Have you ever watched a hummingbird flutter around your garden, its wings a blur as it sips nectar from colorful flowers? It’s a magical sight, and if you’re dreaming of bringing more of these tiny, dazzling creatures into your yard, you’re in the right place!
In this article, we’re going to talk about the best plants to attract hummingbirds, how to make your garden a hummingbird haven, and how to care for your plants so they stay happy and healthy. Ready to make your garden a hummingbird paradise? Let’s dive in!
Why Do Hummingbirds Love Certain Plants?
Before we jump into the list of amazing plants, let’s talk about what hummingbirds actually love in a flower. These tiny birds are attracted to:
- Bright Colors: Hummingbirds are drawn to vivid red, pink, orange, and purple flowers. These colors stand out to them, especially since they have great color vision and prefer hues that signal a high concentration of nectar.
- Tubular Shapes: Flowers with long, tube-like shapes are a perfect fit for hummingbirds. Their long beaks and tongues are made for reaching into these flowers to collect nectar.
- Nectar: Of course, nectar is the main attraction! Hummingbirds need a lot of energy to fuel their rapid wing beats, so flowers that produce lots of nectar are always a hit.
- Full Sun: Flowers that bloom in full sun tend to produce more nectar, which makes them even more irresistible to hummingbirds.
Now that we know why hummingbirds love certain plants, let’s explore the top choices that will make your garden a buzzing, fluttering haven!
Top 10 Plants That Attract Hummingbirds
Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)
This vine is a hummingbird magnet! Its large, trumpet-shaped flowers bloom in vibrant shades of orange and red.
- Care Tips: It thrives in full sun and needs plenty of room to spread out. It’s low-maintenance but be prepared for some vigorous growth!
- Bonus: Trumpet vine also attracts butterflies, making it a great addition to a pollinator garden.
Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)
Bee balm’s bright flowers are packed with nectar, making them a favorite of hummingbirds. Plus, it has a wonderful minty aroma.
- Care Tips: It prefers full sun to partial shade and needs well-drained soil. It’s also easy to grow in most garden types.
- Bonus: Bee balm is a fantastic butterfly attractor too!
Columbine (Aquilegia)
Columbine flowers are a perfect fit for hummingbirds with their bell-like, tubular shape. They come in many colors, from red to yellow and purple.
- Care Tips: Columbine grows best in partial shade and requires moist, well-drained soil. It’s also very easy to grow in both wildflower gardens and traditional flower beds.
- Bonus: Columbine is a beautiful, low-maintenance choice that adds unique charm to your garden.
Salvia (Salvia spp.)
The vivid red, purple, and pink flowers of salvia are irresistible to hummingbirds. Plus, it has a long blooming season, so you’ll enjoy the hummingbird visits for a long time!
- Care Tips: Salvia thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s drought-tolerant, so you won’t have to worry much about watering once it’s established.
- Bonus: Its bright flowers also attract bees, making it a great choice for pollinator-friendly gardens.
Fuchsia (Fuchsia spp.)
Fuchsia flowers are the definition of hummingbird-friendly. With their drooping, tubular shape and vibrant colors (red, pink, purple), they’re just perfect for these tiny birds.
- Care Tips: Fuchsia prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It also does well in hanging baskets, so it’s perfect for small spaces or balconies.
- Bonus: Fuchsia is easy to care for and adds a touch of elegance to any garden.
Lobelia (Lobelia erinus)
Lobelia’s flowers are packed with nectar and are just the right shape for hummingbirds to feed from.
- Care Tips: It grows best in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. It’s a fantastic option for hanging baskets and containers.
- Bonus: Lobelia is super easy to grow and great for filling out your garden with pops of color.
Hummingbird Sage (Salvia spathacea)
As the name suggests, this sage is perfect for attracting hummingbirds! Its purple flowers are full of nectar, and the plant itself is quite striking.
- Care Tips: This plant loves full sun and is drought-tolerant once established, making it perfect for xeriscaping or low-water gardens.
- Bonus: Hummingbird sage is very low-maintenance and adds a lovely burst of purple to your garden.
Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)
Zinnias are known for their bright, colorful blooms, especially in red, orange, and pink. They’re like magnets for hummingbirds!
- Care Tips: Zinnia loves full sun and well-drained soil. They’re also very easy to grow from seed and thrive in warmer months.
- Bonus: Zinnias are resistant to most pests and bloom all summer long, providing a steady supply of food for hummingbirds.
Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)
This vine produces tubular, red-orange flowers that hummingbirds adore. They’re not only beautiful but also very high in nectar.
- Care Tips: Coral honeysuckle grows well in sun or partial shade and doesn’t require much maintenance once it’s established.
- Bonus: It’s perfect for trellises, fences, or as a climbing plant in your garden.
Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia uvaria)
The striking red-orange spikes of the red hot poker plant are irresistible to hummingbirds looking for nectar.
- Care Tips: Red hot poker thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s drought-tolerant once established and can tolerate a range of soil types.
- Bonus: This plant adds drama to your garden with its tall, colorful spikes.
Easy Tips for Making Your Garden Hummingbird-Friendly
- Provide Water: Hummingbirds need water for drinking and bathing. A shallow birdbath or a small water feature will do the trick. Just make sure the water is clean and not too deep!
- Avoid Pesticides: Pesticides can harm hummingbirds and other pollinators. Opt for organic gardening methods, and make sure to plant flowers that naturally attract the right bugs (like bees and butterflies) without using harmful chemicals.
- Create Shelter: Hummingbirds need a safe place to rest, especially during bad weather. Planting shrubs and trees nearby can offer them protection and a place to perch.
- Plant in Clusters: Hummingbirds prefer clusters of flowers over scattered individual blooms. Grouping similar plants together makes it easier for them to feed and increases the chances of them visiting.
How to Care for Your Hummingbird Plants
Caring for your hummingbird-friendly plants is easy, and many of these flowers are low-maintenance once they’re established. Here are some quick tips:
- Soil & Watering: Make sure your plants are in well-drained soil, and water them regularly, especially during dry spells. However, don’t overwater—these plants need a balance!
- Pruning: Deadheading (removing spent blooms) will encourage new flowers to bloom and help keep your plants looking neat.
- Winter Care: Many of these plants are perennials, so make sure to mulch around their bases in winter to protect their roots from the cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
What plant attracts hummingbirds the most?
The Trumpet Vine is one of the best plants to attract hummingbirds. Its bright, trumpet-shaped flowers in red and orange are perfect for these tiny birds to feed from.
What is a hummingbird’s favorite red flower?
Hummingbirds love Bee Balm with its red, nectar-filled flowers. They’re drawn to the vibrant color and rich nectar, making it one of their top picks!
What do hummingbirds like to eat the most?
Hummingbirds love nectar from flowers like red, tubular blooms. They feed on this sweet liquid to get the energy they need for their fast flying.
