A common misconception is that the only way to attract hummingbirds is by hanging sugar-water feeders. While feeders can help, they aren’t the only way to bring these fascinating birds to your yard. In fact, flowering plants that attract hummingbirds are much more effective in keeping them around.
These birds are naturally drawn to bright, nectar-rich flowers, and by planting the right varieties, you can create a haven for hummingbirds that doesn’t rely on feeders.
In this post, we’re diving into why certain flowers attract hummingbirds and how you can make your garden irresistible to them with the right blooming beauties. So, let’s get started!
What Makes a Flower Hummingbird-Friendly?
You might be wondering, “What’s the big deal? Aren’t all flowers good enough for hummingbirds?” Not really! Hummingbirds are attracted to flowers that meet certain criteria, and it’s all about how those plants deliver their nectar.
1) Bright Colors
First off, hummingbirds are visual creatures, and they love bright colors—especially red, pink, and orange flowers. These vibrant colors are like a big neon sign saying, “Come here, we’ve got nectar!” You’ll often find that hummingbirds make a beeline for flowers that are visually striking.
Now, don’t think they’ll only go for red. While red is a favorite, they’ll also visit purple, orange, and pink flowers if they offer good nectar. That’s why adding a mix of colorful blooms for hummingbirds will give you the best results.
2) Tubular Shapes
Another key feature is the flower’s shape. Hummingbirds love tubular-shaped flowers because their long beaks are perfect for reaching deep into those blossoms. Flowers like Trumpet Vine, Bee Balm, and Salvia are perfect examples of blooms with the right shape to hold the nectar these birds crave.
The reason tubular flowers work so well is that they offer plenty of nectar without giving other pollinators, like bees, easy access. This makes them a prime spot for hummingbirds to feed without much competition.
3) Nectar-Rich Blooms
Hummingbirds have a sweet tooth—well, if they had teeth. They need lots of energy, and nectar-rich flowers help provide that fuel. That’s why planting flowers that are loaded with nectar is a must. Some plants like Fuchsia and Honeysuckle produce nectar in abundance, giving hummingbirds plenty to feed on throughout the day.
But not all flowers are equal when it comes to nectar production. Be sure to choose nectar-rich flowers for hummingbirds to make your garden as attractive as possible.
4) Long Bloom Periods
The longer your plants are in bloom, the more likely you’ll see hummingbirds sticking around. Perennial flowers for hummingbirds like Butterfly Bush or Columbine bloom year after year, offering a reliable food source during hummingbird season.
Annual flowers like Petunias and Zinnias can also play a part, providing extra bursts of color and nectar during the summer months.
By choosing plants that have long blooming periods, you’ll ensure that your garden offers a steady supply of food throughout the season, which will keep the hummingbirds coming back.
Why Planting the Right Flowers Works Better Than Feeders
Feeders are great, but here’s the thing: flowers are a natural source of nectar that hummingbirds are biologically wired to recognize.
When you plant a variety of hummingbird-attracting flowers, you’re not only feeding them but also creating an environment that mimics their natural habitat. Plus, flowers offer a steady source of nectar without the need to refill a feeder every few days.
Feeders can also come with challenges, like needing to prevent mold, ants, or other pests. On the other hand, plants are low-maintenance and offer more than just food—they create a beautiful garden space filled with colorful blooms for hummingbirds, which are also likely to attract other pollinators like butterflies.
Tips for Choosing the Best Plants for Hummingbirds
Here are a few tips to help you select the best flowering plants for your garden that will attract hummingbirds:
Go Native: Native plants are always a safe bet because they’re already part of the ecosystem hummingbirds recognize. Think about adding native plants that hummingbirds love, which are often more resilient and easier to grow in your area.
Mix Perennials and Annuals: A mix of both types of plants will ensure you have flowers blooming at different times of the year. Perennial flowers for hummingbirds are great for creating a long-lasting garden, while annual flowers can add splashes of color each season.
Choose Nectar-Rich Varieties: Not every flower offers the same amount of nectar. Focus on plants like Salvia, Bee Balm, and Trumpet Vine, which are packed with nectar and have the right tubular shape to make them hummingbird magnets.
This is just the beginning of creating a hummingbird-friendly garden. The right flowers can do wonders for attracting hummingbirds to your yard and keeping them there, naturally. In the next section, we’ll dive into specific plants that will help you create the perfect hummingbird paradise.
Top 15 Flowering Plants That Attract Hummingbirds: More Than Just Pretty Blooms
Many people think that any brightly colored flower will automatically attract hummingbirds, but that’s not entirely true.
While vibrant colors do play a role, not all flowers have the right features that make them irresistible to these tiny birds. The key is finding nectar-rich flowers with tubular shapes and plenty of access to the sweet stuff hummingbirds love. Let’s explore 15 of the best flowering plants that are sure to transform your garden into a hummingbird paradise.
1) Red Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
With its bright red spikes of blooms, the Red Cardinal Flower is like a flashing signal to hummingbirds. This perennial plant loves moist areas and can thrive in partial shade, making it perfect for attracting hummingbirds in those tricky spots of your garden where sun exposure might be limited.
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2) Bee Balm (Monarda)
Known for its vibrant shades of red, pink, and purple, Bee Balm is a magnet for hummingbirds. Its tubular flowers are perfect for the birds to sip nectar from. It’s also a great addition to a pollinator-friendly garden because it attracts butterflies and bees, too.
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3) Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)
Trumpet Vine is a fast-growing climber with large, trumpet-shaped blooms that hummingbirds adore. This plant can cover fences and trellises, providing both visual appeal and plenty of nectar. Just be aware that it can be invasive if not managed well.
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4) Salvia (Salvia spp.)
Salvia comes in many varieties, but all are known for their tall spikes of tubular blooms in shades of blue, red, and purple. These plants thrive in full sun, and their long bloom periods mean hummingbirds will have a constant food source throughout the summer.
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5) Columbine (Aquilegia)
Columbine flowers have an interesting, delicate structure with long nectar spurs that are ideal for hummingbirds to access. They come in a variety of colors, from red to yellow, and thrive in both sun and partial shade, making them a versatile option for any garden.
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6) Honeysuckle (Lonicera)
Honeysuckle is known for its sweet fragrance and tubular flowers that hummingbirds can’t resist. It’s a climbing vine that does well in both sun and partial shade. The red and orange varieties are particularly attractive to hummingbirds.
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7) Petunias (Petunia spp.)
While Petunias are more well-known as a bedding plant, their large, showy blooms make them a good choice for attracting hummingbirds, especially if you choose red or pink varieties. They thrive in full sun and bloom prolifically during the summer months.
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8) Fuchsia (Fuchsia magellanica)
Fuchsia plants are famous for their dangling, tubular blooms, which are perfect for hummingbirds to sip from. These plants love partial shade and are a great choice if you want to add a touch of exotic beauty to your hummingbird garden.
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9) Butterfly Bush (Buddleja)
Despite its name, the Butterfly Bush isn’t just for butterflies. Its long panicles of blooms, often in purple or white, are a hit with hummingbirds, too. This shrub is easy to care for and blooms from summer through fall.
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10) Coral Bells (Heuchera)
Coral Bells have delicate bell-shaped flowers that rise above their colorful foliage. Though small, these flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds, especially when planted in groups.
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11) Lupines (Lupinus)
With tall spikes of flowers in various shades, Lupines provide a stunning backdrop to any garden. Hummingbirds are drawn to their bright colors and plentiful nectar, making them a great addition to a hummingbird-friendly space.
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12) Zinnias (Zinnia elegans)
Zinnias are a great choice for attracting hummingbirds, especially if you plant bright red or orange varieties. They bloom throughout the summer and can be grown easily from seed, making them perfect for beginner gardeners.
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13) Hosta (Hosta spp.)
Though Hostas are better known for their foliage, their purple, bell-shaped flowers attract hummingbirds, especially if planted in shady areas where other nectar sources may be lacking.
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14) Foxglove (Digitalis)
The tall, tubular blooms of Foxglove are not only beautiful but are also highly attractive to hummingbirds. They prefer partial shade and can add a cottage-garden feel to your outdoor space.
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15) Penstemon (Penstemon spp.)
Known for its long-lasting blooms in a variety of colors, Penstemon is another excellent choice for a hummingbird-friendly garden. The tubular flowers are ideal for hummingbirds, and this plant thrives in sunny, well-drained areas.
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Creating the Perfect Hummingbird Garden: Tips & Tricks
Now that you know the best flowering plants that attract hummingbirds, let’s talk about how to arrange them in your garden for maximum effect.
1) Plant in Groups
Hummingbirds are more likely to visit gardens with clusters of flowers rather than isolated blooms. Planting your flowers in groups ensures the birds can easily spot the bright colors and access nectar quickly.
2) Use a Variety of Flowering Times
One of the best ways to keep hummingbirds coming back is to plant flowers that bloom at different times throughout the season. For example, combine early bloomers like Columbine with late bloomers like Zinnias to ensure your garden offers a continuous food source.
3) Position Your Plants in Sunlit Spots
Most hummingbird-attracting plants thrive in full sun, and hummingbirds love sunlit areas for feeding. Make sure you place the majority of your plants where they’ll get at least six hours of sunlight each day.
4) Add Water Sources
While nectar-rich flowers are the main attraction, hummingbirds also need water to thrive. Add a shallow birdbath or a water mister near your flower beds to create a truly hummingbird-friendly garden.
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FAQs: Flowering Plants That Attract Hummingbirds
1) Do hummingbirds only like red flowers?
Nope! While red flowers are a favorite, hummingbirds are attracted to a variety of colors. Shades like pink, purple, orange, and even blue can catch their attention, as long as the flowers have the right shape and plenty of nectar.
2) Can I attract hummingbirds without using a feeder?
Absolutely! Planting nectar-rich flowers is actually a better, more natural way to attract hummingbirds to your garden. Plants like Bee Balm, Salvia, and Trumpet Vine provide plenty of nectar and help keep them coming back.
3) Do hummingbirds visit gardens with shade?
Yes, though they prefer gardens with full sun, you can still attract hummingbirds with shade-loving plants like Hostas or Fuchsia. Just make sure to include a mix of sun and shade plants for the best results.
4) How can I keep hummingbirds coming back to my garden?
Plant a variety of flowers that bloom at different times throughout the season. This ensures there’s always nectar available for hummingbirds. Adding water features like a birdbath or mister can also keep them coming back.
5) What are the best flowers to attract hummingbirds?
Some of the best hummingbird-friendly flowers include Bee Balm, Trumpet Vine, Salvia, Petunias, and Honeysuckle. These plants have the right mix of bright colors, tubular shapes, and nectar to keep hummingbirds happy.
6) Do I need to use pesticides on my plants?
It’s better to avoid using pesticides in a hummingbird garden. Pesticides can harm the birds and other pollinators like bees and butterflies. Instead, focus on growing healthy, native plants that naturally thrive in your area.
7) How often do I need to water my hummingbird-attracting plants?
It depends on the plant, but most hummingbird-friendly plants like Bee Balm, Salvia, and Zinnias thrive in well-drained soil and need regular watering, especially in hot weather. Always check the specific needs of each plant variety.
8) Do hummingbirds prefer perennials or annuals?
Hummingbirds like both! Perennials like Butterfly Bush or Columbine provide long-lasting blooms year after year, while annuals like Zinnias and Petunias add extra color and nectar during the warmer months.
9) Can I attract hummingbirds in small spaces or balconies?
Yes, even small gardens or balconies can attract hummingbirds! Use potted nectar-rich plants like Fuchsia, Petunias, or Salvia to provide nectar. Just make sure your plants are in sunny spots where the hummingbirds can easily find them.
10) What time of year do hummingbirds visit gardens?
Hummingbirds typically visit gardens from spring through early fall, depending on your location. By planting flowers with long bloom periods, you can provide them with food throughout their entire season.
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