Hummingbirds bring energy and beauty to any garden; the best way to attract them is with the right flowers. These tiny birds are drawn to brightly colored, nectar-rich blooms that provide essential nourishment. By planting various flowers that bloom at different times of the year, you can create a continuous food source for them. Many of these flowers are also easy to care for and add striking color to your landscape. Here are stunning flowers that will transform your garden into a hummingbird paradise.
1. Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)
The trumpet vine is a fast-growing climber that produces large trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of orange, red, and yellow. Its vibrant blooms are a favorite of hummingbirds due to their shape and high nectar content. This hardy plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it an excellent choice for trellises, fences, or arbors. Trumpet vine blooms from summer to early fall, ensuring a steady food source for hummingbirds during the warmer months.
2. Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)
Bee balm is a must-have perennial for attracting hummingbirds, thanks to its bright red, pink, purple, or white tubular flowers. The blooms are packed with nectar, providing a vital food source from mid-to-late summer. This fragrant plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. Bee balm is also highly resistant to deer and rabbits, making it a low-maintenance addition to your garden. The bee balm attracts butterflies and bees, promoting a healthy ecosystem.
3. Salvia (Salvia spp.)
Salvia, also known as sage, is a favorite among hummingbirds due to its long tubular flowers and abundant nectar. This hardy perennial thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, available in various colors, including red, blue, purple, and pink. Many salvia species bloom from late spring through fall, providing an extended food source for hummingbirds. The drought-tolerant plant requires minimal care, making it ideal for busy gardeners. Salvia’s fragrant foliage also deters deer and other pests.
4. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
The Cardinal flower is a striking native wildflower known for its brilliant red blossoms that hummingbirds can’t resist. The tall spikes of flowers bloom from mid-to-late summer, standing out beautifully in wetland areas or along pond edges. This perennial thrives in moist, rich soil and partial to full sun. It requires regular watering to maintain its lush appearance but rewards gardeners with its spectacular floral display.
5. Columbine (Aquilegia spp.)
Columbine is an elegant, early-blooming perennial with delicate, spurred flowers in red, pink, purple, blue, and yellow shades. Its unique shape makes it highly attractive to hummingbirds, who can easily access the nectar. Columbine thrives in partial shade and well-drained soil, making it perfect for woodland gardens or shaded borders. This plant is drought-tolerant and requires minimal maintenance. Blooming in late spring to early summer, columbine provides an important early-season food source for hummingbirds.
6. Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)
Coral honeysuckle is a vigorous vine that produces clusters of tubular red or orange flowers throughout the spring and summer. Its nectar-rich blooms are a magnet for hummingbirds, and the plant is a great alternative to invasive honeysuckle species. This semi-evergreen vine thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. It can be trained to climb trellises, fences, or arbors, adding vertical interest to the garden. Coral honeysuckle provides berries and food for songbirds in the fall.
7. Fuchsia (Fuchsia spp.)
Fuchsia is a stunning flowering plant known for its drooping, bell-shaped blooms in shades of pink, red, purple, and white. These nectar-rich flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds, especially in hanging baskets or shaded garden areas. Fuchsia prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil, making it perfect for patios and shaded borders. While it requires regular watering, deadheading spent blooms will encourage continuous flowering. The plant's elegant, cascading form adds a touch of romance to any garden.
8. Lupine (Lupinus spp.)
Lupine is a striking perennial that produces tall spikes of pea-like flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, yellow, and white. Its nectar-filled blooms are irresistible to hummingbirds and other pollinators. Lupine thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it a great addition to wildflower gardens and cottage landscapes. It also improves soil quality by fixing nitrogen, benefiting nearby plants. This hardy perennial blooms in late spring to early summer, providing an early-season food source for hummingbirds.
9. Penstemon (Penstemon spp.)
Penstemon, also known as beardtongue, is a drought-tolerant perennial with tubular flowers in shades of red, pink, purple, blue, and white. Its blooms are rich in nectar, making it a favorite for hummingbirds throughout the growing season. Penstemon thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, requiring little maintenance once established. The plant's tall flower spikes add height and texture to garden beds and borders.
10. Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia spp.)
Red hot poker is a bold and eye-catching perennial that produces tall spikes of tubular flowers in red, orange, and yellow shades. Its fiery blooms are packed with nectar, attracting hummingbirds throughout the summer. This sun-loving plant thrives in well-drained soil and is highly drought-tolerant. Red Hot Poker’s unique flower shape and vibrant colors make it a standout in any garden. It pairs well with ornamental grasses and other perennials for a striking landscape design.
11. Firebush (Hamelia patens)
Firebush is a heat-loving shrub that produces tubular red-orange flowers from spring through fall, making it a long-lasting nectar source for hummingbirds. This tropical plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil but can tolerate partial shade. Firebush is also drought-tolerant, making it a great low-maintenance option. Its bright blooms contrast beautifully with its dark green foliage, adding a vibrant touch to your garden. A fire bush can grow into a large shrub in warmer climates, while in cooler regions, it can be treated as an annual.
12. Mexican Cigar Plant (Cuphea ignea)
The Mexican cigar plant is a small but striking perennial with bright red, tubular flowers that resemble lit cigars. These nectar-filled blooms attract hummingbirds throughout the growing season. This plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil and is highly heat-tolerant. Mexican cigar plants are often used in borders, containers, or as ground cover in warm climates. Its compact size and vibrant blooms make it a perfect choice for smaller gardens or patios.
13. Hummingbird Mint (Agastache spp.)
Hummingbird mint is a fragrant perennial that produces tall spikes of tubular flowers in shades of pink, purple, orange, and red. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it a great choice for water-wise gardens. Its aromatic foliage deters deer and rabbits while attracting pollinators, including hummingbirds and butterflies. Hummingbird mint blooms from mid-summer to early fall, ensuring a long feeding season.
14. Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii)
Butterfly bush is a fast-growing perennial that produces long clusters of fragrant flowers in shades of purple, pink, white, and blue. While it is well known for attracting butterflies, hummingbirds also flock to its nectar-rich blooms. This hardy shrub thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, requiring minimal care once established. Butterfly bush blooms from mid-summer to early fall, extending the color and nectar availability season.
15. Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis)
Jewelweed is a native wildflower that produces bright orange, trumpet-shaped blooms that hummingbirds love. It thrives in moist, shady areas, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens or damp areas. This plant is also known for its natural ability to soothe skin irritations, including poison ivy exposure. Its nectar-rich flowers bloom from late summer into fall, providing an important food source when other plants begin to fade.
16. Scarlet Sage (Salvia coccinea)
Scarlet sage is a vibrant flowering plant that produces striking red tubular blooms, making it a top favorite for hummingbirds. This hardy annual or perennial thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, blooming from late spring until the first frost. It is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, requiring only occasional deadheading to encourage continuous flowering. Scarlet sage is an excellent choice for garden beds, borders, and containers.
17. Texas Sage (Leucophyllum frutescens)
Texas sage, or barometer bush, is a hardy, drought-tolerant shrub with beautiful purple, lavender, or pink blooms. It thrives in hot, dry climates and requires little maintenance once established. Texas sage blooms intermittently throughout the year, especially after rainfall, providing a steady nectar source for hummingbirds. This evergreen shrub also has silvery-green foliage that adds contrast and texture to landscapes.
18. Lantana (Lantana camara)
Lantana is a colorful, heat-loving plant that produces clusters of tiny tubular flowers in shades of yellow, orange, pink, red, and purple. This plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil and easily tolerates heat and drought. Hummingbirds are drawn to its abundant nectar, and it also attracts butterflies. Lantana blooms from spring through fall, providing a long-lasting floral display. This plant is often used in hanging baskets, garden beds, or as ground cover.
19. Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
Foxglove is a striking biennial or short-lived perennial with tall spikes of bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink, purple, yellow, and white. Hummingbirds are especially drawn to its tubular blooms, which supply ample nectar. This plant prefers partial shade and well-drained soil, making it ideal for woodland gardens and shaded borders. Foxglove blooms in late spring to early summer, offering an important food source for hummingbirds during this period.
20. Crossvine (Bignonia capreolata)
Crossvine is a vigorous, climbing vine that produces trumpet-shaped flowers in red, orange, and yellow shades. Blooming in spring and sporadically throughout the summer, its nectar-rich flowers attract hummingbirds in large numbers. This fast-growing vine thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is ideal for covering trellises, fences, or pergolas, adding a dramatic floral display to vertical spaces. Crossvine is also semi-evergreen in mild climates, providing year-round greenery.
21. Trumpet Creeper (Distictis buccinatoria)
Trumpet creeper, also known as the Mexican blood vine, is a vigorous climbing plant that produces deep red, trumpet-shaped flowers that are rich in nectar. Hummingbirds are naturally drawn to its bright, tubular blooms, which appear from spring through fall. This fast-growing vine thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it an excellent choice for trellises, fences, or pergolas.
22. Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja spp.)
Indian paintbrush is a stunning wildflower known for its bright red, orange, or yellow bracts that resemble paintbrush tips. This unique plant is a semi-parasite, meaning it attaches itself to the roots of nearby plants to obtain nutrients. Indian paintbrush thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, often found in prairies, meadows, and wildflower gardens. Hummingbirds are particularly attracted to its vibrant colors and nectar-rich blooms.
23. Brazilian Skyflower (Duranta erecta)
Brazilian skyflower is a tropical shrub that produces cascading clusters of deep blue or purple tubular flowers, followed by small golden berries. This plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil and blooms continuously in warm climates. Hummingbirds are drawn to its nectar-filled blossoms, while its berries attract other birds. Brazilian skyflower can be grown as a shrub, trained as a vine, or pruned into a small tree.
24. Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis)
Desert willow is a drought-tolerant tree-like shrub that produces elegant, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white. These nectar-rich blooms attract hummingbirds and appear from late spring through fall. This plant thrives in full sun and sandy, well-drained soil, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping. Desert willow has a graceful, airy form with narrow, willow-like leaves that provide light shade.
25. Firecracker Plant (Russelia equisetiformis)
The firecracker plant is a tropical perennial with arching, fountain-like stems covered in small, tubular red flowers. Its continuous blooms provide a reliable nectar source for hummingbirds throughout the year in warm climates. This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, tolerating heat and drought easily. Firecracker plants work well in hanging baskets and containers or as a ground cover for garden beds. They require minimal care, only needing occasional trimming to maintain their shape.
26. Pride of Barbados (Caesalpinia pulcherrima)
Pride of Barbados is a striking tropical shrub with vibrant orange-red flowers featuring long, delicate stamens. This heat-loving plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, blooming profusely from spring to fall. Hummingbirds are drawn to its showy, nectar-rich blossoms, which stand out against its feathery green foliage. It is highly drought-tolerant, making it a great choice for low-water landscapes. Pride of Barbados can be grown as a shrub or pruned into a small tree.
27. Chuparosa (Justicia californica)
Chuparosa is a desert-native shrub that produces small, tubular red or orange flowers that hummingbirds love. This plant thrives in full sun and sandy, well-drained soil, making it ideal for arid environments. Chuparosa blooms from fall through spring, providing an essential nectar source during cooler months. It is highly drought-tolerant and requires little maintenance once established.
28. Woolly Blue Curls (Trichostema lanatum)
Woolly blue curls are a striking native plant with spiky, blue-violet flowers covered in fine, silvery hairs. Their aromatic foliage adds an extra sensory appeal, making them a favorite for pollinator gardens. This plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, requiring minimal water once established. Woolly blue curls bloom from spring through summer, providing an extended nectar source for hummingbirds.
29. Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos spp.)
Kangaroo paw is an exotic flowering plant known for its tubular, fuzzy blooms in vibrant red, yellow, orange, and pink shades. Its nectar-rich flowers are specially adapted to attract hummingbirds and other pollinators. This plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it a great choice for warm climates. Kangaroo paw blooms from late spring through fall, ensuring a long-lasting display of color.
30. Pagoda Flower (Clerodendrum paniculatum)
The Pagoda flower is a tropical perennial with large red or orange tubular flower clusters arranged in tiered formations. This plant thrives in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil, making it perfect for humid environments. Hummingbirds are highly attracted to its abundant nectar and vibrant blooms, which appear from summer to early fall. Pagoda flowers can grow quite tall, adding vertical interest to the landscape.
Create a Garden That Hummingbirds Can't Resist
Incorporating these nectar-rich flowers can turn your garden into a hummingbird sanctuary filled with vibrant colors and continuous blooms. From towering perennials to delicate wildflowers, each plant provides essential nourishment for these tiny pollinators. Choosing a mix of species that bloom throughout the year ensures a reliable food source, keeping hummingbirds returning season after season. Many of these flowers are also drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, making them ideal for gardeners of all experience levels.