Hummingbirds aren’t just a treat for the eyes: they’re vital to the health of our gardens and the environment. Without these tiny wonders, many plants would be left high and dry and struggle to thrive.
So, how do you attract these little garden guests? The secret’s in the blooms! And here’s a hint: petunias are a hummingbird favorite.
But wait, there’s one variety they simply can’t resist and it’s like a magnet for their delicate wings. Curious to know which one steals the show? Stick around; I’ll spill the beans!
Red Petunias Are Your Secret Weapon For Attracting More Hummingbirds!
And there you have it! Petunia varieties that come in red hues are all you need!
You see, hummingbirds see the world in a spectrum far beyond our own, and they’re particularly enamored with bright, bold colors.
Well, red is their ultimate favorite, making red petunias the secret weapon every garden needs to attract these winged beauties.
By adding a splash of crimson to your flower beds, you’ll be inviting hummingbirds to your yard, where they’ll hover and feed on your gorgeous blooms all season long.
Which Red Petunias To Choose?
Now that we know red is the ultimate hummingbird magnet, it’s time to dive into the different types of red petunias you can choose for your garden. While all petunias have their charm, it’s important to understand the distinctions between each type.
If you’re looking for large, showy blooms, Grandifloras are your best bet, with their big, striking flowers in deep red hues. Floribundas, on the other hand, offer more compact clusters of flowers with a vibrant red punch, perfect for filling in smaller spaces.
And for a more abundant display, Multifloras offer dense, multi-colored blooms, while Minifloras provide petite, yet still highly attractive, blossoms.
You can also go with the trailing petunias and they stand out for their ability to cascade beautifully over hanging baskets or garden walls.
One red variety you might want to check out is Capri Rose, a petunia known for its stunning deep red color with a touch of pink, which really pops when planted alongside other contrasting hues.
If you’re looking for something extra-special, consider adding the Double Valentine to your garden. This variety features intricate double blooms that resemble roses, making it not only a hummingbird favorite but also a stunning ornamental plant.
Another winner for your hummingbird-friendly garden is the Petunia Plus Red, which boasts rich red flowers that are both bold and long-lasting. This variety thrives in full sun and will reward you with a continual show of color all summer long.
Where To Grow Them?
All petunia growers are well aware that the location is key!
Petunias thrive in USDA hardiness zones 9-11, where they can bask in the warmth of the sun.
However, in cooler climates, they’re typically grown as annuals, meaning you’ll get to enjoy their beauty for one season before they’re gone.
But don’t worry! If you’re in a zone that’s too cold, you can still grow petunias in containers. In my opinion, petunias look best when grown in hanging baskets, bringing their vibrant colors right to your doorstep.
And if you’re eager to get a jumpstart on the season, starting petunia seeds indoors is a great way to give them a head start before transplanting outdoors.
And Follow These Care Tips For More Blossoms!
Now, I would like to show you how I keep my petunias happy and healthy! First, I make sure they get plenty of sunlight. For these prolific bloomers, about six hours of direct sunshine is essential every day.
You should keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy since petunias are prone to overwatering. I always allow the soil to dry a bit before watering my petunias.
Also, I space them about 12 inches apart when planting to give them room to grow into their full, lush potential.
Finally, feed your prized petunias with a slow-release fertilizer to keep them strong and healthy, and don’t forget to deadhead those faded petunia flowers to keep the blooms coming throughout the season!
So, are you ready to turn your garden into a hummingbird paradise? Planting these petunias is the first step to bringing more of these delightful creatures into your yard!