Transforming your garden into a vibrant haven for fascinating wildlife is a rewarding endeavor. While many gardeners focus on attracting butterflies and bees, there’s another incredible pollinator that brings unique joy and beauty: the hummingbird. These tiny, iridescent jewels of the garden are not only efficient pollinators but also a mesmerizing spectacle to observe, darting among blooms with unparalleled agility.
If you’re eager to welcome more of these delightful creatures to your outdoor space, cultivating the right plants is key. Hummingbirds are primarily drawn to flowers rich in nectar, particularly those with a tubular shape and vibrant colors like red, orange, and pink. By strategically planting a diverse array of these species, you can create a continuous buffet throughout the growing season, ensuring these aerial acrobats make your garden their favorite stop.
Ready to make your garden a hummingbird magnet? Discover our curated list of the 30 best flowers, shrubs, and vines that will undoubtedly bring these magnificent pollinators flocking to your home.
1. Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii)
More than just a namesake, the Butterfly Bush is an undeniable magnet for hummingbirds, as well as its winged insect counterparts. This fast-growing shrub produces abundant, fragrant flower spikes that are loaded with nectar. It thrives in full sun and requires well-draining soil to perform its best, establishing itself as a hardy perennial in USDA zones 5 through 10. Its long blooming season ensures a consistent food source for hummingbirds from summer through fall, making it an essential addition to any pollinator garden.
2. Delphinium (Delphinium spp.)
Also known as Larkspur, Delphinium is a stunning perennial celebrated for its towering spires of intensely colored blossoms. These elegant flowers can reach impressive heights of up to eight feet, providing a dramatic vertical element to your garden. Hummingbirds, along with butterflies, are captivated by their beauty and ample nectar supply. Hardy in zones 3 to 7, Delphiniums prefer cooler climates and struggle in hot, humid conditions. Plant them in full sun to partial shade with rich, moist, well-draining soil for spectacular blooms that are hard to resist.
3. Columbine (Aquilegia spp.)
Columbine is a truly versatile and charming flower, available in an astonishing array of colors, including striking bi-colored varieties. Its unique, spurred blooms are perfectly shaped for hummingbirds to access the nectar within. These delightful flowers typically bloom from spring to early summer and flourish in full sun to partial shade, adapting well to various garden settings. Columbine is also an excellent companion plant, complementing other spring bloomers like pansies and adding intricate beauty to your garden borders.
4. Bleeding Hearts (Dicentra spectabilis)
With its iconic heart-shaped flowers, the Bleeding Heart is a truly romantic and reliable perennial for attracting hummingbirds. These elegant plants, hardy in zones 2 through 9, produce delicate pink or white blooms that dangle gracefully from arching stems. They thrive in rich, well-draining soil and prefer partial shade, especially in warmer climates. The foliage, often a lush green, provides a beautiful backdrop, though it tends to die back in the heat of mid-summer, making it a wonderful early-season nectar source.
5. Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)
Zinnias are among the most effortless annuals to grow, delivering a spectacular burst of color and a continuous supply of nectar that hummingbirds adore. These bright, cheerful blooms can reach up to four feet tall, making them a prominent feature in any garden. Beyond hummingbirds, their maturing seeds attract other beautiful birds like finches, adding another layer of wildlife interest. Hardy in zones 2 through 11, Zinnias are available in nearly every color imaginable, except blue and brown, allowing for endless creative garden designs.
6. Lily (Lilium spp.)
Many varieties of lilies, particularly the common Daylily (Hemerocallis spp.), are superb choices for attracting a wide range of pollinators, including hummingbirds. Daylilies are remarkably easy to grow, flourishing in zones 3 to 10. They produce large, often trumpet-shaped flowers in practically every color, rising up to four feet tall. These resilient plants tolerate both full sun and partial shade, making them highly adaptable and a reliable source of nectar throughout their long blooming period in summer.
7. Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
While Foxglove is known for its toxicity to humans and many animals, its stunning, bell-shaped flowers are an irresistible draw for hummingbirds. These stately plants, hardy in zones 4 through 8, produce tall spires adorned with individual blooms that hummingbirds can easily access. Give Foxglove ample space in your garden, as some varieties can reach an impressive five feet in height. They prefer partial shade and moist, well-draining soil, creating a dramatic focal point and a hummingbird favorite.
8. Pride of Madeira (Echium candicans)
Pride of Madeira stands out as one of the few evergreen shrubs renowned for its ability to attract hummingbirds. This spectacular plant captivates with its dense, cone-shaped spikes of brilliant purple-blue flowers, providing a visually striking display. Hardy in zones 9 through 11, it is a magnificent architectural plant that can grow up to six feet tall and ten feet wide, creating a substantial and long-lasting nectar source. Its drought tolerance once established makes it an excellent choice for xeriscaping in warmer climates.
9. Lupine (Lupinus spp.)
Native to North America, Lupines are celebrated for their gorgeous, tall spikes of pea-like flowers, which are an undeniable draw for hummingbirds. With numerous cultivars, species, and shades available—ranging from vibrant purples and blues to pinks and whites—there’s a Lupine to suit every garden aesthetic. These perennials, hardy in zones 4-9, thrive in acidic soil and prefer either full sun or partial shade. Their striking vertical form adds structural interest and a reliable source of nectar throughout their bloom season.
10. Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia spp.)
The Red Hot Poker, also known as Torch Lily, is a truly unique and exotic-looking flower that will infuse your garden with personality and, more importantly, attract hummingbirds in droves. Its distinctive orange and yellow flower spikes resemble a burning torch, hence its common name, and are absolutely loaded with nectar. This striking perennial is hardy in zones 5 through 9 and demands full sun exposure and well-draining soil to achieve its most spectacular blooms, becoming a dramatic focal point.
11. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Yarrow is a remarkably easy-to-grow perennial that offers a long season of interest, blooming profusely from early summer well into fall. Its flattened clusters of tiny flowers, available in shades of white, yellow, pink, and red, are incredibly attractive to a variety of pollinators, including hummingbirds and butterflies. Hardy in zones 3 to 9, Yarrow is drought-tolerant once established and thrives in full sun with average, well-draining soil. Its feathery foliage also adds a lovely textural element to the garden.
12. Penstemon (Penstemon spp.)
While perhaps not the most common plant in every backyard, Penstemon, or Beardtongue, is an absolute gem for attracting hummingbirds. It produces exquisite trumpet-like flowers, often in shades of pink, purple, red, and white, perfectly designed for a hummingbird’s beak. Cultivated in full sun to partial shade, Penstemon is quite adaptable and can tolerate drought-like conditions once its roots are established. Its striking blooms will bring a constant stream of hummingbirds to your garden throughout its blooming period.
13. Hibiscus (Hibiscus spp.)
Hibiscus plants, known for their exceptionally bold and beautiful blooms, are fantastic perennials in zones 4 through 10. The individual flowers can be up to a foot wide, creating a dramatic visual impact, and continue to bloom reliably until the first frost. Their wide, open structure and rich nectar attract hummingbirds effortlessly. For those in colder climates or with limited space, tropical varieties can be grown in containers, allowing you to bring droves of hummingbirds right onto your deck or patio.
14. Peony (Paeonia spp.)
Peonies are cherished for their magnificent, often fragrant blooms that explode with color in late spring and early summer. These impressive flowers, while dense, still offer plenty of sweet nectar that hummingbirds find irresistible. Growing into large, lush plants up to three and a half feet tall and wide, peonies provide substantial impact with surprisingly little maintenance once established. They are hardy in zones 3 through 8, making them a long-lived and beautiful addition to any garden dedicated to attracting hummingbirds.
15. Red Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
All varieties of Cardinal Flower are excellent for attracting hummingbirds, but none quite as effectively as the iconic Red Cardinal Flower. Its intense, fiery red tubular blooms are perfectly designed to entice these tiny birds, a natural pairing given the flower’s namesake. This stunning perennial is best grown in partial shade to full sun, particularly in areas with consistently moist soil. Planting Red Cardinal Flower ensures a spectacular show of color and a guaranteed parade of hummingbirds to your property.
16. Coral Bells (Heuchera spp.)
Coral Bells are celebrated not only for their magnificent, often colorful foliage but also for their delicate, bell-shaped blooms that hummingbirds adore. This rugged perennial is hardy in zones 3 through 9, growing up to three feet tall and two feet wide. It produces charming flower stalks from late spring through mid-summer, providing a consistent nectar source. While they don’t perform well in heavy, deep shade, Coral Bells can tolerate a good amount of partial shade, making them versatile for various garden exposures.
17. Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata)
Garden Phlox is a delightfully easy-to-grow perennial that brings abundant color and fragrance to the summer garden. Newer varieties are even resistant to common issues like powdery mildew, making them even more gardener-friendly. This resilient plant blooms all season long, especially with regular deadheading, providing a continuous supply of nectar for hummingbirds. It requires full sun to thrive and can grow up to three feet tall and wide, creating impressive drifts of vibrant pink, purple, or white flowers.
18. Oriental Poppy (Papaver orientale)
Oriental Poppies are an eye-catching addition to any garden, known for their large, papery petals and vibrant, often fiery colors. These magnificent flowers grow easily in well-draining soil and look particularly stunning when planted in bunches, creating a dramatic visual impact. Plant their fine seeds in the spring, and you’ll be rewarded with spectacular blooms by summertime the following year. The plants grow up to three feet tall and will attract a flurry of hummingbirds eager to sip their nectar.
19. Rhododendron (Rhododendron spp.)
Witnessing a Rhododendron in full bloom at the end of spring is a breathtaking experience, and it’s no surprise to find hordes of hummingbirds drawn to their majestic display. These magnificent bushes, with their large, showy flower clusters, are truly a spectacle. With hundreds of species, many native to Asia, it’s beneficial to choose varieties naturally occurring in North America, such as Catawba rosebay (Rhododendron catawbiense), to best attract local hummingbirds. They thrive in acidic soil and partial shade, creating a stunning and long-lasting nectar source.
20. Cuphea (Cuphea spp.)
This elegant annual, often known as the Firecracker Plant, is a hummingbird favorite due to its abundance of bright red or orange tubular flowers. These unique blooms are perfectly shaped for a hummingbird’s long beak, making them an ideal nectar source. Cuphea prefers to be grown in full sun, where it will produce the most prolific blooms, but it does require consistent watering, especially during hot spells, to keep it thriving and continuously attracting these aerial jewels to your garden.
21. Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)
Not to be confused with Trumpet Honeysuckle, the Trumpet Vine is a robust and vigorous climber that produces spectacular, large, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of orange and red. These vibrant blooms are an absolute magnet for hummingbirds, so much so that the plant is frequently referred to as the Hummingbird Vine. Native to the southeastern United States, it’s remarkably easy to grow in most parts of the country and is hardy in zones 4 through 9. Its rapid growth makes it an excellent choice for covering fences or trellises, creating a dramatic, hummingbird-friendly display.
22. Fuschia (Fuchsia spp.)
Fuschia is a shade-loving annual (though perennial in warmer zones) known for its distinctive, elegant drooping flowers in shades of, you guessed it, bright fuschia, as well as reds, purples, and whites. Its delicate, pendulous blooms are irresistible to hummingbirds, making it an excellent choice for adding vertical interest to shaded areas. Fuschia thrives in hanging baskets or window boxes, where its beautiful flowers can cascade gracefully, providing easy access to nectar for visiting hummingbirds throughout the season.
23. Torenia (Torenia fournieri)
Torenia, often called Wishbone Flower due to its unique stamen arrangement, produces stunning purple and pink flowers that can sometimes be mistaken for snapdragons. This charming annual provides a continuous supply of nectar for hummingbirds all season long, blooming profusely from spring until frost. Torenia grows best in partial sun or dappled shade and appreciates consistently moist, well-draining soil. Its cheerful blooms add a lovely splash of color to borders, containers, or shaded garden beds, ensuring hummingbirds have a delightful stop.
24. Sage (Salvia spp.)
The vast Salvia genus encompasses plants that offer an incredible trifecta: culinary uses, ease of growth, and undeniable beauty. More importantly for our winged friends, many Salvias produce vibrantly colored, tubular flowers that are absolutely adored by hummingbirds. While “sage” can refer to culinary herbs, the best varieties for attracting hummingbirds are often ornamental Salvias with their striking red, purple, or blue blooms. These plants provide a long season of nectar and are generally drought-tolerant once established, thriving in full sun.
25. Gayfeather (Liatris spicata)
Gayfeather, also known as Blazing Star, offers fantastic vertical interest in the garden with its tall, bottlebrush-like spires of flowers. These unique blooms, typically in shades of purple, white, or lavender, bloom best in the middle of summer and can reach up to three feet tall. Both hummingbirds and butterflies are strongly attracted to Gayfeather’s abundant nectar. It grows best in full sun and well-draining soil, creating a striking focal point and a reliable food source for pollinators.
26. Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus)
This hardy deciduous shrub is a true blessing for a hummingbird garden because of its late blooming season. Rose of Sharon typically starts to blossom in late summer and continues well into fall, often after many other garden plants have finished their display. This timing makes it an invaluable food source for hummingbirds, providing reliable nectar when other options are scarce. Its large, showy flowers, available in various colors, are a beautiful and practical addition to any pollinator-friendly landscape.
27. Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)
Trumpet Honeysuckle is an absolute favorite among hummingbirds, especially the ruby-throated variety. These birds are irresistibly drawn to its abundant, tubular red and orange flowers, which are perfectly adapted for their long beaks. This beautiful vine is hardy in zones 3 through 9 and is a perennial in most climates, providing a consistent nectar supply year after year. Train it on a trellis or arbor to create a stunning vertical display that will attract hummingbirds to your garden with its vibrant blooms.
28. Catmint (Nepeta spp.)
Catmint, a delightful herb in the mint family, is a remarkably hardy perennial known for its gorgeous fuzzy foliage and charming spikes of purple-blue flowers. With a pleasant, somewhat minty and spicy scent, it blooms profusely from early to mid-summer, providing a long-lasting nectar source. While famous for attracting cats, its delicate, tubular flowers are also a big hit with hummingbirds and bees. Catmint is drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun, making it a low-maintenance yet highly attractive plant for your pollinator garden.
29. Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)
There is a vast array of Bee Balm varieties to choose from, offering blooms in shades of pink, white, and purple. However, the striking red varieties are particularly effective at drawing hummingbirds to your yard. These unique, shaggy flowers, which can grow up to four feet tall, are packed with nectar. Bee Balm grows best in full sun but can also tolerate some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates, ensuring a vibrant display and a constant stream of hummingbirds throughout its summer blooming period.
30. Petunia (Petunia x hybrida)
The humble Petunia has earned a reputation as one of the easiest and most affordable annual flowers to grow, making it a favorite among gardeners. These cheerful flowers thrive in full sun and are perfect for hanging baskets, containers, and garden borders, where they can spill and trail beautifully. Petunias bloom repeatedly, especially when regularly deadheaded, providing an almost endless supply of nectar for your local hummingbirds. Their wide range of colors and forms ensures they can fit into any garden design while attracting these tiny aerial visitors.
Other Essential Tips to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Garden
While planting the right flowers is paramount, integrating a few additional strategies will significantly enhance your garden’s appeal to hummingbirds:
- Embrace Native Plants: When selecting flowers, prioritize native species. Hummingbirds, like other native wildlife, are inherently familiar with and adapted to native plants, making them more likely to visit. Native plants also generally require less maintenance and are better suited to your local climate and soil conditions.
- Cultivate Diversity and Continuous Blooms: Aim for a wide variety of plants that offer different flower shapes, sizes, and colors. Crucially, select species with staggered bloom times or long, continuous flowering periods. This ensures a reliable and consistent food source for hummingbirds from early spring through late fall, sustaining them throughout their migratory journeys and breeding seasons. Consider planting a mix of annuals, perennials, shrubs, and vines to create layered interest.
- Provide a Water Source: Hummingbirds love to bathe and drink from shallow water sources. A mister attached to a hose or a shallow bird bath with a dripper can create the perfect conditions, mimicking dew-covered leaves. The movement of water is particularly attractive to them.
- Offer Perching and Shelter: Beyond nectar, hummingbirds need safe places to rest, preen, and survey their territory. Provide small branches, tall shrubs, or trees in your garden. These offer essential perching spots and potential nesting sites, making your garden a complete habitat.
- Avoid Pesticides: Pesticides, even organic ones, can be harmful to hummingbirds by poisoning them directly or by reducing their insect food source. Hummingbirds supplement their nectar diet with small insects and spiders, which are crucial for protein, especially during nesting.
- Leave Spiderwebs Intact: Do not remove spider webs from your garden. Hummingbirds are ingenious builders and utilize spider silk as a primary material for constructing their tiny, cup-shaped nests, binding together lichen and plant down. They may also snack on insects caught in the webs.
- Consider Hummingbird Feeders: While flowers are the best natural food source, a clean hummingbird feeder filled with a simple sugar solution (1 part white sugar to 4 parts water) can supplement their diet, especially during migration or when natural nectar is scarce. Position feeders near your favorite viewing spots, but always ensure they are meticulously cleaned to prevent mold.
By thoughtfully incorporating these beautiful flowering plants and habitat-enhancing tips, you’re not just growing a garden; you’re creating a dynamic ecosystem that celebrates the wonder of hummingbirds. Prepare to be enchanted as your garden becomes a lively, buzzing spectacle, filled with these tiny, energetic aerial gems.