Attracting Hummingbirds: The 5 Best Shrubs for Your Eco-Friendly Garden
👋 Hi Flower Friends!
Welcome back to our 5 part hummingbird-friendly gardening series! This week, we turn our attention to shrubs, the sturdy foundation of many gardens. Not only do these plants add structure and beauty, but they also provide critical support for hummingbirds. From the vibrant blossoms of Wild Azalea (did you know some of these are native here? 😲) to the intriguing flowers of Witch Hazel, each of these native shrubs offers unique benefits to our feathered friends. Let’s explore five fantastic shrubs that are perfect for inviting hummingbirds into your Virginia garden.
Please note: all of these plants were verified native plants to Hanover, Virginia via the Digital Atlas of the Virginia Flora. All other details were pulled from the North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Tool Box.
1. Rhododendron periclymenoides
(Wild Azalea)
A good friend of mine has these growing wild in her backyard! Jackpot! Wild Azalea dazzles with its showy pink flowers that bloom profusely in spring, creating a spectacular display for any garden. These large blooms not only add a splash of color but are also a significant source of nectar for hummingbirds. Adaptable to partial shade and well-drained soils, Wild Azalea is an excellent choice for gardeners looking to combine aesthetic appeal with wildlife support.
Bloom Time: Fall
Moist Soil
Width: 4-5 feet
Sun Requirements: full sun/part shade
Special Note: Tolerant of Compacted Soil
2. Cephalanthus occidentalis (Button Bush)
My first exposure to this plant was in my new neighborhood. The banks of our ponds are filled with this plant and let me tell you! The pollinators go crazy over it! It’s also just overall a really fun, eye-catching plant. Button Bush stands out with its unique, spherical flower clusters that appear in summer. These fragrant white flowers are nectar-rich, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies alike. Thriving in wet conditions, Button Bush is particularly well-suited for planting near water features or in damp garden spots where it can grow freely, adding texture and interest.
Bloom Time: Summer
Moist Soil 3-6 feet
Sun Requirements: fullsun/part shade
Special Notes: Can take standing water; clay tolerant
3. Ceanothus americanus (New Jersey Tea)
This plant is on my MUST GROW wishlist! New Jersey Tea is a compact shrub that offers more than meets the eye. Its clusters of tiny white flowers, blooming in early summer, are a favorite among hummingbirds. This drought-resistant shrub is ideal for rock gardens or sandy sites, making it a versatile choice for various garden settings while supporting local wildlife with its plentiful nectar.
Bloom Time: Spring/Summer
Moist, well-drained soil; does not like wet feet
Width: 3-5 feet
Sun Requirements: full sun
Special Note: This plant hosts a lot of specialist butterflies.
4. Clethra alnifolia (Sweet Pepper Bush)
Sweet Pepper Bush, also known as Summersweet, lives up to its name by producing fragrant, light pink to white flowers that bloom in mid to late summer. This shrub is renowned for its ability to attract hummingbirds with its sweet-smelling blooms that stand out in any garden setting. It prefers moist, acidic soils and partial shade, making it a fantastic addition to woodland gardens.
Bloom Time: Summer/Fall
Moist, well-drained soil
Width: 4-6 feet
Sun Requirements: full sun/part shade
Special Note: Will bloom even in the shade
5. Hamamelis virginiana (Witch Hazel)
My MUST GROW list is getting long…anyone else with me?! And this is on it too! This plant is an incredible, native substitute for forsythia, but does have a different bloom time. Witch Hazel is unique for its late-season flowering; the yellow, ribbon-like petals burst forth in the fall when few other plants are in bloom. This timing provides a critical nectar source for hummingbirds preparing for migration. Witch Hazel thrives in both sun and partial shade and adds a splash of autumn color to the landscape.
Bloom Time: Fall/Winter
Moist, well-drained soil
Width: 15-20 feet
Sun Requirements: full sun/part shade
Special Note: Can stand occasional flooding
Incorporating these native shrubs into your garden not only enhances its beauty and structure but also plays a crucial role in supporting our local hummingbird population. Each shrub offers unique benefits, from seasonal blooms to essential habitat needs, making your garden a year-round haven for these enchanting birds. As we continue to explore ways to attract and support wildlife, remember that the choices we make in our gardens can have profound impacts on the natural world. Join us next week as we delve into more native, herbaceous perennials that help create a thriving ecosystem right in your backyard.
Keep Blooming,
Nicole Dillon
Breemar Flower Farm located in Ashland, VA
