Creating a garden that draws in hummingbirds can bring beauty and life to your outdoor space. These tiny, vibrant creatures are not only delightful to watch, but they also play a crucial role in pollination. One of the best ways to attract them is by planting flowering shrubs that offer rich, nectar-filled blooms. If you want to make your garden a hummingbird haven, here are stunning flowering shrubs that will do just that. From bright pink to purple, these plants will add color and movement to your garden while inviting these charming birds to visit.
Choosing the Right Location for Hummingbird Shrubs
To attract the most hummingbirds to your garden, place these flowering shrubs in areas where they will thrive. Full sun is often the best location for many of these plants, but some species also do well in partial shade. Make sure to choose spots where they can get enough light to produce abundant blooms. Additionally, planting near a water source or creating a small garden nook can provide a comfortable space for hummingbirds to rest and feed.
1. Coral Honeysuckle
Coral Honeysuckle is a native flowering shrub that produces vibrant red, orange, or yellow tubular flowers. These blooms are rich in nectar, making them a perfect attractor for hummingbirds. The plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and can grow along fences or trellises, giving your garden a natural, elegant touch. It’s also a great choice for attracting pollinators and supporting local ecosystems, all while being low-maintenance and drought-tolerant.
2. Red-Flowering Currant
The Red-Flowering Currant is a deciduous shrub that thrives in both sun and partial shade. Its clusters of bright pink to red flowers are particularly appealing to hummingbirds, drawing them from afar. This shrub is adaptable to a variety of soil types and flourishes in coastal gardens. Not only does it attract hummingbirds, but it also supports a wide range of pollinators like bees and butterflies. Its vibrant blooms and eco-friendly benefits make it an excellent addition to any garden. With minimal care, it provides both beauty and wildlife support year-round.
3. Fuchsia
Fuchsia shrubs are known for their pendulous, tubular flowers in various colors, including red, purple, pink, and white. Hummingbirds are especially drawn to these vibrant blooms because of their shape and abundant nectar. Fuchsia shrubs do well in hanging baskets or containers, making them perfect for adding pops of color to patios or shaded corners of the garden. They thrive in areas with indirect sunlight and moist, well-drained soil.
4. Trumpet Vine
Trumpet Vine is a vigorous-growing shrub with large, trumpet-shaped flowers in bright shades of orange and red. These flowers are packed with nectar, and the plant's sprawling growth habit can quickly cover fences, arbors, or trellises. While it requires full sun to produce the best blooms, it’s a relatively low-maintenance plant. Its stunning blossoms attract hummingbirds and other pollinators like bees and butterflies.
5. Abelia
Abelia is an evergreen shrub that produces clusters of small, tubular flowers, usually in white, pink, or lavender shades. These blooms appear in late spring to summer, offering hummingbirds a constant food source during the warmer months. Abelia thrives in full sun to partial shade and is drought-tolerant once established. Its dense foliage provides hummingbirds and other wildlife shelter, adding beauty and function to your garden.
6. Butterfly Bush
The Butterfly Bush is a well-known shrub for attracting pollinators, especially hummingbirds. Its long, fragrant flower spikes bloom in shades of purple, pink, white, or yellow, and the dense clusters are irresistible to hummingbirds. Once established, the butterfly bush thrives in full sun and well-drained soil and can handle drought conditions. It’s a fantastic addition to a garden designed to support a variety of wildlife.
7. Lilac
Lilacs are famous for their fragrant, showy flowers in various colors, such as purple, white, and pink. Although lilacs are generally known for attracting bees, their nectar-rich flowers also draw hummingbirds. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, and their hearty growth makes them an excellent addition to almost any garden. If you're looking for a shrub with visual appeal and wildlife benefits, lilacs are a great choice.
8. Sage
Sage is an easy-to-grow flowering shrub with many species that attract hummingbirds with their tubular flowers. The blooms come in vibrant shades like red, purple, and pink, producing an abundance of nectar that hummingbirds find irresistible. Sage thrives in full sun and well-drained soil; many species are drought-tolerant. Aside from hummingbirds, sage also supports bees and butterflies, making it a great addition to a pollinator-friendly garden.
Creating a Hummingbird-Friendly Garden
While the right shrubs are key to attracting hummingbirds, a hummingbird-friendly garden includes more than just flowers. Incorporate various plants offering nectar, such as wildflowers, vines, and trees. You can also add a birdbath or shallow dish with water for hydration. Combining different elements—flowers, shelter, and water—will create a welcoming environment that keeps these beautiful birds returning season after season.
Gorgeous Shrubs for Hummingbird Gardens
If you want to create a garden that hummingbirds can’t resist, these 8 flowering shrubs are perfect. Whether you have a sunny spot or a shaded corner, each plant offers vibrant flowers and nectar to keep your feathered friends coming back for more. From Coral Honeysuckle to Sage, these shrubs provide beauty, function, and a habitat for various pollinators, ensuring your garden remains lively and full of nature’s wonders.
Don't forget to check out this guide:
Welcoming & Caring for Hummingbirds by USDA Zone