Hummingbirds are some of the most delightful visitors to any garden. With their iridescent feathers, rapid wingbeats, and love for nectar-rich flowers, they bring life and color to your outdoor space. If you want to attract these tiny wonders to your yard, planting the right flowers is key. In this guide, I’ll share 23 of the best plants to attract hummingbirds, along with tips on how to care for them and create a hummingbird-friendly garden. Let’s dive in!
1. Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)
- Why Hummingbirds Love It: Its tubular, bright orange or red flowers are perfect for their long beaks.
- Care Tips: Plant in full sun and provide a trellis or support for climbing.
2. Bee Balm (Monarda spp.)
- Why Hummingbirds Love It: Its vibrant, spiky flowers are rich in nectar.
- Care Tips: Grow in full sun to partial shade and keep the soil moist.
3. Salvia (Salvia spp.)
- Why Hummingbirds Love It: Its tubular flowers come in shades of red, purple, and blue.
- Care Tips: Plant in full sun and well-draining soil.
4. Columbine (Aquilegia spp.)
- Why Hummingbirds Love It: Its unique, bell-shaped flowers are easy for them to access.
- Care Tips: Grow in partial shade and moist, well-draining soil.
5. Fuchsia (Fuchsia spp.)
- Why Hummingbirds Love It: Its pendulous flowers are a favorite nectar source.
- Care Tips: Plant in partial shade and keep the soil consistently moist.
6. Penstemon (Penstemon spp.)
- Why Hummingbirds Love It: Its tubular flowers are ideal for their feeding style.
- Care Tips: Grow in full sun and well-draining soil.
7. Coral Bells (Heuchera spp.)
- Why Hummingbirds Love It: Its delicate, bell-shaped flowers attract them.
- Care Tips: Plant in partial shade and moist, well-draining soil.
8. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
- Why Hummingbirds Love It: Its bright red flowers are a magnet for hummingbirds.
- Care Tips: Grow in partial shade and keep the soil consistently moist.
9. Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.)
- Why Hummingbirds Love It: Its tubular, fragrant flowers are rich in nectar.
- Care Tips: Plant in full sun to partial shade and provide support for climbing.
10. Petunia (Petunia spp.)
- Why Hummingbirds Love It: Its trumpet-shaped flowers come in vibrant colors.
- Care Tips: Grow in full sun and well-draining soil.
11. Zinnia (Zinnia spp.)
- Why Hummingbirds Love It: Its bright, daisy-like flowers are easy to access.
- Care Tips: Plant in full sun and well-draining soil.
12. Lupine (Lupinus spp.)
- Why Hummingbirds Love It: Its tall spikes of flowers are rich in nectar.
- Care Tips: Grow in full sun and well-draining soil.
13. Butterfly Bush (Buddleja spp.)
- Why Hummingbirds Love It: Its long, cone-shaped flowers are a favorite.
- Care Tips: Plant in full sun and well-draining soil.
14. Impatiens (Impatiens spp.)
- Why Hummingbirds Love It: Its bright, nectar-rich flowers bloom all summer.
- Care Tips: Grow in partial to full shade and keep the soil moist.
15. Lantana (Lantana spp.)
- Why Hummingbirds Love It: Its clusters of tiny, colorful flowers are irresistible.
- Care Tips: Plant in full sun and well-draining soil.
16. Agastache (Agastache spp.)
- Why Hummingbirds Love It: Its tubular flowers are rich in nectar.
- Care Tips: Grow in full sun and well-draining soil.
17. Foxglove (Digitalis spp.)
- Why Hummingbirds Love It: Its tall spikes of tubular flowers are perfect for them.
- Care Tips: Plant in partial shade and moist, well-draining soil.
18. Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia spp.)
- Why Hummingbirds Love It: Its bright, torch-like flowers are a favorite.
- Care Tips: Grow in full sun and well-draining soil.
19. Morning Glory (Ipomoea spp.)
- Why Hummingbirds Love It: Its trumpet-shaped flowers are easy to access.
- Care Tips: Plant in full sun and provide support for climbing.
20. Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spp.)
- Why Hummingbirds Love It: Its unique, heart-shaped flowers attract them.
- Care Tips: Grow in partial shade and moist, well-draining soil.
21. Hollyhock (Alcea spp.)
- Why Hummingbirds Love It: Its tall spikes of flowers are rich in nectar.
- Care Tips: Plant in full sun and well-draining soil.
22. Nasturtium (Tropaeolum spp.)
- Why Hummingbirds Love It: Its bright, trumpet-shaped flowers are easy to access.
- Care Tips: Grow in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.
23. Weigela (Weigela spp.)
- Why Hummingbirds Love It: Its tubular flowers are a favorite nectar source.
- Care Tips: Plant in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.
Tips for Creating a Hummingbird-Friendly Garden
- Plant in Clusters: Grouping flowers together makes it easier for hummingbirds to find them.
- Choose Red and Orange Flowers: Hummingbirds are especially attracted to these colors.
- Provide a Water Source: Add a shallow birdbath or mister for drinking and bathing.
- Avoid Pesticides: Chemicals can harm hummingbirds and reduce their food sources.
- Add a Feeder: Supplement natural nectar with a hummingbird feeder filled with sugar water (4 parts water to 1 part sugar).
Final Thoughts
Attracting hummingbirds to your yard is a rewarding experience that brings beauty and joy to your outdoor space. By planting these 23 nectar-rich flowers and creating a welcoming environment, you’ll have hummingbirds visiting your garden in no time. So grab your gardening tools, pick your favorite plants, and get ready to enjoy the magic of hummingbirds! Happy gardening!
