There’s something magical about seeing a hummingbird dart through your garden, hovering mid-air as it feeds on sweet nectar.
These tiny, vibrant birds not only add beauty and excitement to outdoor spaces, but they also play an important role in pollination.
If you’re hoping to turn your garden into a hummingbird haven, the secret lies in choosing the right flowers.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 10 of the best flowers for attracting hummingbirds. These blooms are rich in nectar, vividly colored, and tailored to the feeding habits of these energetic birds.
With the right mix of plants, you can create a hummingbird-friendly landscape that’s as rewarding for the gardener as it is for the birds.
Why Do Hummingbirds Love Certain Flowers?
Hummingbirds are drawn to flowers that produce abundant nectar, especially those in red, pink, orange, and purple shades.
Their long, slender beaks and specialized tongues are perfectly designed to access deep tubular flowers. The more a flower matches a hummingbird’s feeding technique, the more attractive it becomes to these birds.
In addition to nectar, hummingbirds rely on gardens for perching spots, protection from predators, and access to clean water.
That’s why combining nectar-rich flowers with shrubs and water features can transform your outdoor space into a hummingbird paradise.
1. Bee Balm (Monarda spp.)
Bee balm is a magnet for hummingbirds, thanks to its bright tubular blooms and high nectar content. Its shaggy, firework-shaped flowers bloom from mid-summer to early fall in shades of red, pink, purple, and white.
Botanical Name: Monarda didyma
Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade; moist, well-drained soil
Bloom Time: Summer to early fall
Bonus: Also attracts butterflies and bees, making it a pollinator favorite.
2. Salvia (Salvia spp.)
Salvia offers upright spikes of tubular flowers in deep purples, blues, reds, and pinks. Its long bloom period and nectar-rich blossoms make it a hummingbird staple.
Botanical Name: Salvia nemorosa, Salvia greggii, and others
Growing Conditions: Full sun; well-drained soil
Bloom Time: Spring to fall
Bonus: Deer-resistant and drought-tolerant once established.
3. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
With its brilliant red color and tubular flower shape, cardinal flower is perfectly designed for hummingbirds. This native wildflower thrives in moist conditions and is often seen near streams and ponds.
Botanical Name: Lobelia cardinalis
Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade; moist soil
Bloom Time: Mid- to late summer
Bonus: Ideal for rain gardens and wetland edges.
4. Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)
Trumpet vine is a vigorous climber that produces large, trumpet-shaped flowers in fiery orange, red, and coral tones. Hummingbirds are particularly fond of this plant’s long, nectar-filled blooms.
Botanical Name: Campsis radicans
Growing Conditions: Full sun; average to poor soil
Bloom Time: Summer to early fall
Bonus: Fast-growing and perfect for fences, arbors, or trellises.
5. Columbine (Aquilegia spp.)
Columbine’s nodding, bell-like flowers bloom early in spring and are among the first nectar sources available for hummingbirds coming out of migration. Their unique spurred shape holds nectar deep inside.
Botanical Name: Aquilegia canadensis and hybrids
Growing Conditions: Part shade to full sun; well-drained soil
Bloom Time: Spring
Bonus: Self-seeds easily and naturalizes in woodland gardens.
6. Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)
Unlike invasive Japanese honeysuckle, coral honeysuckle is a native species with stunning red to coral tubular flowers. Its twining vines provide vertical interest while feeding hummingbirds with nectar-rich blooms.
Botanical Name: Lonicera sempervirens
Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade; average soil
Bloom Time: Spring through summer, sometimes reblooming in fall
Bonus: Non-invasive, supports pollinators, and provides shelter.
7. Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)
Though not tubular, zinnias are nectar-rich and colorful, making them highly attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies. They are easy to grow, especially in hot, sunny gardens.
Botanical Name: Zinnia elegans
Growing Conditions: Full sun; well-drained soil
Bloom Time: Summer to frost
Bonus: Excellent cut flowers and come in a wide array of bright colors.
8. Fuchsia (Fuchsia spp.)
Fuchsia’s pendulous, lantern-like flowers are hummingbird magnets, especially in containers and hanging baskets. They come in two-tone combinations of pink, purple, red, and white.
Botanical Name: Fuchsia spp.
Growing Conditions: Part shade; moist, rich soil
Bloom Time: Spring through fall
Bonus: Excellent for shaded patios and balcony gardens.
9. Penstemon (Penstemon spp.)
Also known as beardtongue, penstemon features narrow, tubular blooms in shades of pink, purple, blue, and red. It’s a favorite in xeriscapes and dry gardens.
Botanical Name: Penstemon digitalis, Penstemon barbatus, and others
Growing Conditions: Full sun; well-drained soil
Bloom Time: Late spring to summer
Bonus: Drought-tolerant and native to North America.
10. Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii)
While its name celebrates butterflies, the butterfly bush’s conical flower clusters are equally irresistible to hummingbirds. Blooming continuously from summer to frost, it offers an abundant nectar supply.
Botanical Name: Buddleja davidii
Growing Conditions: Full sun; well-drained soil
Bloom Time: Summer to frost
Bonus: Choose sterile or non-invasive varieties to prevent spread.
Bonus Tips for Attracting Hummingbirds
- Use red: Hummingbirds are especially attracted to red flowers.
- Provide water: Add a misting fountain or birdbath for drinking and bathing.
- Avoid pesticides: Chemicals can harm hummingbirds and their food sources.
- Plant in clusters: Grouping the same flowers together makes it easier for hummingbirds to find and feed.
- Include perches: Hummingbirds need to rest between feedings, so trees and shrubs are essential.
Creating a hummingbird-friendly garden is both beautiful and beneficial. By planting a selection of these 10 flowers, you provide a continuous supply of nectar that supports hummingbirds throughout the seasons.
With their vibrant colors, unique flight patterns, and important pollination roles, hummingbirds bring your garden to life in the most delightful way.
