How to create a hanging basket for hummingbirds – to attract these native beauties to your outdoor space

Hummingbirds are fascinating small creatures that speed through the sky as they search for food. They're delightful to watch, especially if they're in your own backyard, and there are various ways to welcome them.

One of the top ways to attract hummingbirds is to plant plenty of their favorite flowers: nectar-rich options that tend to be bright in color. If you have a large outdoor space, you can fill whole borders with suitable plants. But, if you're working with a more compact plot, or even a balcony, making a hanging basket for hummingbirds is a great alternative.

Here, you'll find expert recommendations on which plants to pick for your hanging display, plus top tips on where to hang it.

Advice for planting a hanging basket that hummingbirds will love

Planting a hanging basket is ideal for brightening small backyards. They don't take up any valuable floor space, look fabulous, and with the right plants, they'll attract butterflies and other pollinators, too.

Which plants to pick

You may wish to combine a couple of different flowers that attract hummingbirds in your basket, or use just one type of plant. Either approach can create a bold and beautiful statement.

Rebecca Sears of Ferry-Morse says, 'Hummingbirds’ rapidly beating wings in flight require significant energy. For this reason, they are attracted to nectar-rich flowers that deliver energy gain. In addition, tubular, trumpet-shaped flowers are often a giveaway for hummingbirds when looking for nectar.'

She recommends petunias, nasturtiums, and impatiens as hanging basket plants that will attract these helpful pollinators to your yard. You can shop for 'Alaska Mixed Colors' nasturtium seeds from Ferry-Morse, which have marbled leaves and fiery-hued blooms.

Wildlife expert Ben Team also recommends planting fuchsias, although suggests sticking to those that exhibit a trailing growth habit, such as the 'Tom West' cultivar. This particular variety also has delightfully variegated foliage.

Ben recommends the cardinal vine, too, which has bright red, five-petaled flowers attractive to humans and hummingbirds alike. 'The vines of this plant will start by growing upward, but their weight will eventually cause them to begin hanging down.'

Lantanas also work well in baskets, and hummingbirds adore their vivid blooms.

Rebecca Sears

As CMO and resident green thumb for the Green Garden family of brands, Rebecca Sears nurtures the company's heritage but also looks to develop new products and solutions to help gardeners of all skill levels fuel their passion and become more successful in the garden. Rebecca has been gardening from coast to coast, first realizing her passion while living in Portland, Oregon, inspired by the public gardens throughout the city. When she relocated to the northeast, she built upon her knowledge and craft, and now her backyard garden grows larger each year.

Ben Team

A lifelong environmental educator and the former executive director of a nature reserve, Ben has led more than 10,000 miles of guided nature hikes, authored more than 40 animal care books, and has been profiled in a variety of media outlets, including local public television, County Line Magazine, and Disney Radio.

Where to locate your hanging basket

Ben says, 'When looking for a place to hang your baskets, be sure that you select a location that’ll be easy for the hummingbirds to spot at a distance. If possible, locate them somewhere with a direct line of sight to other hummingbird-attracting plants, such as wild-growing trumpet creeper or crossvines.' 

Rebecca also recommends looking for a location near a tree, where the birds can find protected shelter before flitting over to your basket. Don't forget, there are plenty of trees that attract hummingbirds, which may be close by.

Try to choose somewhere that will help your selected plants thrive, too. A sheltered spot is good for these hanging displays, and many bedding plants flower best with plenty of sun (but always check the labels of what you've planted, to make sure).

Finally, like when placing a hummingbird feeder, it can be a good idea to put your basket somewhere where you can enjoy the view. Avoid having it too close to windows, though, to help protect the birds from injuries. 

What to shop

FAQs

How can you keep your hanging basket healthy?

Knowing how to water hanging baskets is crucial, as they tend to dry out quicker than plants in the ground. A watering wand makes it easier to reach them.

Many suitable plants will benefit from regular deadheading, too. Not only will this freshen up your display, but it also encourages a longer blooming season.

How else can you attract hummingbirds to a small space?

Putting up a hummingbird feeder filled with homemade hummingbird food may also be an option in your compact yard. Just be sure to steer clear of the common hummingbird feeder mistakes. There might also be space to add a small hummingbird perch nearby.

Looking for more wildlife-friendly garden ideas? We have plenty of practical guides that will help, including advice on how to make a bee watering station.