You want to turn your garden into a hummingbird paradise? There is another way to capture hummingbirds’ attention rather than installing feeders for them. But here you have to be wise and know which flowers to plant!
Hummingbirds are attracted to brightly colored flowers that have a tubular structure. These tiny pollinators particularly love red flowers. However, they buzz around flowers of any color packed with nectar.
You must be wondering which plants will make hummingbirds visit your landscape. We have a list of the 35 top plants to grow in your garden. You can create an ambiance to attract hummingbirds right now!
Table of Contents
Plants That Attract Hummingbirds
1. Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)
Bee Balm commonly known as Monarda, has mesmerizing blooms which hummingbirds love. This is a small plant with tubular red and scarlet flowers, providing hummers as the energy source. Talking about my own garden, I love the Bee Balm most because when I first planted this flower, hummingbirds were coming towards it even before it bloomed.
2. Phlox (Phlox Paniculata)
Garden phlox (Phlox paniculata) is a beautiful plant that must be in your garden to attract hummingbirds. These perennial flowers are in multiple vibrant colors that hummers simply can’t resist. I’ve observed that the long, tubular shape of the phlox flowers is perfect for their small beaks, making it easy for them to sip nectar.
Every time I peep through my window to see a hummingbird hovering around those bright red, orange, and purple blooms, it’s like nature’s own little magic show right in my backyard.
3. Red Columbine (Aquilegia Canadense)
Red Columbine or Aquilegia Canadense is another great plant that I have in my backyard for enticing hummingbirds to visit.This 2 fit tall annual plant native to the regions of the eastern and central United States and Canada. It has bright red flowers in the form of a tube suitable for our small aviators.
As I planted the Red Columbine along the edge of my backyard it quickly became the favorite spot for the hummingbirds. It made the corner of my garden a busy place for the hummingbirds, filled with entertainment and their mischievous fights.
4. Blue Lupine (Lupinus perennis)
Blue lupine, or Lupinus perennis, a gem in the gardens, is a wonder plant for attracting hummingbirds. Their vibrant blue flowers aren’t just pretty, yet a great source of attention for hummers.
Lupine appeals to bees and other insects too. Hummers don’t sip the nectar directly from them but they do love the insects that flock to the lupine. These bugs give hummers essential energy, especially during migration. Planting Blue Lupine in my garden is amazing to see both insects and hummingbirds coming.
5. Larkspur (Delphinium)
Larkspur or Delphinium, a lovely biennial with its vertical, tall flower spikes of blue, pink, and purple colors has even more value as a hummingbird favorite. It is a source for their energy-intense lifestyle and they love larkspur for nectar.
Hummers’ fast metabolism allows them to feed every 10 to 15 minutes and Larkspur provides enough nectar for their consumption.
6. Hollyhocks (Alcea)
Hollyhocks(Alcea) is one of my most preferred garden plants towards which my favorite hummers come. These beautiful sun-loving and self-seed grow upright with their spirals of bright flowers and look very beautiful in any garden.
The best aspect or feature of the hollyhock is its cup-like flowers. These flowers create accommodation for the hummingbirds to access the nectar. While peering through my window, I always see dozens of hummingbirds fluttering around.
7. Crocosmia (Lucifer)
Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ is one of the most fascinating flowers, giving your garden a look like heaven. Its flowers are orange and brightly red, best suited for hummingbirds. It is an easy-growing flower that requires full sunlight to grow fast.
I love the way these red flowers captivate hummers from a distance. I adore observing the hummingbirds hovering and sucking nectar from the flowers instantly transforming my yard into a wonder place.
8. Salvia (Salvia Nemorosa)
Meadow sage or Salvia nemorosa, is a perennial plant enticing hummingbirds too much. It is full of plenty of nectar, offering it to the tiny beaked birds hummingbirds.
The hummingbirds with their bills extract nectar from these tubular flowers which enable them to consume it. Having hummingbirds hovering around the salvia flowers is always engaging and gives liveliness to my garden.
9. Coral Bells (Heuchera spp)
With its tiny flowers,Coral Bells are well-loved for their stunning foliage and a special charm to gravitate hummingbirds. The nectar-rich flowers of Coral Bells are a big draw for these tiny, iridescent birds, making them a fantastic addition to any garden designed to welcome hummingbirds.
They bloom only once a season and gardeners usually trim them to focus on the leaves. I’ve found that keeping the blooms on helps draw more hummingbirds.
10. Impatiens Lucy (Impatiens walleriana)
If you intend to captivate hummingbirds to your garden, Impatiens, or Busy Lizzies must be the choice to your planting scheme. These captivating annual flowers are favorite among hummingbirds. Their bright, colorful blooms are perfect for drawing in these tiny birds, and the nectar they offer is a vital energy source for them.
11. Silk Tree (Albizia Julibrissin)
Albizia Julibrissin, also known as the Silk Tree or Persian Silk Tree from Fabaceae is a wonderful addition to any garden. This is a deciduous tree and native to southwestern and eastern Asia, produces flowers rich in nectar, an essential source of energy for hummingbirds.
Its nectar-rich flowers also attract bees and butterflies, creating a vibrant and dynamic ambiance. By planting this tree, you’re not only giving a valuable food source for hummingbirds but also supporting a wide range of pollinators, making your garden a haven for various species.
12. Beardtongue (Penstemon)
Beardtongue, or Penstemon, is a fantastic perennial. These vibrant flowers are in tubular shape design that perfectly complements the long beaks of hummingbirds, making it easy for them to access the nectar inside. Beardtongue has multiple variaties with bold colors like red, pink, and purple that are especially appealing to hummingbirds. These plants in your garden can create a colorful display that looks stunning, serving as a magnet for these tiny birds.
13. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia Cardinalis)
The Cardinal Flower (Lobelia Cardinalis) is a beautiful perennial native to North America, known for its bright red flowers that bloom from late June to September. Like the ruby-throated species, these vibrant blooms are especially attractive to hummingbirds owing to their tubular shape and the rich nectar they offer.
The relationship between Cardinal Flowers and hummingbirds is a perfect example of nature working together. The flowers provide hummingbirds with a much-needed food source, and in return, the birds help with pollination by carrying pollen from one flower to another as they feed. This interaction is essential for both the plant’s reproduction and for supporting hummingbirds, especially during migration when they need reliable food sources.
14. Petunia (Petunia spp.)
Petunias are popular annual plants in various colors and flower shapes, making them a favorite in most gardens. Their trumpet-shaped flowers attract hummingbirds and offer a steady supply of nectar throughout the summer.
Petunias, especially red, pink, or orange blooms, are visually enticing to hummingbirds since these birds are drawn to bright colors. Hybrid petunias might not be as nectar-rich as some native plants, but they still provide essential energy to hummingbirds, keeping them well-fed and active in your garden.
15. Red Hot Pokers ( Kniphofia)
Red hot pokers(Kniphofia) stunning perennial plants are native to Africa. They have tall, torch-like flower spikes that bloom in vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, and are full of nectar and are a magnet for hummingbirds.
Hummingbirds, especially species like the Ruby-throated hummingbird, are fascinated by the Kniphofia uvaria flowers. These plants are a vital food source for them, making Kniphofia an excellent addition to any pollinator garden. They add a burst of color and attract both hummingbirds and bees to your garden.
16. Common Columbine (Aquilegia Vulgaris)
The common columbine, specifically Aquilegia vulgaris, is a pretty flowering perennial, indigenous to Europe and expects nodding blooms in blue, purple, pink, as well as, and white colors.
These eye-catching flowers are pretty and offer sweet nectar, thus they are a favorite of hummingbirds. They are always fun to observe and columbine has indeed turned out as one of my favorite plants that keeps the hummingbirds around.
17. Hummingbird Mint (Agastache cana)
Agastache cana, commonly known as the Texas Hummingbird Mint or mosquito plant, is a tough and beautiful perennial that’s a true gem for hummingbirds. This plant features spikes of tubular, rose-pink flowers with a sweet fragrance and bloom from early summer to early fall.
Native to New Mexico and Western Texas, it thrives in rugged environments like granite cliffs and canyon edges. Hummingbirds, especially the broad-tailed species, are particularly drawn to the sweet nectar and tubular blossoms of the mosquito plant.
18. Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias Tuberosa)
Asclepias Tuberosa, or butterfly milkweed, is a striking perennial plant native to eastern and southwestern North America. Its bright orange flowers bloom from mid-summer to early fall, adding a splash of color to any garden.
It is well-known for attracting Monarch butterflies but favorite among bees and hummingbirds. Vibrant colors are favorite of Hummingbirds and the high nectar content of butterfly milkweed.
19. Flowering Tobacco (Nicotiana Alata)
Flowering tobacco (Nicotiana Alata) is a lovely plant with its beautiful, fragrant flowers that really come alive in the evening. The blooms come in multiple color range like lime green, maroon red, white, yellow, pink, and crimson, making them a real treat for the eyes and a favorite spot for hummingbirds and moths.
Native to South America, this is a tender perennial plant that grows annually. It blooms in full sun to partial shade, likes its soil moist, and well-drained with plenty of organic matter. This flowering tobacco in the garden creates a rainbow of colors and attracts hummers in the evening.
20. Pentas (Pentas Lanceolata)
Pentas Lanceolata, commonly known as the Egyptian Star Cluster, is a tropical perennial plant native to East Africa and Yemen. These captivating, star-shaped flowers are in clusters, and keep blooming from summer into fall. The vibrant blooms are not just pretty to look at, they’re packed with nectar, which is a big draw for pollinators.
If you’re looking to attract hummingbirds or butterflies, Pentas is your fantastic choice. These little guys can’t resist the sweet nectar and the bright colors of the flowers.
21. Daylily
Daylilies are bright and cheerful perennials, standing out in the garden with their trumpet-shaped blooms. Even though each flower only lasts a day (which is why they’re called daylilies), they keep coming back with more color.
Their nectar-rich flowers attract hummingbirds along with other pollinators. daylilies are super adaptable, growing well in various soil types and light conditions. So, if you want a plant that’s easy to care for and brings a splash of color to your garden, daylilies are a great pick!
22. Zinnia
Zinnias, lively annual flowers in diverse bright and vibrant colors that lighten up your garden. You can consider the zinnia’s as one of the favourites of hummingbirds, offering a plethora of nectar and their flat blooms make it super easy for the birds to sip the sweet stuff.
Zinnias are year-round blooms, giving them a steady supply of nectar. This makes them a go-to choice for drawing hummingbirds’ attention to your garden, as they’ll keep coming back for the delicious and easy-to-access food.
Shrubs that Attract Hummingbirds
23. Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii)
Butterfly Bush is a popular choice for gardens due to its ability to attract a variety of pollinators, including hummingbirds. Butterfly Bush is relatively easy to grow and maintains its appeal throughout the season, making it a great choice for both butterflies and hummingbirds.
Butterfly Bush is a nectar-filled shrub that provides a vital energy source for these tiny birds. If you want to capture hummingbirds flitting around spectacle to your garden, Butterfly Bushes are a wonderful choice.
24. Rhododendron
Rhododendrons are fragrant flowers, found in diverse colors. If the right varieties are planted, the tiny birds are lured by them. To attract more hummingbirds to your Rhododendrons species it is advised to plant species with tubular flowers.
These flowers are tubular, string-like, and long thus allowing the beak of the bird to fit in the flower to extract nectar from it. The flowers are nest like shrubs that hummingbirds love to feel as a place of stay and to enjoy with more nectar.
25. Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus)
The Rose of Sharon is a fantastic choice for your garden. I’ve found that the Rose of Sharon adds a vibrant splash of color and serves as a reliable food source for hummingbirds throughout the blooming season.
This striking shrub has large, showy flowers that produce plenty of nectar, making it an attractive option for hummingbirds. It’s a simple yet effective way to enhance your garden’s appeal to these beautiful birds.
26. Hibiscus
Hibiscus flowers from the mallow family are large and in various species are a party in your garden. Hummingbirds absolutely love them, especially red varaities. The shape and nectar is a treat for hummingbirds. They choose gardens full of red flowers and nectar.
Hibiscus is fabulous and fast-growing both annual and perennials. Plus, the flower shape is perfect for hummingbirds to hover and feed, making your garden a lively and colorful spot for these feathered friends.
27. Hummingbird Bush (Flame Acanthus)
The Hummingbird Bush, also called Flame Acanthus, is a fantastic Texas native shrub. Its bright orange-red, trumpet-shaped flowers are like nature’s drinking vessels, just right for these little creatures to enjoy. If you want to attract hummingbirds to your garden, be sure to plant the Hummingbird Bush in full sun. It’s a simple and effective way to make your garden a hummingbird hotspot.
28. Lantana (Lantana camara)
Lantana is a great option for your garden. Its vibrant flower clusters are eye-catching and are a significant nectar source. For the best results, I recommend planting Lantana in large groups. The mass of colorful blooms creates a noticeable and inviting nectar source that could easily catch the attention of passing hummingbirds.
If you choose the right variety and plant them in a sunny spot, you might just find your garden buzzing with hummingbird activity.
29. Fuchsias (Fuchsia spp)
Fuchsias are great for your hummingbirds to visit your garden. Their delicate, hanging flowers look like tiny ballerina skirts and are just the right shape for hummingbird beaks.
The flowers have lots of nectar, which hummingbirds love. To bring in even more hummingbirds, pick fuchsia with its blosoms in bright and contrasting colors.
30. Salvia or Sage plant (Salvia officinalis)
Salvia, also known as Sage, is a plant from the mint family that hummingbirds absolutely love. These plants have high nectar content and tubular-shaped flowers that are just right for a hummingbird’s long tongue, making them a perfect fit for feeding.
What’s great about salvias is that they provide a reliable and abundant food source for hummingbirds all season long. If you want to keep these tiny birds coming to your garden throughout the growing season, salvias planting is a sure way to do it.
Vines that Attract the Hummingbirds
31. Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)
Trumpet Vine is among the best vines that can attract hummingbirds. The flowers of this plant are bell or tubular kind and hummingbirds can take sweet nectar inside with their long beaks. It is a fast-growing plant, greatly admired in the garden and a confirmed one of hummingbirds’ favorites.
Plant this Trumpet Vine in a sunny place where it may receive a good amount of sunlight. Some of those flowers exposed to direct sunlight most often attract hummingbirds.
32. Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)
Trumpet Honeysuckle, a vine known for its ability to create a true hummingbird haven and an attraction to hummingbirds. Its bright red flowers are packed with nectar, making them a perfect food source for hummingbirds.
Incorporating Trumpet Honeysuckle into your garden adds both beauty and benefits. With its red color, it offers hummingbirds the nourishment they need while adding a rainbow to your outdoor space. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the beauty of nature and support these tiny, energetic birds.
33. Cardinal Climber (Ipomoea x Multifida)
Cardinal Climber is a top pick if you think it will attract hummingbirds. It is another vibrant red trumpet-shaped flower that never fails to draw in hummingbirds, it’s a hummingbird favorite. These flowers offer the perfect landing spot for hummingbirds, allowing them to easily access the abundant nectar inside.
34. Mandevilla (Mandevilla spp)
Mandevilla, also known as Brazilian jasmine, is a beautiful vine with its trumpet-shaped flowers. Adding a Mandevilla to your garden offers more than just visual appeal and creates a haven for hummingbirds. Plant it in a sunny spot, provide it with some support to climb on, and you’ll soon have a garden buzzing with activity.
35. Passionflower (Passiflora spp.)
Passionflowers (Passiflora spp.) are some of the most mesmerizing plants and a magnet for hummingbirds. With their unique shapes and bright colors like purple, red, and pink they’re hard for hummers to resist. These flowers are loaded with nectar, so I often see hummingbirds stopping by for a quick sip.
While the hummingbirds are feeding, they’re also helping to pollinate the flowers. It’s like they’re giving back to the plants while getting their own energy boost.
Final Words
Each plant offers something special, whether it’s tasty nectar or bright colors that attract these little birds. Planting these will not only make your garden look great but also a call for hummingbirds to visit your area.
To provide even more of an attraction to birds in your garden, install a water source such as a bird bath or even a feeder for the hummingbirds. To improve the bird’s cover, install vines, trees, and bushes.
If you have noticed hummingbirds loving any other plants, do share your experience with me in the comment section, I would love to hear from you.
If you want to know more about different ways to attract hummingbirds then just read this: How To Attract Hummingbirds to Yard? A Guide To Creating a Hummer Haven
