Complete Gardening
In the world of gardening, succulents have earned a special place due to their striking appearance and low maintenance needs. But did you know these sturdy plants also play a vital role in attracting hummingbirds? With their vivid colors and unique shapes, certain succulents are more than just a pretty face in your garden. They offer nectar-rich flowers that are irresistible to these tiny birds. Let’s explore some of the spectacular succulents that hummingbirds simply can’t resist and a few more showstoppers that will add visual drama to your outdoor space.
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera isn’t just for soothing sunburns; it’s also a hummingbird magnet. This succulent produces tall spikes adorned with tubular orange flowers. These blooms are perfect for hummingbirds, providing them with nectar. As the sun rises, the orange hue becomes an eye-catching beacon for passing birds. Aloe Vera is an easy-to-grow plant that thrives in sunny spots, making it a valuable addition to your garden. Not only will it draw in hummingbirds, but it will also add architectural flair with its sword-like leaves.
2. Agave Attenuata
Agave Attenuata, known for its dramatic rosette form, produces an impressive flower stalk that shoots up to ten feet high. This plant’s blooms are a pale yellow, which hummingbirds find irresistible. As a native of Mexico, it thrives in dry climates and sandy soils. Its unique appearance, with leaves forming symmetrical spirals, adds an exotic touch to your garden. The combination of its towering blossom and sturdy leaves makes Agave Attenuata a showstopper for both human and avian visitors.
3. Echeveria Elegans
Echeveria Elegans, often called the Mexican Snowball, is adored for its neat rosettes and pastel hues. The delicate pink flowers it produces are a favorite among hummingbirds. Each rosette is a compact work of art, with leaves that can change color in the sun. Its hardy nature allows it to flourish in various conditions. As an added bonus, the Mexican Snowball’s charming appearance makes it a great choice for rock gardens or container displays. Echeveria Elegans is both a visual treat and a hummingbird haven.
4. Sedum Morganianum
Sedum Morganianum, or Burro’s Tail, captivates with its trailing stems and plump leaves. When it blooms, it boasts clusters of small pink flowers that hummingbirds eagerly visit. This succulent is perfect for hanging baskets where its long stems can cascade down elegantly. Known for its quirky charm, Burro’s Tail adds texture and depth to any plant collection. Its flowers add a splash of color that contrasts beautifully with the bluish-green foliage. A conversation starter, this succulent is as functional as it is fascinating.
5. Crassula Ovata
Crassula Ovata, commonly known as the Jade Plant, is more than just a lucky charm. This succulent is a hummingbird favorite when it bursts into bloom with white-pink star-shaped flowers. Its thick, glossy leaves retain water, making it a hardy choice for beginner gardeners. Known for its longevity, the Jade Plant can grow into a small tree over time. Its blooms are a delightful surprise that attract hummingbirds looking for nectar. A staple of indoor gardens, the Jade Plant is as resilient as it is enchanting.
6. Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana
Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana, often seen as a holiday favorite, offers vibrant red flowers that are hard for hummingbirds to miss. This succulent’s thick leaves allow it to endure periods of drought, making it a wonderful low-maintenance plant. Its blossoms are long-lasting, providing an extended feast for visiting birds. Whether placed indoors or on a patio, the Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana adds a pop of color that brightens any space. The combination of ease and beauty makes this succulent a gardener’s joy and a hummingbird’s delight.
7. Aeonium Arboreum
Aeonium Arboreum, with its palm-like rosettes, is a striking addition to any garden. When in bloom, it displays clusters of bright yellow flowers that hummingbirds can’t resist. Native to the Canary Islands, this succulent loves well-drained soil and a sunny spot. Its dramatic form is reminiscent of a miniature tree. Aeonium Arboreum’s bold structure and vibrant flowers make it a standout feature in landscape design. This succulent’s unique texture and color palette offer endless possibilities for garden creativity.
8. Pachyphytum Oviferum
Pachyphytum Oviferum, or Moonstones, is a succulent that lives up to its celestial name. Its leaves are plump and pale-blue, resembling smooth pebbles. When it flowers, orange blossoms emerge, attracting hummingbirds with their bright color and nectar. Known for its whimsical appearance, this succulent thrives in sunny, arid climates. The Moonstones’ tactile allure and vibrant blooms make it a favorite among gardeners looking for something different. Easy to care for and visually stunning, Pachyphytum Oviferum is a garden gem.
9. Graptopetalum Paraguayense
Graptopetalum Paraguayense, often called the Ghost Plant, is a succulent with a haunting beauty. Its rosettes have a lavender tint that can shift with the light. When it blooms, the plant offers delicate white flowers that attract hummingbirds. The succulent’s leaves are dusted with a powdery coating, giving it an otherworldly appearance. Ideal for rock gardens, the Ghost Plant thrives in well-drained soil. This plant’s ethereal quality and resilience make it an enchanting addition to any garden space.
10. Sempervivum Tectorum
Sempervivum Tectorum, known as Hens and Chicks, is cherished for its ability to thrive in rocky, alpine conditions. Its rosettes are adorned with pinkish tips, and it produces small, star-shaped flowers that hummingbirds adore. This succulent’s name reflects its prolific nature, as it readily produces offsets, or ‘chicks,’ around the mother plant. Sempervivum Tectorum is a hardy choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of whimsy and resilience to their outdoor space.
11. Senecio Rowleyanus
Senecio Rowleyanus, or String of Pearls, is an unusual succulent with trailing strands of round, bead-like leaves. It produces small, white flowers with a cinnamon scent that hummingbirds find appealing. The plant’s unique appearance makes it a striking choice for hanging baskets. It’s perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to otherwise ordinary settings. As an easy-care plant, the String of Pearls thrives with minimal attention, making it ideal for busy gardeners.
12. Portulaca Grandiflora
Portulaca Grandiflora, commonly known as Moss Rose, is a vibrant succulent with blooms that come in a variety of colors. These flowers are a major attraction for hummingbirds, offering a rich source of nectar. The plant’s ability to thrive in hot, sunny conditions makes it a favorite for summer gardens. Its trailing habit allows it to spread, creating a colorful ground cover. Easy to grow from seed, Moss Rose is a delightful addition to any garden, bringing both color and life.
13. Delosperma Cooperi
Delosperma Cooperi, also known as the Ice Plant, dazzles with its vibrant magenta blooms. These flowers are a feast for hummingbirds, who are drawn to their bright color. The plant’s succulent leaves store water, allowing it to thrive in dry conditions. Perfect for rock gardens, Delosperma Cooperi provides a splash of color throughout the growing season. Its low, spreading habit makes it an excellent ground cover. This succulent is as tough as it is beautiful, offering endless enjoyment.
14. Euphorbia Tirucalli
Euphorbia Tirucalli, or Pencil Cactus, is a succulent with an intriguing appearance. Its tall, slender green stems resemble pencils, offering a unique texture to garden designs. When in bloom, tiny flowers appear, attracting hummingbirds with their subtle charm. This hardy plant thrives in arid environments, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping. Euphorbia Tirucalli’s striking form and low water needs make it a standout feature in modern landscapes.
15. Cotyledon Orbiculata
Cotyledon Orbiculata, with its rounded leaves and bell-shaped orange flowers, is a spectacular succulent that attracts hummingbirds. Native to South Africa, it thrives in coastal conditions, making it well-suited for similar climates. The plant’s leaves can vary in color, adding to its visual appeal. Its flowers dangle elegantly, providing nectar to visiting birds. This succulent’s unique form and vibrant color palette make it a standout in any garden design.
16. Echinopsis Oxygona
Echinopsis Oxygona, or Easter Lily Cactus, is a succulent known for its impressive blooms. These large, fragrant white flowers open at night, attracting hummingbirds with their scent. The cactus itself is spherical with ribbed sides, adding to its charm. This plant thrives in sunny, well-drained conditions, making it a joy for cactus enthusiasts. The Easter Lily Cactus’s dramatic flowers and easy-care nature make it a must-have for those seeking something extraordinary.
17. Opuntia Microdasys
Opuntia Microdasys, affectionately known as the Bunny Ears Cactus, is a delightful succulent with a playful appearance. Its pads are adorned with glochids, tiny spines that give it a fuzzy look. When it blooms, yellow flowers emerge, drawing hummingbirds to their nectar. This plant thrives in desert conditions, requiring minimal water. Its whimsical form and striking flowers make it a favorite among cactus collectors. Easy to care for, Opuntia Microdasys brings charm and color to any space.
18. Adromischus Cristatus
Adromischus Cristatus, or Crinkle-Leaf Plant, is a succulent with unusual, wavy green leaves. Its tubular reddish flowers attract hummingbirds with their vibrant color and nectar offering. This plant is perfect for rocky terrains, where its unique form can be appreciated fully. Known for its easy-care nature, Adromischus Cristatus is ideal for gardeners looking to add a touch of the exotic to their collection. The plant’s curious texture and intriguing flowers make it a captivating choice.
19. Haworthia Fasciata
Haworthia Fasciata, often referred to as the Zebra Plant, is a charming succulent with distinctive striped leaves. Its small white flowers, though modest, are attractive to hummingbirds. This plant is perfect for indoor gardens, where it can thrive with minimal care. Its compact size and striking appearance make it a favorite among houseplant enthusiasts. The Zebra Plant’s unique texture and easy maintenance make it a versatile addition to any plant collection.