Transform soil bareness into a hummingbird haven: Replace it with these 5 wildlife-attracting ground covers
Discover a selection of ground cover plants that not only add charm to your garden but also attract hummingbirds, creating a supportive habitat for these fascinating creatures.
Ajuga (Carpet Bugle) is an evergreen ground cover with spikes of tube-shaped flowers that are attractive to hummingbirds. This versatile plant grows well in both sun and shade, effectively suppressing weeds. However, it can be invasive in some U.S. regions, so checking local guidelines before planting is advised. Chuck Pavlich, director of new product development with Terra Nova Nurseries, recommends the cultivar 'Blueberry Muffin' of ajuga.
Creeping Phlox (Phlox stolonifera) blooms mid-to-late spring with purple, pink, blue, or white flowers that produce abundant nectar, attracting hummingbirds for about a month. Its foliage remains attractive year-round.
'Georgia Blue' Speedwell (Veronica umbrosa) is a heat-tolerant, fast-growing ground cover that produces small blue blooms in spring and summer, which appeal to hummingbirds. It can thrive in full sun and is not aggressive, making it suitable for many garden types.
Additional ground-level nectar plants for hummingbirds include Red Impatiens, Catmint (Nepeta), and Coral Bells (Heuchera). While these plants are not typically ground covers, they are beneficial for pollinators, including hummingbirds.
For a wildlife-friendly garden focused on hummingbirds, combining these ground covers with other hummingbird favorites like penstemons or coral honeysuckle can create continuous nectar sources and habitat diversity.
Wild Petunia (Ruellia humilis) has vibrant purple blooms that are attractive to hummingbirds and are the ideal shape for these creatures. This hardy plant (zones 4-8) is tolerant of most soil types as long as they are well-drained, and requires full sun to part shade. It is drought- and heat-tolerant, as well as disease-, pest-, and deer-resistant. However, in some areas of the U.S., wild petunia can be considered invasive, such as Florida.
Pulmonaria 'Nova® Cobalt' is another great shade plant for attracting hummingbirds and works well as a ground cover. This plant features striking blue funnel-shaped flowers and deep pine-green foliage that is slug- and deer-resistant. It requires a spring feed and a late winter clean-up of unsightly foliage.
Heuchera 'Paris' is a vibrant foliage plant that thrives in partially shaded spots and is recommended for attracting hummingbirds. This plant has silver and green foliage and hot pink, bell-shaped flowers that last for months. Heuchera 'Paris' should be fed in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer and benefits from a layer of mulch in the fall to protect it from winter chills. This plant is also a good cut flower.
Prairie phlox (Phlox pilosa) is recommended by Tess Renusch of the National Wildlife Federation for attracting hummingbirds. This plant blooms in April to July, providing nectar during migration and in summer when other sources may be fading. Prairie phlox is hardy in zones 4-9, evergreen in warmer regions, and semi-evergreen in cooler regions. It is also a larval host plant for the phlox moth and is tolerant of most soil types and drought-tolerant once established.
By incorporating these ground cover plants into your garden, you can create a vibrant and hummingbird-friendly space that will bring joy to both you and these delightful creatures.
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