Lantanas are a great plant to consider if you’re looking to attract hummingbirds to your yard. These beautiful flowers come in various colors and can thrive in many climates.
Plus, they’re relatively easy to care for – making them an excellent option for beginner and experienced gardeners. Read on to learn why lantanas are popular for those wanting to attract these little feathered friends.
What Are Lantanas and What Do They Look Like
Lantanas are a type of flowering plant that is native to the Americas. They are part of the Verbenaceae family, which includes many other well-known plants, such as verbenas and teak trees.
Lantanas are herbaceous plants, meaning that they have no woody stems. They are also perennial, meaning they can live for more than two years. Most lantanas are shrubs, but some can grow to be small trees. They have opposite leaves and produce clusters of colorful flowers.
The flowers are typically yellow, orange, or red and have a spicy fragrance. Lantanas are popular garden plants because they are drought-tolerant and attractive to butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
Do Lantanas Attract Hummingbirds?
Yes, lantanas attract hummingbirds. Lantanas are a genus of perennial flowering plants native to the Americas. They are known for their brightly colored flowers, which attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Hummingbirds are also drawn to lantanas, making them popular for bird gardens. In addition to providing nectar for hummingbirds, lantanas also offer shelter and perching spots. The dense foliage of some lantana species can create a microclimate ideal for these tiny birds.
Why Are They a Popular Choice for Attracting Hummingbirds?
Lantanas are a popular choice for attracting hummingbirds for several reasons. First and foremost, the flowers produce sweet nectar that these birds love to eat.
In addition, lantanas have an enticing aroma that attracts hummingbirds from far and wide. The flowers also come in various vivid colors, making them especially attractive to these colorful birds.
Finally, the general shape of the lantana flower is perfect for hummingbirds to feed from. All these factors combine to make lantanas one of the most popular for attracting these beautiful creatures.
How Do You Care for Lantanas To Ensure That They Attract Hummingbirds?
To ensure that your lantanas thrive and attract these fascinating creatures, you need to follow a few simple steps. First, make sure that they receive enough sunlight throughout the day. When they first get planted, lantanas must be placed in well-draining soil and given plenty of water.
Once they have established themselves, you can reduce watering to once a week or as necessary. Then, before it gets too hot in the spring, please give them a good pruning.
Are There Any Other Plants That Can Be Used To Attract Hummingbirds?
While there are many plants that hummingbirds are attracted to, foxgloves and hollyhocks, columbines, daylilies, and bee balms are some of the best. All these plants produce nectar rich in sugar, and they also have bright flowers that catch the eye of these little birds.
In addition, they are all relatively easy to grow, making them an ideal choice for those who want to attract hummingbirds to their garden.
Conclusion
If you want to add a little color and excitement to your garden, consider planting some lantanas. Not only will you enjoy their beauty, but you’ll also watch the hummingbirds buzz around them in search of sweet nectar. What’s not to love?