If you’re looking to add a little bit of charm and beauty to your garden, look no further than the hummingbird. These tiny creatures are not only fun to watch but they can also help pollinate your plants. The best part? They’re attracted to a wide variety of flowers, so you’re sure to find one that suits your taste. Here are some great plants for attracting hummingbirds to your garden.
Agastache (Agastache spp.)
Also known as hummingbird mint or hyssop, agastache is a fragrant, nectar-rich plant that hummingbirds love. It blooms from early summer to fall and comes in a variety of colors including pink, purple, blue, and white. Agastache is a perennial in most regions but may be treated as an annual in areas with very cold winters.
Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
Cardinal flower is another perennial that hummingbirds love. It gets its name from its showy red flowers that are a favorite of cardinals and hummingbirds alike. Cardinal flower blooms from mid-summer to early fall and does best in full sun or partial shade. It can be invasive in some regions so check with your local Cooperative Extension Office before planting it.
Coral Bells (Heuchera sanguinea)
Coral bells are perennials that produce nectar-rich, bell-shaped flowers that attract Hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies alike. They come in a wide range of colors including pink, white, red, and purple and bloom from early summer to mid-fall. Coral bells do best in partial shade but can tolerate full sun if given enough water.
Four O’Clocks (Mirabilis jalapa)
Four o’clocks get their common name from the fact that their flowers open in the late afternoon and close again at dawn. They are very fragrant and produce nectar that is beloved by both hummingbirds and moths. Four o’clocks are annuals but will self-seed if left unchecked making them effectively perennials in many gardens. They come in a wide range of colors including white, yellow, pink, and red and will bloom prolifically from midsummer until frost kills them back.
Fuchsia (Fuchsia spp.)
Fuchsias are showy shrubs that produce drooping flowers that are very popular with hummingbirds. They come in a wide range of colors including pink, purple, red, and white and will bloom from early summer until frost kills them back. Fuchsias need consistent moisture so they do best in gardens with regular irrigation or high rainfall amounts. In regions with hot summers, they appreciate some afternoon shade to prevent wilting.
Lantana (Lantana camara)
Lantana is a beautiful flowering plant that comes in a wide variety of colors including pink, purple, red, and orange. It’s a perennial plant, which means it will come back year after year with minimal care. Hummingbirds love the nectar from the Lantana flower and will often visit the same plant multiple times a day.
Petunia (Hybrids, P. axillaris x P. integrifolia)
Petunias are another popular choice for attracting hummingbirds to your garden. They come in a wide range of colors and sizes and they’re relatively easy to care for. Petunias are annual plants, so you’ll need to replant them every year, but they’re well worth the effort. The nectar from the Petunia flower is very sweet and irresistible to hummingbirds.
Salvia (Salvia cultivars)
Salvia is a genus of plants that includes both annuals and perennials. They’re easy to grow and come in a wide variety of colors including blue, purple, white, and pink. Salvia flowers are very rich in nectar which makes them a big hit with hummingbirds. In fact, the hummingbird is the primary pollinator for many types of Salvia.
Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus)
Snapdragons are another great choice for attracting hummingbirds to your garden. They come in a wide variety of colors and they’re relatively easy to care for. Snapdragons are also rich in nectar, which makes them an ideal choice for attracting these tiny creatures. like Lantana, Snapdragons are also perennial plants which means they’ll come back year after year with minimal care.
Weigela (Weigela cultivars)
Weigela is a genus of deciduous shrubs that are native to East Asia. They’re easy to grow and come in a wide variety of colors including pink, red, purple, and white. Weigelas are very popular among gardeners because they’re relatively low maintenance and they bloom profusely during the spring and summer months. Hummingbirds love the nectar from Weigela flowers and will often visit the same plant multiple times per day.
Bee Balm
Bee balm, also known as Monarda, is a vibrant and fragrant perennial that is a favorite of hummingbirds. These showy flowers come in a range of colors including red, pink, purple, and white, making them a beautiful addition to any garden. Hummingbirds are particularly attracted to the tubular, nectar-rich flowers of bee balm.
Bee balm thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained, moist soil. It grows 2-4 feet tall and spreads readily, so be prepared to divide the plants every few years to maintain vigor. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage more blooms throughout the summer. Bee balm is also deer resistant, making it a great choice for gardens where these pests are a problem.
Zinnia
Zinnias are another hummingbird magnet in the garden. These bright, cheerful annuals come in a wide array of colors including red, orange, yellow, pink, and purple. Hummingbirds are drawn to the large, nectar-filled flowers. Zinnias are easy to grow from seed and bloom prolifically all summer long.
Plant zinnias in full sun and well-drained soil. They grow 12-36 inches tall depending on the variety. Deadheading spent blooms will prolong the flowering season. Zinnias are also excellent cut flowers, so you can enjoy their beauty both in the garden and in bouquets.
Bleeding Heart
The delicate, heart-shaped flowers of bleeding heart are another favorite of hummingbirds. This shade-loving perennial produces cascading clusters of pink or white blooms in the spring. While the main flowering period is in spring, some varieties may rebloom sporadically throughout the summer.
Bleeding heart prefers partial to full shade and moist, well-drained soil. It grows 1-3 feet tall and spreads slowly over time. After the initial spring bloom, the foliage may go dormant in the heat of summer, only to reemerge in the fall. Bleeding heart is deer resistant and makes a lovely addition to woodland gardens and shady borders.
Butterfly Bush
Butterfly bush is a magnet for both butterflies and hummingbirds. These fast-growing shrubs produce large, fragrant flower clusters in shades of purple, pink, white, and yellow that are irresistible to nectar-feeding visitors. Hummingbirds are particularly drawn to the long, tubular flowers.
Butterfly bush thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It grows 5-10 feet tall and wide, making it a substantial presence in the garden. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage more flowers to form throughout the summer. Be aware that butterfly bush can be considered invasive in some regions, so check local guidelines before planting. With proper care and placement, however, it can be a beautiful and beneficial addition to a hummingbird-friendly garden.
Trumpet Creeper
Trumpet creeper, or Campsis radicans, is a vigorous, climbing vine that hummingbirds find irresistible. Its large, tubular flowers in shades of orange and red provide a rich nectar source that hummingbirds love. The flowers also attract other pollinators like butterflies and bees.
Trumpet creeper is a fast-growing, deciduous vine that can reach up to 40 feet in length. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, and will readily climb trellises, arbors, or other structures. Be aware that it can be aggressive and may require regular pruning to keep it in check. However, its showy blooms and ability to attract hummingbirds make it a worthwhile addition to many gardens.
Lupine
Lupines are another hummingbird-friendly perennial, with their tall spikes of pea-like flowers in a range of vibrant colors. Hummingbirds are drawn to the nectar-rich blooms, which can range from purple and blue to pink, yellow, and white. Lupines also provide valuable pollen for other pollinators.
Lupines prefer full sun and well-drained, slightly acidic soil. They grow 2-4 feet tall and spread slowly over time. Deadheading spent flower spikes will encourage more blooms throughout the season. Lupines are deer resistant and make a stunning addition to cottage gardens, meadows, and borders. Just be aware that they can be toxic to livestock if ingested in large quantities.
Columbine
Columbine, or Aquilegia, is a delicate and whimsical perennial that hummingbirds find irresistible. These flowers feature distinctive, spurred petals in a wide range of colors including red, pink, purple, yellow, and white. Hummingbirds are drawn to the nectar-rich blooms, which they can easily access with their long, slender beaks.
Columbine thrives in partial shade to full sun, depending on the variety. It prefers well-drained, moist soil and grows 1-3 feet tall. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage more blooms throughout the spring and early summer. Columbine self-sows readily, so be prepared for new plants to pop up around the garden. This charming perennial makes a lovely addition to woodland gardens, borders, and rock gardens.
Penstemon
Also known as beardtongue, penstemon is a drought-tolerant perennial that hummingbirds love. These flowers feature tubular blooms in shades of red, pink, purple, and white that are perfectly shaped for a hummingbird’s long, slender beak. Penstemon is native to North America and thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
Penstemon grows 1-3 feet tall, depending on the variety, and blooms profusely in the late spring and summer. Deadheading spent flowers will prolong the flowering season. This perennial is also deer resistant, making it a great choice for gardens where these pests are a problem. Penstemon self-sows readily, so you may find new plants popping up around the garden.
Flowering Tobacco
Flowering tobacco, or Nicotiana, is a fragrant annual that hummingbirds find irresistible. These plants produce clusters of tubular, nectar-rich flowers in shades of white, pink, red, and purple that are a magnet for hummingbirds. The flowers also release a sweet fragrance in the evening, attracting hummingbirds and other pollinators.
Flowering tobacco prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It grows 2-4 feet tall, depending on the variety, and blooms prolifically throughout the summer. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage more blooms. Flowering tobacco self-sows readily, so you may find new plants popping up around the garden. This annual makes a beautiful addition to borders, containers, and cutting gardens.
Delphinium
Delphinium, with its tall spikes of vibrant, nectar-rich flowers, is a true hummingbird magnet. These stately perennials come in a range of colors including blue, purple, pink, and white, providing a striking visual contrast in the garden. Hummingbirds are drawn to the tubular blooms, which they can easily access with their long, slender beaks.
Delphiniums thrive in full sun and well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. They grow 3-6 feet tall, depending on the variety, and bloom in the late spring and early summer. Deadheading spent flower spikes will encourage more blooms. Be aware that delphiniums can be toxic if ingested, so they may not be suitable for gardens with small children or pets. However, their beauty and ability to attract hummingbirds make them a worthwhile addition to many gardens.
Foxglove
Foxglove, or Digitalis, is another tall, stately perennial that hummingbirds find irresistible. These plants produce tall spikes of tubular, nectar-rich flowers in shades of pink, purple, white, and yellow that hummingbirds love. Foxglove also provides valuable pollen for other pollinators.
Foxglove prefers partial shade and well-drained, moist soil. It grows 2-5 feet tall, depending on the variety, and blooms in the late spring and early summer. Deadheading spent flower spikes will encourage more blooms. Be aware that foxglove can be toxic if ingested, so it may not be suitable for gardens with small children or pets. However, its beauty and ability to attract hummingbirds make it a worthwhile addition to many gardens.
Daylily
Daylilies are a versatile and hummingbird-friendly perennial. These plants produce large, trumpet-shaped flowers in a wide range of colors including red, orange, yellow, pink, and purple. Hummingbirds are drawn to the nectar-rich blooms, which they can easily access with their long, slender beaks.
Daylilies thrive in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. They grow 2-4 feet tall and spread readily, so be prepared to divide the plants every few years to maintain vigor. Daylilies bloom for a relatively short period, but their long flowering season and ability to attract hummingbirds make them a valuable addition to any garden. They are also low-maintenance and deer resistant, making them a great choice for a variety of garden settings.
Cuphea
Cuphea, also known as cigar plant or Mexican heather, is a vibrant and unique annual that hummingbirds find irresistible. These plants produce clusters of tubular, nectar-rich flowers in shades of red, orange, pink, and purple that are perfectly shaped for a hummingbird’s long, slender beak. Cuphea also attracts butterflies and other pollinators.
Cuphea thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It grows 12-24 inches tall and spreads readily, making it a great choice for containers, hanging baskets, and garden beds. Cuphea blooms prolifically from spring through fall, providing a constant source of nectar for hummingbirds. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage more blooms. This annual is also drought-tolerant, making it a low-maintenance addition to any hummingbird-friendly garden.
Catmint
Catmint, or Nepeta, is a fragrant and drought-tolerant perennial that hummingbirds find irresistible. These plants produce clusters of small, tubular flowers in shades of blue, purple, and white that are rich in nectar. Hummingbirds are drawn to the blooms, which they can easily access with their long, slender beaks.
Catmint prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It grows 12-24 inches tall and spreads readily, making it a great choice for ground covers, borders, and containers. Catmint blooms from late spring through fall, providing a long season of nectar for hummingbirds. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage more blooms. This perennial is also deer resistant and low-maintenance, making it a valuable addition to any hummingbird-friendly garden.
Phlox
Phlox is a versatile and hummingbird-friendly perennial that comes in a range of varieties, from low-growing ground covers to tall, upright plants. These flowers produce clusters of tubular, nectar-rich blooms in shades of pink, purple, white, and red that hummingbirds find irresistible.
Phlox thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It grows 6 inches to 3 feet tall, depending on the variety, and blooms from late spring through summer. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage more blooms. Phlox is also deer resistant and low-maintenance, making it a great choice for a variety of garden settings. Whether you choose a ground cover or upright variety, phlox is sure to attract hummingbirds to your garden.
Morning Glory
Morning glory is a fast-growing, climbing vine that hummingbirds find irresistible. These plants produce large, trumpet-shaped flowers in a range of vibrant colors including blue, purple, pink, and red. Hummingbirds are drawn to the nectar-rich blooms, which they can easily access with their long, slender beaks.
Morning glory thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It grows quickly, reaching up to 15 feet in length, and will readily climb trellises, arbors, or other structures. Morning glory blooms from late spring through fall, providing a long season of nectar for hummingbirds. Be aware that it can be considered invasive in some regions, so it’s important to monitor its growth and contain it if necessary.
Canna Lily
Canna lilies are a bold and tropical-looking perennial that hummingbirds adore. These plants produce large, showy flowers in a range of colors including red, orange, yellow, and pink. The tubular blooms are rich in nectar, making them a prime target for hummingbirds.
Canna lilies prefer full sun and moist, well-drained soil. They grow 3-6 feet tall, depending on the variety, and have large, lush foliage that provides a striking backdrop for the flowers. Canna lilies bloom from summer through fall, providing a long season of nectar for hummingbirds. They are also deer resistant, making them a great choice for gardens where these pests are a problem.
Be aware that canna lilies are tropical plants and may not be hardy in all climates. In colder regions, the rhizomes will need to be dug up and stored over the winter. However, their ability to attract hummingbirds and their bold, tropical aesthetic make them a worthwhile addition to many gardens.
