Want to attract more hummingbirds to your garden this year? Planting nectar-rich, brightly colored flowers is the key. These tiny fliers love tubular blooms in red, orange, and pink, but they’ll visit anything with the right shape and sweetness. You can plant them in containers, along borders, or fill entire garden beds. These hummingbird-friendly flowers will turn your space into a fluttering paradise.
1. Trumpet Vine
This vigorous climber produces long, trumpet-shaped blooms that are a hummingbird favorite. The vibrant red-orange flowers appear in summer and attract nonstop attention. Plant it near trellises or fences for the best effect. Give it space and it will grow fast! Prune regularly to keep it tidy. Full sun helps boost blooming.
2. Bee Balm
Bee balm’s frilly blooms and strong scent lure in hummingbirds and butterflies. This native plant comes in red, pink, and purple shades. It thrives in sun or part shade. Choose mildew-resistant varieties for easier care. Deadhead to extend the bloom period. Bee balm adds a burst of color to any pollinator garden.
3. Salvia
Salvia’s tubular flowers are perfect for hummingbird beaks. From classic red to deep blue and purple, these drought-tolerant blooms keep the nectar coming. Many varieties bloom from spring through fall. Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Great in containers or garden beds. Bees love them too!
4. Cardinal Flower
With its striking red spikes, cardinal flower is a hummingbird magnet. It loves moist soil and partial shade. Perfect for rain gardens or near water features. Blooms from midsummer to early fall. Divide clumps every few years. Native to North America and stunning in woodland borders.
5. Petunias
Petunias are easy to grow and come in a rainbow of colors, including hummingbird favorites like red and fuchsia. Their trumpet-shaped blooms hold nectar and rebloom with regular deadheading. Great for hanging baskets or containers. Full sun encourages nonstop flowers. Try wave varieties for spreading ground cover.
6. Zinnia
Zinnias are bright, bold, and super easy to grow. Their open-centered blooms are perfect for hummingbirds and butterflies alike. Plant them from seed after the last frost for blooms all summer. They love full sun and well-drained soil. Deadheading encourages more flowers. Great for borders, beds, or containers.
7. Coral Honeysuckle
Unlike the invasive Japanese honeysuckle, coral honeysuckle is a native beauty. Its red tubular blooms attract hummingbirds. This vine thrives on trellises, fences, or arbors. It prefers full sun but tolerates some shade. Blooms appear from late spring to early fall. Prune lightly to keep it in shape.
8. Fuchsia
Fuchsia’s pendulous blooms are irresistible to hummingbirds. Their unique shape and vibrant colors offer nectar all summer. Best grown in hanging baskets or shaded containers. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Protect from the hot afternoon sun. A showy addition to covered patios or porches.
9. Agastache
As the name suggests, hummingbird mint, or Agastache, is a favorite for its long-lasting, nectar-rich flowers. Its spiky blooms come in orange, pink, or lavender. Drought-tolerant and sun-loving. It also smells great and attracts butterflies. Use it in borders or herb gardens. Deer usually leave it alone.
10. Lupine
Tall spikes of lupine blooms catch a hummingbird’s eye. These early-summer perennials prefer cooler climates and well-drained soil. Available in blue, pink, white, and purple. Adds vertical interest to cottage gardens. Best in full sun or partial shade. Mix with other wildflowers for a natural look.
11. Columbine
Columbine’s delicate, nodding flowers are perfectly shaped for hummingbirds. Native varieties come in red, yellow, and bi-colored blooms. Thrives in dappled shade and woodland gardens. Easy to grow from seed and self-seeds freely. Blooms in spring and early summer. A great companion to ferns and hostas.
12. Red Hot Poker
This dramatic plant produces tall, torch-like flowers in fiery shades. Hummingbirds are drawn to its bright color and tubular form. Blooms from late spring to early fall. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant once established. Adds a bold touch to sunny borders.
13. Cleome
Cleome, often called spider flower, is a tall and whimsical plant hummingbirds can’t resist. Its long stamens and airy blooms create a unique pink, lavender, or white display. Cleome thrives in full sun and handles heat well. It's perfect for adding vertical interest to borders and garden beds. These flowers bloom from early summer to fall with minimal care. Just give them space, as they can grow several feet tall.
14. Penstemon
Known for their bell-shaped flowers, penstemons come in red, pink, and purple shades. These native perennials are low-maintenance and drought-tolerant. Hummingbirds visit them often. They are great for sunny, dry gardens. Some varieties bloom for months. Pair with ornamental grasses or coneflowers.
15. Butterfly Bush
This fast-growing shrub attracts hummingbirds and butterflies alike. Its cone-shaped flower clusters are loaded with nectar. Blooms from summer to fall. Loves full sun and well-drained soil. Deadhead to encourage more flowers. Choose non-invasive varieties for safer planting.
16. Crocosmia
Crocosmia offers arching sprays of red or orange flowers. Hummingbirds love the tubular shape and bright color. Plant bulbs in spring for summer blooms. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Cut back in late fall. Adds flair and movement to flower beds.
17. Impatiens
Impatiens are a reliable choice for shady gardens. Their soft blooms attract hummingbirds despite the shade. They bloom in a range of colors, including red and pink. Keep the soil evenly moist. Impatiens are great for containers, borders, and under trees. Choose disease-resistant varieties for longevity.
18. Lobelia
Lobelia’s vivid blue or red flowers are hummingbird favorites. Grow in containers, hanging baskets, or edging beds. Prefers cooler temperatures and partial shade. Keep the soil moist for best results. Blooms from spring to early summer. An excellent filler for shady corners.
19. Tithonia
Tithonia, Mexican Sunflower, produces bold orange blooms that stand out in any garden. Hummingbirds and butterflies flock to its nectar. Grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. Heat and drought-tolerant. Great for wildflower gardens or borders. Tall varieties make excellent backdrops.
20. Daylilies
While not a primary nectar source, hummingbirds do visit daylilies. Their trumpet shape and bright colors catch the eye. These tough perennials bloom heavily in summer. Require little care once established. Excellent for mass plantings or slopes. Divide clumps every few years to keep them thriving.
21. Bleeding Heart
This shade-loving perennial produces heart-shaped flowers with a drooping, tubular form. It is ideal for spring blooms in woodland settings, and hummingbirds enjoy the early nectar. The plant dies back in the summer heat. Pair it with ferns or hostas for a lush look. Plant in well-drained, moist soil.
22. Snapdragon
Snapdragons produce tall spikes of colorful, nectar-rich flowers. Hummingbirds love the tubular blossoms. They bloom best in cooler weather, so plant them in early spring or fall. Deadhead for more extended bloom periods. Grow them in full sun to partial shade. They are great for borders and containers.
23. Nicotiana (Flowering Tobacco)
Nicotiana, also called Flowering Tobacco, offers fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that open in the evening. Hummingbirds visit during early morning and late afternoon. It grows best in sun to part shade. Keep soil moist but not soggy. Nicotiana adds fragrance and elegance to your garden. Some varieties are tall, others compact.
24. Hollyhocks
Hollyhocks provide height and drama with tall spires of blooms. Hummingbirds hover around the large, open flowers. They are best grown at the back of beds or along fences. As they grow tall, they need support. Full sun is ideal. Hollyhocks are a cottage garden staple that reseeds easily.
25. Milkweed
While milkweed is best known for monarchs, its blooms also attract hummingbirds. It thrives in dry conditions and full sun. Easy to grow and pollinator-friendly. Comes in several varieties, including common, swamp, and butterfly weed. Great for wildflower gardens. Adds color and conservation value.
26. Verbena
Verbena’s clusters of small blooms are rich in nectar. Hummingbirds flock to its vibrant reds, purples, and pinks. Perfect for containers, hanging baskets, or sunny borders. Heat and drought-tolerant. Blooms from spring to frost. A long-lasting favorite for any garden.
Create a Hummingbird Haven
Just a few of these plants can attract hummingbirds to your doorstep. Mix heights, colors, and bloom times to keep them returning day after day. Include a shallow water source like a birdbath or mister, and avoid using pesticides that could harm your visitors. Fill your garden with these beautiful flowers, and your outdoor space will be vibrant and full of blooms. Your hummingbirds will come alive with cheerful wings and soft, buzzing energy!