Hummingbirds are the smallest and most fascinating of birds. With their iridescent feathers and impressive flying abilities, they have captivated humans for centuries. Their natural habitat is the forests of South and Central America, but they can also be seen in gardens all over the world. Hummingbirds are attracted to colorful flowers, so if you’re looking to attract these beautiful creatures to your garden, geraniums could be a solution. Let’s investigate answers to, “do hummingbirds like geraniums?”.
What Are Geraniums?
Geraniums are a type of flowering plant that comes in a variety of colors and sizes. They’re easy to care for, making them a popular choice for gardeners everywhere. In addition to their vibrant colors, geraniums are known for their strong scent which attracts hummingbirds. This makes them an ideal flower for attracting these wondrous birds.
Read more: Do Bats Drink From Hummingbird Feeders?
Do Hummingbirds Like Geraniums?
The short answer is yes! Hummingbirds love nectar-rich flowers like geraniums, as they provide them with a nutritious source of food that helps fuel their energy-demanding lifestyle. However, they have less nectar than some other flowers and the amount of nectar they contain is determined by the variety of geranium you choose to plant.
Learn more: How To Make A Hummingbird Feeder
A Guide To Choosing The Right Geraniums
Blog Introduction: Geraniums are a beautiful plant that can provide a ton of color and life to your garden. But with so many varieties, it can be hard to know which type of geranium is right for you and your garden. In this blog post, we’ll be exploring the different types of geraniums, their unique characteristics, and how to choose the best ones for you.
Types Of Geraniums
Zonal Geraniums
Zonal geraniums are one of the most popular types of geraniums and they come in a variety of colors. These plants have thick, waxy leaves that grow in circular patterns around the stem and their flowers can be single or double-petaled. They’re easy to care for and perfect for hanging baskets or planters.
Ivy Geraniums
Ivy geraniums have long, trailing stems which make them ideal for window boxes or containers where they can cascade over the edges. They produce small but vibrant flowers with five petals each and their foliage is glossy green. Ivy geraniums require more water than other types of geraniums so it’s important to keep
Annual Geraniums (Pelargonium)
If you are looking for a maximum color with minimal fuss, annual geraniums are a great choice! These colorful plants come in shades of red, pink, white, purple, and orange. Annual geraniums grow quickly during summer months and require full sun exposure with average water needs. They look especially stunning when planted in large groups or when used as a filler plant among other flowering plants.
Perennial Geranium (Geranium)
Perennial geraniums are another type of geranium that you may come across in your garden. Unlike the other types of geraniums, these have a low maintenance requirement and will often survive the winter months if they’re planted in well-draining soil. They have delicate foliage with small flowers that range in color from white to blue and pink.
Ivy Geranium (Pelargonium peltatum)
If you want to add some texture to your garden beds or containers then ivy geraniums are an excellent choice! These vining plants have thick leaves that resemble ivy clusters and they look great when grown up on walls or trellises. Ivy geraniums need lots of sunlight but prefer cooler temperatures so they do best if planted in partial shade during the hottest summer days.
The flowers come in various shades including pink, white and red but they tend to be smaller than other types of geraniums so they should not be expected as a primary source of color in your garden display.
Martha Washington Geraniums
Martha Washington geraniums are best known for their large flowers that come in bright blues, pinks, purples, and whites. These plants need full sun and well-drained soil to flourish; however, they do not require much water once established. Martha Washington geraniums make great container plants as they grow upright with little pruning required—just keep an eye out for any deadheading needs.
Choosing Hummingbird Feeders
Adding a hummingbird feeder to your garden can be a great way to attract and keep these beautiful creatures around. Hummingbird feeders often come in bright colors, which helps attract the birds. Place the feeder away from trees and other plants to ensure that it’s easy for the birds to reach.
Read more: Where Is The Best Place To Hang A Hummingbird Feeder?
Other Attractive Hummingbirds Plants
In addition to being attracted to geraniums, hummingbirds will also visit other types of flowers such as petunias and salvias that offer plenty of nectar as well as colorful blooms. These plants also tend to attract butterflies and bees during certain times of the year which can add even more color and life to your garden.
You might even consider planting fruit trees or shrubs such as raspberries or strawberries which can help create an inviting habitat for your feathered friends. Hummingbirds prefer bright flowers, fragrant flowers, colorful flowers, tubular flowers, and stunning flowers, so be sure to select varieties of these plants that will provide plenty of colors. Moist soil also helps to attract hummingbirds, so be sure to keep your garden watered regularly. Butterfly bush, cardinal flower, coral bells, bee balm, columbine, and trumpet vine are just a few of the many plants hummingbirds will visit.
Learn more: How To Open Hummingbird Feeder
Geraniums That Grow In The US
Geraniums are native to many parts of the United States, from desert areas in Arizona and New Mexico all the way up to wooded regions in Northern California. In general, geraniums prefer mild climates as they require plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures for optimal growth. Following are some of the geraniums that grow in the US;
- California Geranium (Erodium cicutarium)
- Hardy Cranesbill (Geranium macrorrhizum)
- Cut-Leaf Geranium (Pelargonium crispum)
- Bigroot Geranium (Geranium macrorrhizum)
- Wildflower Meadow Geranium (Geranium pratense)
- Storksbill Geranium (Erodium cicutarium)
- Silver Spurflower (Plectranthus argentatus).
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Conclusion
Geraniums are versatile and attractive flowering plants that can be used in many different ways to add beauty and color to any garden. They come in many varieties, each of which has unique characteristics that make them well-suited for certain climates or gardening styles.
Furthermore, geraniums also attract hummingbirds and other pollinators, making them an excellent choice for creating an inviting habitat that will help your garden thrive. With their ease of care and abundance of blooms, geraniums are sure to be a gardener’s delight.
