Attracting Cardinals
Though cardinals aren’t rare in most of the United States, their vibrant colors still make them an exciting species to spot. Cardinals are common throughout much of the eastern and midwestern states. Cardinals don’t migrate, if you live in one of these regions, you can spot the males’ easily. Their iconic red plumage against the pure white snow of winter is pure heaven. Also, you can enjoy their vibrant feathers during the summer.
However, that’s only the case if you know how to lure them into your yard. If you want to spot these feathered friends more regularly, plant some low-maintenance flowers around your space.
Seeds over berries
Its diet is varied and consists of seeds, insects, and berries. However, to lead them into your yard, you don’t have to fill it with caterpillars, spiders, and centipedes. Instead, focus on planting specific flowering plants so the birds can snack on the seeds. While you could also include berry bushes in your space, these birds seem to prefer seeds over berries. Filling your backyard with the food’s cardinals love the most is almost guaranteed to make it the go-to spot, especially in the winter when food sources are more scarce.
Verbena (Verbenaceae)
The tulip poplar is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 90 feet tall and that blooms yellow or orange flowers in the springtime. Once the tree is established, it needs little maintenance
Dogwood trees bloom beautiful white or pale pink flowers in April and May. They prefer to be planted in a sunny spot with well-draining soil. They’ll need water during the summer when they’re actively flowering.
Purple majesty millet will add a little bit of drama to your garden. The plant can grow 3 to 5 feet tall with dark purple leaves and 1-foot long seed spikes. This plant prefers full sun and can be drought tolerant but grows best with weekly waterings. It’s the seeds of these summer and fall-blooming flowers that attract cardinals to your yard.
The purple coneflower is a perennial that can grow between 2 and 5 feet tall and prefers full sun for at least six to eight hours a day. They’re easy to care for and only need about an inch of watering each week. Cardinals are attracted to these summer-blooming flowers because of their seeds and the insects like aphids that are often attracted to the plant, as both provide a food source for the birds.
Gardeners love nasturtiums because the flowers bloom a vibrant color and have a pretty fragrance. Most nasturtiums are annuals, and there are both climbing and bush varieties available. Plant these flowers where they can get full sun for at least six hours and in well-draining soil, and give them regular weekly waterings. Cardinals love the seeds of these flowers, so they’ll be attracted to nasturtium as a food source.
Hawthorn trees produce small and fragrant white flowers between March and June. Plant a Hawthorn tree in your yard where it will receive full sun in order to produce its signature blooms.
Safflowers are spiky orange and yellow flowers that will add plenty of texture to your garden. Plant them in well-draining soil and in a place where they can receive full sun. The flowers are low maintenance because they are resistant to drought, so moderate watering is all this plant needs. Cardinals love the seeds of safflowers, so planting this food source will surely bring them to your yard.
The delicate and colorful sweet pea flower will be a beautiful addition to your garden. They’re low maintenance as long as you plant these flowers in full sun and in well-draining soil to ensure that they thrive. Allow the flowers to receive at least six hours of direct sun, and soak them two or three times a week to keep them watered. Cardinals are attracted to the flowers’ seeds as a food source.
Source: housedigest.com©
Related: Garden Plants with Seeds that Birds Love – TUTORING YOU