Attracting hummingbirds to your garden can be achieved through various methods, including planting nectar-rich flowers and offering food sources.
If you're keen on enhancing your landscaping, consider adding a flowering tree. These trees not only beautify your yard but also provide shade and privacy.
Below are eight excellent tree choices that will draw hummingbirds to your space, complete with expert insights. Whether you have a cozy nook or a spacious garden, there's something here for everyone.
Flowering trees can entice these lovely birds to your garden.
8 Trees for Your Backyard That Attract Hummingbirds
Consider planting these stunning trees to enhance your wildlife-friendly garden.
1. Geiger Tree
These tropical trees boast vibrant flowers.
If you're in a warmer hardiness zone of 10–11, the geiger tree (Cordia sebestena) is a fantastic option. Christina Kontos, a wildlife biologist, recommends these for their lush, evergreen foliage and their bright orange blossoms that bloom nearly year-round, making them a favorite among hummingbirds.
Additionally, they provide shade for other hummingbird-friendly plants and offer shelter for these energetic birds during their breaks.
These trees thrive in sandy soils, are drought-resistant, and flourish in full sun to partial shade.
2. Crab Apple
An ideal choice for compact yards.
Crab apple trees are known for their lovely pink or white blossoms in spring. Dave Sheridan, an arborist, notes that these trees are effective at attracting hummingbirds across much of the U.S.
Tommy Wylde, a wildlife expert, also endorses crab apples for smaller spaces. 'They adapt well to various soil types but prefer sunny locations,' he advises. 'Keep them hydrated, especially when young or during dry spells.' Regular pruning in late winter helps maintain their health and shape.
Crab apples also produce colorful fruit in the fall, appealing to other bird species.
3. Eastern Redbud
Charming blossoms brighten your yard and attract hummingbirds.
Eastern redbuds (Cercis canadensis) are recommended for their early blooms that attract hummingbirds and other pollinators. Their vibrant pink and purple flowers are visually striking, making them a top pick for flowering trees. The heart-shaped leaves turn yellow in the fall.
These trees are adaptable, thriving in well-drained soil, and are suited for sunny or partially shaded areas. They flourish in hardiness zones 4–9, making them a great native choice for many regions.
4. Tulip Tree
These majestic trees offer a stunning floral display.
Tulip trees produce eye-catching yellow and orange blooms from April to June, providing ample food for hummingbirds. Known scientifically as Liriodendron tulipifera, these trees thrive in sunny spots and can grow rapidly, offering low-maintenance care.
Note their mature height; they can reach 80 to 100 feet, so ensure your backyard has sufficient space for such a large tree.
5. Red Buckeye
Attractive blooms draw hummingbirds to this tree.
Tommy also suggests the red buckeye (Aesculus pavia) for its bright red flowers, which are irresistible to hummingbirds. 'The flowers' shape is perfect for their feeding habits,' he explains. They also attract butterflies.
Plant this tree in well-drained soil, ideally in sunny or partially shaded spots. Regular watering, especially in the early years, helps establish a robust root system. Though low-maintenance, it benefits from a layer of mulch to keep the roots cool.
Take caution, as all parts of this tree are toxic if ingested, making it less suitable for homes with pets or small children.
6. Northern Catalpa
This tree attracts hummingbirds while providing shade.
Dave recommends the northern catalpa (Catalpa speciosa) for its ability to draw hummingbirds. They produce large white flowers resembling orchids and bloom in late spring, providing food when other sources may be scarce.
These trees can grow up to 70 feet tall, so assess your yard's space before planting. They thrive in hardiness zones 4–8 and are excellent for creating shade and attracting wildlife.
7. Strawberry Tree
These low-maintenance trees produce beautiful flowers.
Strawberry trees bear bell-shaped blooms in the fall, which are rich in nectar, drawing in hummingbirds. The subsequent fruit attracts other birds as well.
These compact evergreens can be grown in pots or planted directly in the ground in warmer zones (8–11). They prefer sunny, sheltered spots with well-draining, acidic soil. Once established, they require minimal care.
8. Lilac
A fragrant choice for attracting hummingbirds.
For wonderfully fragrant flowers, lilacs are an excellent choice to attract hummingbirds. Available in shades of pink, white, or purple, they also attract various pollinators.
Position them in full sun to partial shade with well-draining soil. They grow relatively quickly, but learning how to prune lilacs effectively helps maintain their appearance.
Compact varieties are perfect for container gardens. Consider 'Miss Kim' lilac, which reaches around 8 feet tall and features purple foliage in fall, or 'Tinkerbelle®' lilac, known for its lovely pink flowers.
