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Nectar Attracts Hummingbirds to Your Wildlife Porch, Balcony, Deck, Patio, or Backyard
Feeding wild birds but want to see more of a variety?
Try offering nectar to attract wild birds - hummingbirds, orioles, and more.
In nature, nectar is available from flowering plants. In your small outdoor area, you can provide nectar by plants, store-bought nectar, or by making your own solution. I recommend the nectar-by-plants approach, but it's acceptable to use nectar solution as well.
Caution
Nectar solutions spoil quickly, and unclean nectar feeders develop harmful molds. Empty and clean nectar feeders regularly, or skip the feeders and grow plants instead.
Nectar Plants
Nectar plants for birds are usually differently shaped than nectar plants for butterflies. While nectar plants with flatter flowers -- such as impatiens, coreopsis, and zinnia -- attract both butterflies and hummingbirds, hummingbirds prefer funnel-shaped flowers, especially red flowers.
Some nectar plants suitable for containers that attract wild birds:
- Monarda such as Hardy Bee Balm
- Sage such as Salvia 'Maraschino' or Salvia gregii 'Wild Thing'
- Cigar plants, like Cuphea 'Flamenco Rumba' or the Cuphea 'Summer Medley'
- Hyssop, aka Agastache
- Asclepias
Others include cardinal climber, shrimp plant, firebush, Oriental hibiscus, petunia, fuschia, and geranium. Other selections also include impatien, firespike, morning glory, and coral honeysuckle.
Store-Bought Nectar
If you choose not to provide nectar via a plant, you can purchase a commercial 
Homemade Nectar
You can make a nectar solution at home. Boil a solution of only 4 parts water to 1 part white cane sugar, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves. Do not add honey or food coloring; both are potentially harmful to the birds.
After cooling to room temperature, place the solution in a clean feeder. The excess solution can be stored in the refrigerator.
Quick Tip
Empty and clean nectar feeders periodically -- every day in temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, every three days or so otherwise.
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