How To Turn Your Tiny Balcony Into A Hummingbird Oasis

Did you know that you can turn your very own balcony into a veritable oasis for hummingbirds? Indeed, while a small patio or apartment balcony might not seem like the kind of space that could draw a lot of hummingbird activity, you absolutely can turn it into hummingbirds' favorite pit stop with the right combination of colorful blooms, feeders, and a garden-like layout with multiple levels. That's because these tiny aviators look for reliable nectar sources, cozy perching spots, and the one color that will instantly invite more hummingbirds to your garden: red.

You'll likely be surprised by how a few well-chosen plants can bring hummingbirds to an urban space. Go for bright, tubular flowers like salvias, petunias, and four o'clocks, which are all perfect starters because their shapes fit hummingbirds' beaks. You don't have to solely stick to red flowers. Four o'clocks, the sweet pink plant that'll make your container garden a hummingbird hotspot, are both vibrant and container-friendly, which is especially ideal if you're tight on patio space. They even open later in the afternoon to keep nectar flowing when some other plants are winding down. Mix in a few native, low-maintenance flower varieties to keep things simple and sustainable. Be sure to consult a local native plant guide for ideas. 

Arrange the pots in layers, with taller ones in the back and smaller ones at the front, to mimic a garden feel for your hummingbirds to thrive. This setup gives the hummingbirds options, whether they're hovering or perching, making your balcony feel more like a wildlife lounge. Next, you can move on to adding feeders, perches, and water sources.

Continuing with your hummingbird oasis, place a feeder in a spot where hummingbirds flying by can easily spot it. Consider hanging another one at a slightly different height, to offer options and mimic the natural spread of flowers. You can scatter thin branches or wooden skewers among the pots to create perches, a useful extra garden feature for hummingbirds that allows them to rest between feedings. Keep feeders away from windows or add stickers or decals to the glass to prevent any unwanted collisions.

Make sure to clean feeders regularly and refill with fresh nectar, as often as daily in very hot weather. Stay away from any added dyes, honey, or artificial sweeteners for the birds' health. Add a shallow dish, mister, or small fountain to your patio as well so the birds can bathe. You should also adapt your container plantings to the amount of sun your balcony gets. Shade-friendly mixes will continue to provide nectar, even without full sun, and these selections can still supply tubular blooms and color. 

With routine cleaning and thoughtful plant pairings, a tiny balcony becomes a reliable hummingbird stop. You can start with just one feeder and a couple of plant pots, then scale up as you learn what the birds prefer. With a little planning, your hummingbird haven will be booming in no time.