Not Coral Bells: The Funky Annual Flower That Hummingbirds Can't Resist

If you're looking to add a bright pink flower to draw more hummingbirds into your garden, coral bells (Heuchera spp.) are likely on your list. After all, these showy perennials are known for attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. However, if you're looking for a different option that isn't quite so common — or if you're more interested in an annual flower versus a perennial — then you may instead wish to try your hand with this eye-catching, unique pick.

The 'Funky Pink' begonia cultivar (Begonia 'Funky Pink') is a show-stoppingly vibrant pink hybrid begonia that hummingbirds and butterflies absolutely adore. It's compact enough to do well in containers and can be readily added as a filler flower to take up space while still pulling double-duty as a hummingbird magnet. You can also start this begonia hybrid from seed indoors in late winter, with those showy flowers coming into bloom after around four months and offering a long bloom season, giving you ample time to enjoy the hummingbirds this plant can attract before it fades. Since it is only hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 10 and 11, it's typically grown as an annual.

Overall, begonias are considered easy-to-grow options, which makes them a good plant for beginning gardeners. However, 'Funky Pink' begonias are medium- to high-maintenance flowers that do best when given specific care, and if your goal is to attract as many hummingbirds as possible, then you'll want to optimize your care routine to boost blooms and keep this plant producing the nectar-filled flowers your feathered friends can't get enough of.

On the bright side, while their status as an annual means that you will only get to enjoy 'Funky Pink' begonias in your garden for a single year unless you replant them (you can store the tubers indoors for the winter), that does mean you don't need to worry about winter hardiness. However, one important thing to keep in mind is sunlight. These begonias grow best when they are offered partial shade. Too much sun or shade could reduce those bountiful blooms that draw hummingbirds in, so choose a location that stays bright without being in full sun all day long, such as an east-facing garden bed. Around four to six hours of sunlight each day is enough for this plant.

For day-to-day care, you'll want to focus on watering and fertilization. These begonias like soil that's kept moist without being waterlogged or soggy. As a result, you should water consistently to avoid leaving these vibrant flowers to suffer through drought conditions, but ensure that the soil is very well-draining. Meanwhile, fertilization during the growing period is an essential part of encouraging as many blooms as possible. For many plants, pinching may be required for the most optimal flowering. However, you won't need to pinch these begonias except to help shape them; they only grow up to 1 foot tall. This helps make them a bit more low-maintenance while also keeping your hummingbird haven in bloom.