Plant A Low-Maintenance Potted Herb To Attract Hummingbirds To Your Yard

If you're like many bird lovers, hummingbirds may be your favorite species. It's hard to resist wanting to watch these cute and tiny birds, but the key is to be able to attract them to your yard in the first place. Hummingbirds appreciate a variety of nectar-producing flowers, with bee balm, cardinal flower, red columbine, and zinnias among the list of their known favorites. The possibilities can seem endless, as there are numerous flowers that can transform your space into a hummingbird heaven. Still, it can be overwhelming to plant new flowers to attract hummingbirds, especially since some plants need more care than others. If you need something a little more low-maintenance and still want to support your hummingbird friends, you should consider the benefits of hummingbird mint (Agastache).

Hummingbird mint is an herbaceous perennial known for its tall spikes of tubular flowers that can vary between white, red, purple, and blue. Not only are these plants native, but they also attract a variety of pollinators, too. These, of course, include hummingbirds, who may be able to easily spot the flower spikes while zipping by, and then possibly stop to take a quick sip of nectar. As a bonus, hummingbird mint is considered resistant to rabbits and deer, and you can expect the plant to flower throughout the summer and fall months to support hummingbirds before they migrate south for the winter. Easy to grow herbs that can take the heat like hummingbird mint can make it possible to help support hummingbirds, even if you don't have a lot of time or experience in the garden.

Potted hummingbird mint can arguably be considered a win-win for gardeners who want plants with less maintenance, as well as for the hummingbirds that may benefit from the flowers. Be sure to select pots that are at least 12 inches wide and have holes for drainage. These perennials are considered hardy in zones 5 to 10, and the plants can also withstand drought and heat. The key is to use good-draining loamy soil in your containers, and to place the potted hummingbird mint in areas where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Unlike established ground plants that need small amounts of water just once a week, potted hummingbird mint may need watering every other day. Aside from these basic requirements, hummingbird mint may need light pruning of its leaves and flower stems by early spring to encourage more growth during the blooming season.

Not only might hummingbird mint help to attract hummingbirds to your yard without a lot of work, but there are other benefits to this herbaceous plant you might appreciate as well. The spiky flowers can add some visual interest to any yard, all while providing fragrance, too. While hummingbird mint is said to primarily attract hummingbirds, the plant may also support other important pollinating species such as butterflies and bees. Patience is key, though, as hummingbird mint is said to have a medium growth rate. Aside from potted plants, you'll want to know other essential features for attracting hummingbirds to your garden, like providing feeders and birdbaths.