Have you ever spotted a hummingbird zipping through your backyard and wished it would stick around a little longer? Good news: with the right flowers, you can turn your garden into an irresistible hangout spot for these tiny, dazzling birds.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best flowers for hummingbirds, how to grow them, and smart tips to make sure they keep coming back—day after day.
Why Hummingbirds Love Certain Flowers
Hummingbirds aren’t just picky—they’re built for specific blooms. With long beaks and fast metabolisms, they’re on the hunt for flowers that deliver nectar-rich energy fast and often.
Here’s what they love:
- Tubular flowers: Easy access to nectar with those needle-like beaks.
- Bright colors: Especially red, orange, and pink—these shades signal “yum!” to hummingbirds.
- Nectar, nectar, nectar: Fragrance? Meh. Hummingbirds are all about the sugar fuel.
Your mission? Create a garden buffet filled with these traits. Bonus: you’ll also attract butterflies, bees, and all sorts of helpful pollinators.
What Makes a Flower Hummingbird-Friendly?
Let’s break it down into hummingbird must-haves:
- Nectar-Rich: Not all flowers are equal. Many modern hybrids are bred for looks, not nectar—skip those and go with tried-and-true wildflower species or older cultivars.
- Tubular or Trumpet-Shaped: Think of flowers like trumpet vine, salvia, or penstemon—they’re built for hummingbird access.
- Bold Colors: If it’s red, you’re probably on the right track. But don’t rule out purples, pinks, or even yellows—especially in multi-bloom clusters.
Best Perennial Flowers for Hummingbirds
Want plants that return year after year? These perennials are pollinator powerhouses and garden favorites:
Bee Balm (Monarda)
- Color: Red, pink, or purple
- Light: Full sun
- Why hummingbirds love it: Tons of nectar + showy petals = magnet for wings
- Bonus: Smells amazing!
Bee Balm bursts with shaggy, firework-like blooms in vibrant shades of red, pink, and purple. It thrives in full sun to part shade and grows well in rich, moist soil. Hummingbirds adore the long, tubular flowers that are packed with nectar. Tip: Deadhead spent blooms to keep the flowers coming and prevent self-seeding.
Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
- Color: Vivid red
- Light: Part shade to full sun
- Why it works: One of the richest natural nectar sources
This native stunner flaunts tall spikes of bright scarlet-red flowers that almost glow in the sunlight. It prefers part shade to full sun and moist, even soggy soil—perfect for rain gardens or near ponds. Its intensely red, tube-like flowers are a hummingbird favorite. Tip: Mulch around the base to keep roots cool and moist in summer.
Salvia (Sage)
- Color: Purple, blue, red
- Light: Full sun
- Perk: Drought-tolerant and blooms all summer long
Salvia varieties like ‘Hot Lips’ or ‘Black and Blue’ offer long blooming seasons in bold colors ranging from deep blue to hot pink. They need full sun and well-drained soil to thrive. Hummingbirds can’t resist their tubular flowers and rich nectar. Tip: Prune lightly after the first bloom to encourage a second flush of flowers.
Penstemon
- Color: Pink, red, violet
- Light: Sun or light shade
- Vibe: Sleek tubular blooms designed for hummingbird beaks
Penstemon, also called beardtongue, produces elegant trumpet-shaped blooms in pink, red, or violet, rising above slender foliage. These perennials thrive in full sun and do best in well-drained soil, even in rocky spots. Their long, nectar-filled tubes make them a hummingbird buffet. Tip: Avoid overwatering—penstemon prefers slightly dry conditions.
Lupine
- Color: Blues, purples, and whites
- Light: Full sun
- Perfect for: Cooler climates and cottage-style gardens
Lupines create bold, upright spires of pea-like flowers in hues of blue, purple, white, and yellow. They love full sun to partial shade and need cooler temps to flourish, making them ideal for northern gardens. Hummingbirds are drawn to their height and dense flower clusters. Tip: Plant them in groups for a striking look and better pollinator action.
Best Annual Flowers for Hummingbirds
Annuals bloom their hearts out in just one season—ideal for containers, hanging baskets, or filling in garden gaps.
Petunias
- Color: Almost every shade
- Bonus: Super easy to grow in containers
- Pro tip: Choose traditional varieties for better nectar content
Petunias spill over containers and beds with soft, velvety blooms in nearly every color imaginable—especially red, pink, and purple. They thrive in full sun and prefer well-drained, consistently moist soil. Older varieties produce more nectar, which hummingbirds love sipping from their funnel-shaped blooms. Tip: Deadhead regularly to keep them blooming strong all season.
Zinnias
- Color: Bright and bold
- Perk: Attract butterflies too!
- Use them in: Sunny beds or colorful borders
Zinnias bring a cheerful pop of color with their daisy-like flowers in bright shades of orange, fuchsia, yellow, and red. These sun-lovers do best in full sun and tolerate heat and drought surprisingly well. While they’re more bee- and butterfly-oriented, hummingbirds will still check out nectar-rich varieties. Tip: Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost for an easy start.
Cuphea (Cigar Plant)
- Color: Orange, red, magenta
- Why it rocks: Small flowers, big nectar payoff
Cuphea features small, tube-shaped flowers that resemble glowing cigars, typically in orange, red, or magenta. These compact plants love full sun to part shade and are perfect for borders and hanging baskets. Hummingbirds go crazy for the rich nectar hidden in the tiny blooms. Tip: Keep soil moist and fertilize monthly for continuous blooms.
Nasturtiums
- Color: Orange, yellow, red
- Perk: Edible + pollinator-friendly
- Best in: Window boxes or garden edging
Nasturtiums have charming, round leaves and trumpet-shaped flowers in bold tones of red, orange, and yellow. They grow well in full sun to partial shade, especially in cooler climates, and prefer poorer soil—which actually makes them bloom better! Hummingbirds are attracted to their flower shape and nectar stash. Tip: Try them in hanging baskets or let them trail over garden edges.
Cleome (Spider Flower)
- Color: Pink, purple, white
- Height: Great for back-of-the-bed drama
- Pollinator rating: Off the charts
Cleome stands tall with wispy, firework-like blooms in purple, pink, or white, giving your garden height and motion. It needs full sun and tolerates dry, hot conditions like a champ. Hummingbirds enjoy hovering around its nectar-rich flowers, which bloom from summer to frost. Tip: Plant it toward the back of the border for a dramatic display that reseeds easily.
Native Plants = Happier Hummingbirds
If you really want to win over local hummingbirds, plant native. Native plants:
- Evolve alongside native hummingbirds
- Need less maintenance
- Support local insect life (read: more bird food!)
Check with your local nursery or extension office for a list of native flowering plants in your region. A few examples:
- Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) – Southeastern U.S.
- Scarlet Gilia (Ipomopsis aggregata) – Western U.S.
- Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) – Northeast and Midwest
What NOT to Plant (or Do)
Not everything in a garden is hummingbird-approved. Watch out for:
- Double-flowered hybrids: Pretty, but usually low on nectar
- Heavy pesticide use: Harmful to hummingbirds and their insect food supply
- Invasive species: Some exotic plants outcompete the good stuff—check your region
Also, don’t over-prune! Hummingbirds love a little wildness in the landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a hummingbird’s favorite flower?
Hummingbirds go wild for Bee Balm, Cardinal Flower, and Salvia—especially in bright reds or pinks. These blooms are packed with nectar and shaped perfectly for their beaks. Plant a few and you’ll have hummingbirds zipping in daily!
What attracts hummingbirds the most?
Nectar-rich, tubular flowers in bright colors (especially red!) are the ultimate hummingbird magnet. They also love gardens with plenty of blooms and safe spots to perch. Add a feeder or shallow water source, and they’ll keep coming back!
What is a hummingbird’s favorite fruit?
While hummingbirds don’t actually eat fruit, they do enjoy the tiny insects and gnats that gather around overripe fruit. Some folks hang sliced bananas or melons nearby to lure in bugs—creating a bonus snack bar for your hummingbird friends!
