Imagine sipping your morning coffee (or tea) while watching tiny, iridescent hummingbirds flit around your garden, drawn in by a symphony of vibrant flowers. These remarkable birds, known for their rapid wing beats and dazzling colors, seek out specific blooms for their rich nectar.
Discover how to transform your outdoor space into a hummingbird haven with these fifteen stunning flowers that will beautify your garden and attract these mesmerizing creatures. Let’s get into the list of flowers that attract Hummingbirds!
Trumpet Creeper (Campsis radicans)
Known for its vibrant orange-red blooms, the Trumpet Creeper is a favorite among hummingbirds, particularly the Ruby-throated Hummingbird. This vine thrives in sunny locations and can add a striking element to any garden.
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- Scientific Name: Campsis radicans
- Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are particularly attracted to this flower.
- Bloom Duration: Late spring to early fall
- Zones: 4-10
- The tubular shape of the flower is perfect for hummingbirds to access the nectar.
Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)
Bee Balm is not only a magnet for bees but also a top choice for attracting hummingbirds, especially the Rufous Hummingbird. Its bright red, pink, or purple flowers provide a rich nectar source.
- Scientific Name: Monarda didyma
- Rufous Hummingbirds are frequent visitors to these blooms.
- Bloom Duration: Mid-summer to early fall
- Zones: 4-9
- Bee Balm likes well-drained soil but it can grow in full sun or partial shade.
Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
With its striking red blossoms, the Cardinal Flower is a favorite among hummingbirds, particularly the Black-chinned Hummingbird. This perennial is perfect for wet areas while adding a bold splash of color to outdoor spaces.
- Scientific Name: Lobelia cardinalis
- Black-chinned Hummingbirds are drawn to these flowers.
- Bloom Duration: Midsummer to early fall
- Zones: 3-9
- Requires moist, rich soil and can thrive in partial shade.
Salvia (Salvia spp.)
Salvia, known for its spikes of tubular flowers, is highly attractive to hummingbirds, notably the Anna’s Hummingbird. This versatile plant can come in various colors, including red, blue, and purple. For more plants that attract birds check out our in-depth guide!
- Scientific Name: Salvia spp.
- Anna’s Hummingbirds frequently visit these blooms.
- Bloom Duration: Late spring to early autumn
- Zones: 4-11
- Thrives in well-drained soil and full sun.
Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia uvaria)
Also known as Torch Lily, the Red Hot Poker has bright, fiery spikes that are irresistible to hummingbirds, particularly the Broad-tailed Hummingbird. This perennial adds an exotic touch to any garden.
- Scientific Name: Kniphofia uvaria
- Broad-tailed Hummingbirds are attracted to these vibrant flowers.
- Bloom Duration: Late spring to early fall
- Zones: 5-10
- Prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
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Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)
With their unique, spurred shape, Columbine flowers are a favorite among hummingbirds, especially the Calliope Hummingbird. These delicate perennials come in various colors and are easy to grow.
- Scientific Name: Aquilegia canadensis
- Calliope Hummingbirds are known to visit these blooms.
- Bloom Duration: Late spring to early summer
- Zones: 3-8
- Prefers partial shade and well-drained soil.
Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)
Honeysuckle vines produce fragrant, tubular flowers highly attractive to hummingbirds, particularly Allen’s Hummingbird. These vines can provide beautiful cover for fences and trellises.
- Scientific Name: Lonicera sempervirens
- Allen’s Hummingbirds often visit these flowers.
- Bloom Duration: Spring to late summer
- Zones: 5-9
- Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
Fuchsia (Fuchsia magellanica)
Fuchsia plants, with their drooping, vibrant flowers, are a hummingbird magnet, especially for the Violet-crowned Hummingbird. These shrubs can add a touch of elegance to any garden.
- Scientific Name: Fuchsia magellanica
- Violet-crowned Hummingbirds frequently visit these flowers.
- Bloom Duration: Late spring to fall
- Zones: 6-9
- Prefers partial shade and well-drained soil.
Coral Bells (Heuchera sanguinea)
Coral Bells produce delicate, bell-shaped flowers that appeal to hummingbirds, particularly the Costa’s Hummingbird. These plants also offer attractive foliage throughout the growing season. The Giant Hummingbird will also feast on this tall bell shaped flower!
- Scientific Name: Heuchera sanguinea
- Costa’s Hummingbirds are attracted to these flowers.
- Bloom Duration: Late spring to midsummer
- Zones: 4-9
- Prefers partial shade and well-drained soil.
Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii)
The Butterfly Bush, known for its long, fragrant flower spikes, is also a favorite among hummingbirds, notably the Blue-throated Hummingbird. This shrub can provide continuous blooms throughout the summer.
- Scientific Name: Buddleja davidii
- Blue-throated Hummingbirds often visit these blooms.
- Bloom Duration: Summer to early fall
- Zones: 5-10
- Prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Penstemon (Penstemon spp.)
Penstemon, with its tubular flowers in various colors, is highly attractive to hummingbirds, especially the Broad-tailed Hummingbird. This perennial hummingbird attractant is perfect for adding color to rock gardens.
- Scientific Name: Penstemon spp.
- Broad-tailed Hummingbirds are frequent visitors to these flowers.
- Bloom Duration: Late spring to early summer
- Zones: 3-9
- Prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
Blue Lupine (Lupinus perennis)
Blue Lupine’s tall, spiky blue flowers are a favorite among hummingbirds, particularly the Ruby-throated Hummingbird. These perennials can add a vibrant touch to any garden.
- Scientific Name: Lupinus perennis
- Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are attracted to these blooms.
- Bloom Duration: Spring to early summer
- Zones: 4-9
- Prefers sandy, well-drained soil and full sun.
Bottle Brush (Callistemon spp.)
Bottle Brush, known for its unique, brush-like red flowers, attracts many hummingbirds, notably the Anna’s Hummingbird. This shrub can add an interesting texture to your garden.
- Scientific Name: Callistemon spp.
- Anna’s Hummingbirds frequently visit these flowers.
- Bloom Duration: Spring to summer
- Zones: 8B-11B
- Prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)
With its bright, edible flowers, Nasturtium is highly attractive to hummingbirds, particularly the Rufous Hummingbird. These annuals are easy to grow plus add splash of color to outdoor spaces.
- Scientific Name: Tropaeolum majus
- Rufous Hummingbirds are drawn to these blooms.
- Bloom Duration: Summer to fall
- Zones: 9-11 (grown as annuals in other zones)
- Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
Agastache (Agastache spp.)
Agastache, also known as hummingbird mint, produces fragrant, tubular flowers that are a magnet for many hummingbird species, especially the Black-chinned Hummingbird. These perennials add a lovely scent and color to the garden.
- Scientific Name: Agastache spp.
- Black-chinned Hummingbirds frequently visit these flowers.
- Bloom Duration: Summer to early fall
- Zones: 3-10
- Prefers well-drained soil and full sun.