Dreaming of a fairytale-like home? Invite birds to your yard with these colorful flowers:
I love birds. And plants. And colorful flowers that attract birds. I hope you like this amazing combo too because in today’s article, I will share a couple of amazing tips on how to plant, take care of, and enjoy your Eden-like garden.
Don’t be worried about the maintenance since most of the plants here are super easy to take care of, even if you’re a beginner in this field because they don’t require artificial fertilizers or pesticides.
In addition to attracting birds like robins and bluebirds, these plants offer a stunning display of fruits, flowers, and fall foliage. But enough with the chit-chat; let’s get to work because we have a lot to discuss.
Trumpet honeysuckle
If you want to start planting some colorful flowers that will invite birds to your yard, I’d recommend choosing only the plants that can easily thrive in your garden conditions. In most cases, you can’t really fail on this if you choose native plants, which can offer both berries and flowers and a nice and cozy refuge for the birds.
However, because I don’t know where you are from, you will need to do the research on your own and see which plants are the best option according to the state you’re living in. Your yard will become more than simply a lovely place if you provide the birds with a one-stop shop for all of their nutritional needs.
For example, Trumpet honeysuckle is one of the plants easy to take care of because it’s not too demanding. It needs well-drained and moist soil and partial shade. Since it’s a climbing plant, it will be better if you plant it somewhere near a fence or a wall, depending on your space.
If you’ve never planted honeysuckle before, the simplest method is to start from seed. Just remove the seeds from the berries and plant them. When the plant is small, the red berries will be the main attraction for songbirds, and when it reaches maturity, the honeysuckle will provide a nice place for birds to shelter and even nest if you’re lucky and they like your garden.
Virginia creeper
Another plant that is a climbing one is the Virginia creeper, also known as woodvine. Probably most well-known for looking like poison ivy, yet its leaves won’t hurt your skin. Many birds, including woodpeckers, mockingbirds, and blue jays, depend on its fruit over the winter, even though people may purposefully avoid it.
I’d recommend having quite a large garden since the plant can grow up to 50 feet tall. Never plant it near big trees because it might overwhelm them. Same as the honeysuckle, the Virginia creeper is also suitable for tall fences or the walls of your home.
It will easily grow in any type of soil; it loves a moist one, well-drained, and of course a bit of shade during the day. Softwood cuttings collected in late spring or early summer can be used to cultivate the Virginia creeper. After placing your cuttings in potting compost that has been well-drained, make sure to keep them wet until they begin to root.
Serviceberry
If you like roses, then you’re going to love seeing the serviceberry growing in your garden. Servingberry comes in a variety of forms; some are shrubby, while others are trees. Their heights vary from 4 to 25 feet. The trees that grow as shrubs are some of the greatest choices for little gardens. They produce red berries in the summer, which are going to be delightful food for birds and insects, and lovely, delicate blooms in the spring.
These aren’t difficult plants, so if you decide to grow them, you can do it right from seed. If this is too complicated, the alternative is to buy a small plant and put it in the ground as it is. When they become bigger, they will appreciate full sun but also a bit of shade, and they will prefer well-drained soil.
Coneflower
Coneflowers are known for their colorful blooms, which will quickly invite birds to your yard. They are amazing additions for small gardens, so if you have limited space, they’re going to love it. Among all pollinators, bees are head over heels for this plant!
Thriving best in hot and dry regions of the country except the humid ones, this adorable purple flower needs a couple of sunshine daily, any kind of soil. I would go for slightly acidic, but it must be well-drained. Since they’re usually grown in dry and hot regions Coneflowers are used to drought; however, they will be happier if you give them water regularly.
Are you looking to invite birds to your yard? In addition to planting a variety of colorful flowers, they also appreciate being fed. This way, they will feel more welcome, and your garden will look so amazing that you won’t believe it’s real.
Check out this 60-inch Heavy Duty Bird Feeder Pole with a 5-prong Base; versatile, very easy to install, and ready to change the entire vibe of your place. It is one click away on Amazon for the amazing price of $17.51.
Chokeberry
Chokeberries are a favorite food of cedar waxwings, brown thrashers, and other songbirds. It is a fantastic choice for an ornamental plant since it spreads by sucking. The chokeberry bush is particularly beneficial to the local fauna because it is endemic to many areas of the United States. This plant prefers well-drained soil, full sun, to partial shade. It has a maximum height of 10 feet.
Aster
Looking for tiny, colorful flowers like the ones in the picture? These are asters, amazing perennials that bloom for a long time and provide nectar for pollinators, usually in the fall, making them excellent plants for migratory birds. They grow beautiful fluffy seed heads in late fall and winter, which are a rich source of food and materials for birds to build their nests.
Asters’ leaves and seeds are consumed by tree sparrows and wild turkeys, and insects’ food sources, such as goldfinches and chickadees, will draw them in on a regular basis. Even if you are new to growing plants, asters are not difficult to take care of. They can grow from cuttings or seeds, or you can simply purchase plants and replant them in your garden. The best time to replant them is usually in the early spring.
Asters like the sun but not too much, so I recommend planting them in a place with more shade than the sun. They also thrive in any type of soil as long as it’s well-drained.
Winterberry
Living up to its name, this plant usually goes unnoticed in the summer garden. Birds such as robins and mockingbirds are drawn to branches that are adorned with vivid crimson fruits. To provide berries, this native North American holly requires a pollinator, so be sure to have both a male and female plant.
Winterberry bushes usually grow up to 15 feet tall; they need at least a few hours of direct sunlight and well-drained soil. Be aware of overwatering it! They don’t like it at all.
Arrowwood viburnum
Arrowwood is an extremely tough and versatile shrub that makes a great bird shelter. In early July, it produces lovely clusters of creamy white flowers. Blue-black berries bloom in bunches in late summer and early autumn. Plant close to other viburnums to guarantee effective pollination.
It may be happily cultivated even in tiny gardens because it is a very little shrub. Prefers wet, well-drained acidic soil with moderate sunshine. It is a drought-tolerant plant, so you should water it only when the ground starts to get dry. Every year in the spring, I advise fertilizing the soil for a healthier and happier existence.
American elderberry
Usually found in the northern part of the country, elderberries are an excellent home for many bird species. This shrub grows quickly and has huge, creamy flower clusters that resemble dinner plates during the summer season, followed by delicious purple berries that are enjoyed by birds in the fall.
It must be planted in an area with both sun and shade, as well as well-drained soil if you want it to thrive. It works well in any garden since it can reach a height of 12 feet. Expect your garden oasis to be “invaded” by a lot of cute critters since elderberry is a favorite food of many birds, including house finches, cedar waxwings, robins, bluebirds, tanagers, grosbeaks, goldfinches, and cardinals.
Bonus tip: Because of their inherent sweet flavor and scent, besides inviting birds to your yard, berry-producing plants can also bring some creepy crawlers. You may safely prevent and manage insects using natural pesticides or insecticidal soap enriched with neem oil, allowing birds to continue visiting your garden!
Sunflowers
Although it may sound a bit strange to grow sunflowers in your backyard, it is possible, and nothing wrong with that. Why? Sunflowers are loved by pollinators like bees, but they can also invite birds to your yard since sparrows and buntings consider them a nutritious food for their diet.
Take your kids on a fun gardening activity by learning how to cultivate sunflowers. If you think your seedlings could be eaten, move them when they are 6 to 9 inches tall. Many common garden pests find seedlings to be a delectable treat. The taller kinds may need some support in windy areas, and they enjoy a sunny setting on rich, well-drained soil.
When they are done flowering, you may take the heads outside to dry, where birds will still come to visit. However, don’t forget to harvest some seeds so you can use them the following year.
Milkweed
Do you like this little fella? Then it’s time to plant some milkweed plants in your yard. Besides a couple of birds, milkweed is essential to have if you want to see monarch butterflies around your home and is highly favored by pollinators.
The airy seeds of milkweed are meant to be dispersed by the wind. But goldfinches and yellow warblers also use this fluff as an essential building element for their nests. Birds that consume seeds can also benefit nutritionally from the seeds themselves.
For growth, they require a small area, lots of sunlight, and soil that drains well. Select a milkweed variety that is appropriate for your soil type. Certain kinds, such as swamp milkweed Asclepias incarnata, are better suited to more humid locations.
Rose hips
Rose hips, or rose fruit, come in different sizes and colors, but birds and other creatures find them to be delicious. Roses come in a variety of forms and can provide rose hips, including climbing, heirloom, groundcover, English tea, and more. Rosa canina is the most popular kind of rose used to make rose hips.
Rose hips prefer full sun and wet, well-drained soil and can reach heights of up to six feet, depending on the type.
Black-eyed Susans
Black-eyed Susans are an early summer blooming that will draw a wide variety of insects that are preferred by birds that eat insects. Several bird species are drawn to the seed heads of the iconic black and yellow blossoms, which contain small dark seeds.
To determine whether plants need watering, check them frequently. Keep them from drying out and keep the leaves from getting too wet, since this can promote illness. Giving them adequate room for growth is also crucial.
Tickseed
Tickseed, or Coreopsis, is famous for its vivid red and yellow colors that give any garden an enviable look. These blooms tolerate a wide variety of soil conditions and are long-lasting. With a plethora of options available (more than 80 varieties), you can find the best for your space.
They thrive best in full sun, I recommend it at least 5 to 6 hours in direct sunlight. If you live in a hot area (e.g. Florida) some afternoon shade is more than welcome for them. You must water it regularly but not too much since they don’t like soggy soil. The best time of the day to water your tickseeds is in the morning.
Zinnias
Planting zinnias is a great way to bring some color into your outdoor space. Birds and insects adore these resistant annual flowers for their vibrant blooms and rich seeds. Zinnia flowers typically lure finches, hummingbirds, and chickadees. They like full light and soil that drains properly, ideally with plenty of organic matter. You won’t need to water them too frequently because they’re another plant that can withstand some drought.
Rowan
The rowan isn’t exactly a plant, more like a tree, so it’s better to plant one if you have a bigger garden. The rowan enjoys full sun but also partial shade and well-drained soil. During its first years of life, I recommend regular watering to help it develop strong roots.
Your rowan tree will yield berries from late July (Sorbus aucuparia) to November (Sorbus torminalis), depending on the species you plant.
Hibiscus
Hummingbirds love hibiscus bushes because of their colorful and striking blossoms. These little birds are drawn to the delicious nectar hidden in the flowers of hibiscus plants. Tropical hibiscus loves warmth and humid environments, but in really hot weather, you might want to give your outside plants some afternoon shade.
A hibiscus tree or bush needs moist soil. On the other hand, excess moisture or damp soil will not be tolerated by hibiscus plants.
Indian hawthorn
Last but not least, we have the Indian hawthorn, an adorable shrub that produces tiny berries. These fruits are an excellent year-round meal for songbirds and are a wonderful addition to any garden that wants to attract feathery friends.
The perfect climate for this shrub must be warm and humid. It prefers full sun, but it can also do well in partial shade. A moist and well-drained soil is preferable, but same as other plants mentioned above, the Indian hawthorn can also tolerate drought very well.
Take away:
If you want to draw birds to your garden, you must provide for all of its biodiversity. Although they are only one of the many happy visitors to our gardens, birds are an important component of a flourishing and varied ecosystem. We can create an area that is both lovely and vibrant by planting a variety of plants and habitats in our garden. I hope this article brought a smile to your face. Feel free to revisit for more delightful lectures, or subscribe for a weekly newsletter.
How does your garden look? Tell me in the comments.
You may also want to read 12 Heat-Tolerant Plants for Sunny Gardens.
