How to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Garden

Hummingbirds are a delight to watch, and attracting them to your garden requires a combination of nectar-rich plants, feeders, and suitable habitat. Here are some essential tips to create a hummingbird-friendly garden.

1. Plant a Hummingbird-Friendly Garden

One of the best ways to attract hummingbirds is by planting native, nectar-rich flowers. Hummingbirds are particularly drawn to tubular, brightly colored flowers, especially in shades of red, orange, and pink. Some excellent choices for Northern Illinois gardens include:

Bee Balm (Monarda) – A top favorite with bright red, pink, or purple blooms.
Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) – Produces striking red flowers that hummingbirds
love.
Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) – Native red and yellow flowers that bloom in spring.
Salvia (Salvia spp.) – Various perennial species provide long-lasting blooms in red and purple shades. Annual Salvia come in shades of red, orange, pink and purple.
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) – Tall spikes of tubular flowers that are a hummingbird magnet.
Scentsation Honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum) – A very showy vine with extremely fragrant yellow flowers blooms from mid-spring to late summer, followed by bright red berries.
Phlox (Phlox paniculata) – Fragrant, showy blooms in summer that attract hummingbirds.

2. Provide Feeders

Supplement natural nectar sources by placing hummingbird feeders filled with a simple sugar-water solution (1 part white sugar to 4 parts water, boiled and cooled). Keep feeders clean and change the nectar every few days to prevent mold and fermentation.

3. Create a Water Source

Hummingbirds enjoy shallow water sources like misters, drippers, or small fountains. Providing a gentle water feature can make your garden even more inviting.

4. Offer Shelter and Perches

Hummingbirds need places to rest and take cover from predators. Planting shrubs, small trees, and vines offers natural shelter. Adding small perches like thin branches or trellises gives them a place to rest between feeding sessions.

5. Avoid Pesticides

Using pesticides can harm hummingbirds directly or reduce the number of insects they feed on. Encourage a natural ecosystem by avoiding chemical treatments in your garden.

Conclusion

By planting nectar-rich flowers, providing feeders, ensuring a water source, and creating a safe habitat, you can successfully attract and support hummingbirds in your Northern Illinois garden. With the right setup, you’ll enjoy these tiny, energetic visitors throughout the warmer months!