There are lots of ways you can entice hummingbirds into your yard, from providing a source of energy in the form of homemade nectar to attracting hummingbirds with plants.
And while some of you in the warmer climates of the U.S. will benefit from seeing hummingbirds in your yards year-round, and will want to keep your hummingbird feeders out in winter, others will have to wait for spring to see these migratory birds appear once more.
While there are many flowers that will attract hummingbirds to your yard, there is one particular bloom that’s perfect for hanging baskets and will do the job best. So, while the hummingbirds will benefit from the food, you'll be able to enjoy watching these birds up close.
Attract hummingbirds with the 'Campfire Flame' Biden
Although hummingbirds usually flock to tubular-shaped blooms, Bidens provide these beautiful birds with the rich nectar and pollen they desire. While there are a few to choose from, the ‘Campfire Flame’ Biden is most loved by hummingbirds. It’s not difficult to see why they are attracted to the reddish-orange petals that radiate from the deep yellow centers — resembling a campfire.
What’s more, since the trailing varieties are planted in hanging baskets, it keeps predators at bay, encouraging the hummingbirds to come back for more.
Did you know?
Hummingbirds have a heightened sensitivity to colors in the red and yellow range, and it just so happens that red flowers are a rich source of food for hummingbirds. It’s also the reason why hummingbird feeders are bright red.
How to care for Bidens
The ‘Campfire Flame’ Biden is a long-flowering annual that’s best planted after the last frost. For optimal flowering, it’s best to plant where it can gain six hours of daily sunshine. Although they are drought-tolerant once established, they will benefit from regular watering, especially when grown in hanging baskets. An inch of water a week should be adequate.
However, avoid excessive fertilizing, as it can increase foliage while depleting blooms. It’s also good to know that these blooms are self-cleaning. This means they produce new flowers throughout their growing season, without you needing to deadhead the old ones, as the spent flowers drop off.
This low-maintenance flower will create a stunning hanging basket display, while attracting not only hummingbirds to your yard, but bees and butterflies too.
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