibiscus for the following season, Myers advises bringing the plant indoors for the winter and positioning it near a bright, sunny window. With adequate light, it may continue to flower. If a sunny spot isn’t available, allow the plant to enter a semi-dormant state by placing it in a cooler, dimly lit area and water it moderately to keep the roots from completely drying out.
Whether you’re overwintering your hibiscus or not, Myers suggests waiting until late winter to prune the plant, which will encourage new growth and prepare it for another season of abundant flowering.
Consider the Rose-of-Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus), a non-native woody shrub that can reach 8 to 12 feet tall and make a dramatic statement in your garden. Hardy in Zones 5-9, it may experience dieback during severe winters and is also a late bloomer in the spring, leading some gardeners to mistakenly assume it hasn’t survived. Myers cautions against digging up these plants too soon, as they may simply be slow to leaf out. Once established, they require minimal care and are a reliable attractor for hummingbirds. She notes that newer cultivars of Rose-of-Sharon have lower seed production, making them more garden-friendly.
Both hardy hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos) and scarlet rose mallow (Hibiscus coccineus) are native perennials that provide stunning blooms and ecological benefits,吸引inghummingbirds and other pollinators in Zones 4-9. These hibiscus types prefer moist soil but are surprisingly resilient once established and can grow to a height of 3 to 5 feet, making them perfect for the back of a garden bed.
Similar to Rose-of-Sharon, native hibiscus species emerge late in the spring, and Myers suggests leaving their dried stalks through the winter to help mark their location and avoid accidental removal during spring cleaning.
To fully enjoy the presence of hummingbirds, consider planting some hibiscus near windows, decks, or patios. If space is limited, containers can be just as effective. Myers herself enjoys keeping pots of hummingbird-friendly plants where she can see them from her patio or inside her home.
To entice hummingbirds to these viewing areas, Myers recommends clustering several nectar-rich plants together to create a feeding station and adding a shallow birdbath with gentle slopes for them to drink from. Moving water from a mister or small fountain is even more appealing to these birds, who may zip right through the mist.
Creating a yard that’s welcoming to hummingbirds involves more than selecting the right flowers; it means avoiding the use of pesticides. These chemicals, even those labeled “organic,” can harm more than just the targeted pests, as they remain on leaves and flowers and can expose hummingbirds to danger when they feed or rest. Pesticides also kill the insects hummingbirds feed on, which are crucial to their diet, especially during nesting season.
If pest control is necessary, Myers suggests using targeted methods like horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps, applied with care. Sometimes, manually removing pests or living with a bit of damage is the most wildlife-friendly approach.
Ultimately, incorporating hibiscus into your outdoor space adds a splash of color and invites wildlife to visit. If you plant hibiscus and other hummingbird-friendly flowers and don’t immediately see the desired avian guests, don’t lose heart.
“Persevere even if your beautiful hummingbird garden remains undiscovered the first year,” encourages Myers. “They will eventually find their way to you.” In the meantime, you can appreciate the blooms and the array of other pollinators that will grace your yard.
