Draw Hummingbirds To Your Garden With One Fragrant Flower They Can't Resist

Hummingbirds are undoubtedly one of the most popular types of birds people try to lure to their yards and gardens. Sources of food are among the smart ways to draw more hummingbirds into your yard or garden, which is why you might already have a nectar feeder in place. Ideally, you'll also want to plant certain flowers in your yard to help provide natural sources of nectar as well. Geraniums, bee balm, trumpet vines, and cardinal flowers are often recommended for these tiny birds, but you're certainly not limited to these plants. Freesias (Freesia x hybrida) are yet another option that may help attract hummingbirds, and these flowers will also add a lovely fragrance to your garden when properly planted and cared for.

Freesias are native to South Africa, and they are known for their interesting finger-like stems that produce trumpet-shaped flowers. It just so happens that hummingbirds are drawn to flowers of this shape. Similar to tubular flowers, a hummingbird might possibly be able to access nectar in the flowers where other pollinators cannot easily reach, thanks to the bird's long tongue and bill. With that said, hummingbirds aren't the only pollinating species that may be attracted to freesias. It just so happens that the flowers may attract a variety of other local pollinators, such as butterflies and bees. While hummingbirds are attracted to the nectar freesia flowers provide, another added benefit of planting these in a home garden is their wonderful fragrance. You may even find that each color has its own scent, which can provide even more variety to your outdoor spaces.

If you want to draw hummingbirds to your yard with freesias, the first thing you'll want to consider is color. Freesias are available in numerous colors that can make any garden pop. With that said, you might choose red cultivars, if possible, as this is the one color that can invite more hummingbirds to your garden. This is due to the fact that hummingbirds are more likely to see the color red, thanks to their unique sense of color. Orange and yellow freesias may also capture a hummingbird's attention. On the flipside, their eyesight might mute their ability to see blues, so you might reconsider planting freesias in this color family if you're specifically wanting to attract hummingbirds.

Overall, freesias are considered easy to grow, and they're also not toxic to any pets you might have. To ensure blooms are ready in time for hummingbird season, you may consider planting corms in early spring, similar to other bulbs you should be planting in your garden during spring. The flowering plants do best in areas of a garden that get full sun, and they need well-draining soil in order to thrive, too. Water regularly during growing periods to ensure flowers for hummingbirds and other pollinators, but hold back on watering during dormancy.

While technically perennials, freesias are often planted as annuals in certain climates because of the plant's need for cooler temperatures year-round. At the same time, freesias can sustain frost injuries if temperatures drop below 25 degrees Fahrenheit. If you do plant freesia as a perennial, know that it is considered hardy in USDA zones 9 to 10.