Hummingbirds are drawn to vibrant, nectar-rich flowers, and gardeners can take advantage of this by planting colorful blooms that also brighten up outdoor spaces. These tiny birds have fast metabolisms and need a steady source of energy, especially during migration. Luckily, many flowers that attract hummingbirds also add bold splashes of red, pink, orange, and purple to the garden. Here are 26 beautiful plants that hummingbirds love to visit.
1. Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)
Bee balm is a bright, showy perennial that hummingbirds find irresistible. Its red, pink, or purple flowers bloom in summer and provide a rich source of nectar. The plant also attracts bees and butterflies, making it a great choice for pollinator gardens. Bee balm grows well in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. It can spread quickly, so give it room or divide it every few years to keep it tidy. Its bold color and height make it a standout in any garden.
2. Salvia (Salvia spp.)
Salvia includes many varieties, most known for their bright spikes of red, blue, or purple flowers. These blooms are a magnet for hummingbirds, who love the tubular shape and nectar supply. Salvia thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soil. Many types are drought-tolerant once established, making them easy to maintain. Choose native or non-invasive varieties to support local wildlife. Regular deadheading can help extend the blooming season.
3. Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)
Trumpet vine is a fast-growing climber with large, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of orange or red. These blooms are perfect for hummingbirds, offering both color and nectar. This vine thrives in full sun and needs a sturdy support structure. It can be aggressive, so plant it where it has room to grow or keep it in check with pruning. Its striking flowers make it a bold addition to fences, trellises, or arbors.
4. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
The cardinal flower is a native plant with deep red blooms that are highly attractive to hummingbirds. It grows best in moist, rich soil and partial to full sun. This plant is ideal for rain gardens or areas with consistent moisture. Its upright spikes bloom in late summer, when hummingbirds need extra energy for migration. The vivid color and vertical form add drama to garden beds and borders.
5. Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)
Coral honeysuckle is a native vine with clusters of red or coral tubular flowers that bloom through spring and summer. Unlike invasive honeysuckle types, this species is well-behaved and beneficial to wildlife. Hummingbirds flock to its nectar-rich blooms. It grows well on trellises or fences in full sun to part shade. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. Its bright flowers also attract butterflies and other pollinators.
6. Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia uvaria)
Red hot poker, also called torch lily, features tall flower spikes with red, orange, and yellow blooms that resemble glowing torches. These flowers produce plenty of nectar and bloom through summer. Hummingbirds love their tubular shape and bright colors. Red hot pokers do best in full sun and well-drained soil. They are drought-tolerant once established. Their dramatic form makes them great for adding vertical interest.
7. Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)
Zinnias are cheerful annuals with daisy-like blooms in nearly every color except blue. Hummingbirds visit their nectar-rich centers, especially in red, pink, or orange varieties. Zinnias grow quickly from seed and bloom all summer long. They need full sun and good airflow to stay healthy. Deadheading spent flowers encourages more blooms. Their bright, long-lasting flowers bring nonstop color to garden beds and borders.
8. Fuchsia (Fuchsia spp.)
Fuchsia plants have drooping, two-tone flowers that are a favorite for hummingbirds. The long, tube-shaped blossoms are packed with nectar. Fuchsias grow best in partial shade and cool climates, making them popular in hanging baskets or containers. They need regular watering and good drainage. Choose hardy varieties if you want them to come back each year. Their graceful, colorful flowers add charm to shaded patios and porches.
9. Penstemon (Penstemon spp.)
Penstemons are known for their spiky stems lined with tubular flowers in shades of red, purple, and pink. These blooms are ideal for hummingbirds, who can reach into the long flowers for nectar. Penstemons prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They do well in rock gardens or dry areas and are drought-tolerant once established. Their upright shape adds structure and movement to garden beds.
10. Agastache (Agastache spp.)
Agastache, often called hyssop, includes several species with colorful spikes of tubular flowers. These plants are loved by hummingbirds and bees. Agastache thrives in sunny spots with dry, well-drained soil. Most varieties are drought-tolerant and easy to care for. The flowers bloom over a long period in summer. Their fragrant foliage also helps deter deer and other pests.
11. Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii)
Butterfly bush produces cone-shaped clusters of small flowers that bloom in purple, pink, or white. While best known for attracting butterflies, its blooms also draw in hummingbirds. It grows fast in full sun and well-drained soil. However, this plant is considered invasive in some areas. Check with local guidelines before planting. Choose sterile or native cultivars to support ecological balance.
12. Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis and native types)
Hibiscus plants have large, showy blooms in red, pink, or yellow that hummingbirds enjoy. Tropical hibiscus thrives in warm climates and needs full sun. Native types, like rose mallow, are hardy and better suited for temperate regions. All hibiscus types need rich soil and regular moisture. Their bold blooms make them ideal focal points in gardens or large containers.
13. Canna Lily (Canna indica)
Canna lilies have broad leaves and bright, bold flowers in red, orange, or yellow. These tropical-looking plants attract hummingbirds with their nectar-rich blooms. They grow well in full sun and moist soil. Cannas do best in warm climates but can be dug up and stored over winter in colder areas. Their height and bold colors make them perfect for garden borders or containers.
14. Lantana (Lantana camara)
Lantana is a tough, sun-loving plant with clusters of small flowers that change color as they mature. The bright red, orange, and pink tones appeal to hummingbirds. It thrives in heat and dry conditions, making it a favorite for southern gardens. Some types can be invasive, so choose carefully and prune regularly. Its nonstop blooms add energy and color to flower beds.
15. Firecracker Plant (Russelia equisetiformis)
The firecracker plant has thin, arching stems lined with red, tube-shaped flowers. These blooms look like tiny firecrackers and are a magnet for hummingbirds. It grows well in full sun and warm climates. This plant prefers well-drained soil and can be grown in containers or as a cascading accent. Its airy texture and vibrant color make it a standout in any sunny spot.
16. Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia rotundifolia)
Mexican sunflower is an annual with bold orange or red flowers that stand out in the garden. The open blooms provide easy nectar access for hummingbirds and butterflies. It grows quickly in full sun and tolerates heat and dry conditions. Mexican sunflower adds a wild, bright touch to garden beds and borders. Its tall stems may need staking in windy areas.
17. Scarlet Sage (Salvia splendens)
Scarlet sage is a popular bedding plant with bright red flowers that hummingbirds love. It blooms from spring through frost in warm regions. This plant does best in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. It works well in containers or as a colorful edge for flower beds. Regular deadheading keeps the flowers coming all season long.
18. Columbine (Aquilegia spp.)
Columbine produces delicate, nodding flowers with long spurs that hummingbirds can easily access. It blooms in spring and early summer in shades of red, purple, yellow, or blue. Columbine prefers part shade and moist, well-drained soil. It is a native plant in many regions and reseeds easily once established. Its unique flower shape and soft foliage add charm to woodland gardens.
19. Petunia (Petunia spp.)
Petunias are colorful annuals that bloom nonstop from spring to fall. While not all varieties attract hummingbirds, the larger, single-flowered types often do. They grow well in full sun and need regular watering and deadheading. Petunias are easy to grow in containers or hanging baskets. Their wide range of colors makes them a flexible choice for brightening up any space.
20. Lupine (Lupinus spp.)
Lupines have tall spikes of pea-like flowers in blue, purple, pink, and white. These blooms attract hummingbirds, especially the red and pink types. Lupines grow best in cool climates with full sun and well-drained, slightly acidic soil. They fix nitrogen in the soil, making them a smart choice for eco-friendly gardening. Their tall form and bold blooms make a strong vertical statement.
21. Cuphea (Cuphea ignea or llavea)
Cuphea is a low-growing plant with tubular flowers that are perfect for hummingbirds. Common names include cigar plant or bat-faced cuphea. The bright red or purple blooms appear all season in warm climates. Cuphea grows well in full sun and well-drained soil. It works nicely in borders, rock gardens, or containers. Its unusual flowers add quirky color and reliable nectar.
22. Hummingbird Mint (Agastache rupestris)
Hummingbird mint is a fragrant perennial with orange or pink flowers that bloom for weeks. It thrives in hot, dry climates and poor soil. The tubular blooms are rich in nectar and loved by hummingbirds. This plant also resists deer and attracts bees and butterflies. Its soft, aromatic foliage makes it a great addition to herb or sensory gardens.
23. Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis)
Desert willow is a small tree with trumpet-shaped flowers in pink, lavender, or purple. It blooms in hot, dry regions and attracts hummingbirds with its nectar. This tree grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant and easy to care for once established. Its airy canopy and long bloom period make it a great ornamental tree for dry landscapes.
24. Manzanita (Arctostaphylos spp.)
Manzanita is a shrub or small tree with small, bell-shaped flowers that bloom in late winter or early spring. These early blooms provide vital nectar for hummingbirds when few other flowers are available. Manzanita grows well in dry, rocky soils and prefers full sun. It is a key native plant in western landscapes. Its reddish bark and evergreen leaves add year-round interest.
25. Indian Pink (Spigelia marilandica)
Indian pink is a native wildflower with red, tube-like flowers topped with yellow stars. It grows in part shade and moist, well-drained soil. The unusual flower shape is perfect for hummingbirds. Indian pink blooms in late spring or early summer and can naturalize in woodland gardens. Its bright color and tidy form make it a hidden gem in native plant collections.
26. Pineapple Sage (Salvia elegans)
Pineapple sage is a fragrant herb with bright red flowers that bloom in late summer and fall. The flowers are full of nectar, just when hummingbirds are preparing to migrate. This plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It can be grown as an annual in cooler zones. The leaves smell like pineapple when crushed, adding a fun sensory element to herb gardens.
Bright Blooms That Bring Hummingbirds Home
Adding plants that attract hummingbirds is a simple way to bring life and motion to any garden. These picks offer a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes to suit different growing spaces and climates. With the right mix of flowers, you can enjoy a colorful display that also supports these tiny, hardworking birds. Many of the options are easy to grow, drought-tolerant, or native to their regions. Whether you want cascading vines, bold perennials, or low-maintenance shrubs, there is a plant on this list that will work for you.