Hanging Plants for Hummingbirds in California

Begonia

• The colorful flowers of the begonia stand out in shady locations. The plants are available in a wide range of colors, including pink, red, yellow, orange, and white. Avoid digging around a begonia's root system since the roots are easily damaged. Water the plants as soon as they start to feel dry.

Petunia

• Old-fashioned favorites in California and other states, petunias come in hundreds of colors. Spreading petunias work best in hanging baskets since the 1 to 3-foot stems trail down the sides of the basket. Petunias grow best in sunny, warm places. Plan to water them every day during the warmest part of the summer. Pluck dead blooms as soon as they fade to encourage new flowers.

Nasturtium

• The colorful blooms of the old-fashioned nasturtium attract hummingbirds in California gardens. The plants prefer full sun, but also grow in partial shade. Since nasturtiums do not grow well after moving the plant from one container to another, plant the entire peat pot the transplant comes in. Water nasturtiums when the soil starts to feel dry. Avoid over-fertilizing nasturtiums since this creates lush foliage but few blooms.

California Fuchsia

• California fuchsia features reddish-orange blooms that strongly attract hummingbirds. A native that grows in California, the plant produces gray foliage and long, bell-shaped flowers full of nectar. The plant, which grows to about a foot long, work well along the coast since they tolerate salty, moist air. On hot summer days further inland, water the plant as soon as the soil starts to feel dry.

Salvia Celestial Blue

• This plant, also known as purple sage, can grow up to 2 feet tall. It produces purplish-blue flowers that hummingbirds find highly appetizing. The plant tolerates extreme heat, making it ideal for California gardens further inland.

California Indian Pink

• Add California Indian pink to a hanging basket when you want to fill a shady spot with a hummingbird attractant. The plant produces bright red flowers that bloom in the spring. Plan on adding a stake to help support the plant. California Indian pink thrives in dry summer weather, but it needs water once it starts to feel dry.