Birds' likes and dislikes are like ours, making them more entertaining. Some birds enjoy seeds or suet cakes, but others enjoy your garden plants.
If you're looking to fill your garden with more flowers that hummingbirds love, there's one choice to consider that looks a little different from the bright red columbines and hot pink fuchsias many people turn to first.
As an avid gardener or birder, you likely already know that the color red attracts hummingbirds. That being said, there are plenty more flowers hummingbirds love that aren't red in color -- catmint being one of them.
Catmint flowers are like Cinderella's glass slipper for hummingbirds, fitting their long bills and tongues. Catmint smells good to people and other animals, particularly cats, hence the name. Hummingbirds may also appreciate it.
Catmint comes in several varieties, making it easy to choose the perfect type for your garden. Six Hills Giant and Siberian catmint are two of the taller options, which might make it easier to see when you have hummingbirds coming in and out.
Growing and caring for catmint is by no means tricky. This plant can handle full sun to partial shade and can tolerate most soils and little watering. Pruning and cutting back catmint can also boost the health of the plant and help it grow back.
This floral species' name may warn. Catmint, in the same family as catnip, attracts cats to your garden due to its scent, which is wonderful for some gardeners but worrying for others.
This is especially true for backyard birdwatchers. Motion-sensor ultrasonic repellents or flowers with off-putting smells can keep outdoor cats out of your garden without harming them or visiting birds.