Attracting Hummingbirds In Your Desert Garden

11.15.2010 - Hummingbirds are everywhere in the desert and nothing will bring them to your garden faster than supplying some sweet nectar.

Hummingbirds are attracted to several kinds of desert plants, including penstemmon, salvia and flowering aloes. Rather than putting an artificial bird feeder in your yard, plant a few natural feeders such as trumpet vines, baja fairy dusters and hesperaloe. I have even found hummingbirds checking out my lantana. They like to feed on border plants, where there is room for a quick exit.

Hummingbirds are somewhat attracted to color, but it's not as much as people think. They will feed on white, pink, orange, red or even blue flowers. Red flowers might initially attract the hummingbirds, but once they settle in your garden they will feed on anything with good nectar.

Most hummingbirds, with the exception of a couple like the Costas head to Mexico for the winter. You'll see them emerge in the spring, along with the timing of your flowers.

Enjoy the world's tiniest bird in your own backyard by planting a few of their favorite foods!