Hummingbird Flowers: 16 Flowers That Attract Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds are pollinators that are typically attracted to bright-colored, tubular flowers from which they can sip nectar and spread pollen. You can skip the hummingbird feeders and instead plant a wide variety of attractive flowers to draw these tiny birds—here are some common flowers that attract hummingbirds:

1. 1. Agastache: Agastache plants grow bold flowers that are well-known for attracting hummingbirds. Agastache sold under the common name “hummingbird mint” is a plant with coral flowers that loves full sun and warm, dry conditions; Agastache Foeniculum, or anise hyssop, is a popular Agastache choice for cool, wet conditions.
2. 2. Bee balm: Bee balm flowers (scientific name: Monarda) are nectar-rich clusters of aromatic blossoms that grow up to four feet tall. They come in various colors, with red and purple flowers being the most attractive for hummers. Bee balm can spread quickly in a garden, so plant it in a container if you don’t want it to take over.
3. 3. Butterfly bush: Butterfly bush (Buddleia) is attractive to butterflies and several species of hummingbirds for its thick clusters of tubular flowers. It blooms in mid-summer and lasts into early fall.
4. 4. Cardinal flower: Cardinal flowers (Lobelia cardinalis) are moisture-loving perennials that bloom bright red blossoms from early to late summer. The perennial plant typically grows near swamps and other moisture-filled wetlands.
5. 5. Columbine: Columbine flowers are shade-loving perennials native to North America that come in a range of bloom colors and bloom earlier in spring than other perennials. Eastern red columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) is a special favorite native plant for hummingbirds, with red flowers and crimson spurs. Learn how to grow columbines.
6. 6. Coral bells: Coral bells (Heuchera) are unique plants that can have brightly colored foliage (in shades like purple, pink, and orange) in addition to stalks with clusters of small flowers. Coral bells grow well in partial shade.
7. 7. Daylilies: Daylilies are large flowers that come in a wide range of colors, from yellow to white—for a hummingbird garden, choose bright colors like red, pink, or coral. Typically, daylily flowers have three petals and three sepals—leaf-like petals that protect the flower buds. The blossoms can grow anywhere from three to 15 inches across and come in an extensive range of colors and fragrances.
8. 8. Delphinium: Delphinium flowers are known for growing especially dense blossoms and offer visual appeal as a border plant or in a container. Lavender and blue delphiniums are especially attractive to hummingbirds, and several varieties produce blooms through late summer.
9. 9. Honeysuckle: Honeysuckle plants have nectar-rich flowers that are very popular with hummingbirds. However, many types of honeysuckle are invasive, so check your area for the right varieties. Trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) can be a great option for areas with trellises or other supports, growing up to 12 feet and blooming sporadically from late spring to early fall.
10. 10. Penstemon: Penstemon flowers come in various colors and shapes, making them a versatile choice for any garden. Penstemons are native to North America, drought-tolerant, and sun-loving plants that tend to be deer-resistant.
11. 11. Petunias: Petunias are a classic bloom for a flower garden because they produce heavy blooms for most of the growing season and are especially attractive in hanging baskets. Petunias can require more maintenance than other hummingbird flowers and do best with regular fertilizing.
12. 12. Phlox: Phlox flowers (especially garden phlox, or Phlox paniculata) are named from the Greek word for “flame,” since the blooms often have especially vibrant colors, making them perfect for a hummingbird garden. Phlox plants have long, fragrant summer blooms that grow in the shape of a star.
13. 13. Red hot poker: Red hot pokers (Kniphofia) are striking and unique plants with tall green stalks and vibrant, sharp clusters of orange flowers. They are known for being early summer bloomers and are a good choice for attracting early-season hummingbirds. Red hot pokers can be especially sensitive to overly moist soil, so plant them in drier areas of the garden.
14. 14. Salvia: One of the most well-known hummingbird favorites, salvia is a brightly colored flower that blooms continuously in warm, dry conditions and can be either an annual or perennial. Once the danger of frost has passed, you can sow salvia seeds directly into your garden soil around early to mid-spring, depending on your hardiness zone.
15. 15. Trumpet vine: Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) is a large perennial vine with coral pink flowers, growing up to 40 feet tall in the right conditions. To make the most of a trumpet vine, plant it with a trellis or other strong support to allow it to climb.
16. 16. Zinnias: Zinnias are large, bold, annual flowers great for everything from hummingbird gardens to cut floral arrangements. Choose zinnia cultivars with brightly colored blossoms like fuchsia or red for best results as hummingbird plants. Learn how to plant and grow zinnia seeds in your garden.

Along with choosing hummingbirds’ favorite flowers, there are many other things you can do to encourage hummingbirds to visit your backyard:

1. 1. Plant an array of flowers for consistent blooms. Hummingbirds are active from early spring to early fall, and the best way to take advantage of their pollinating season is to plant flowering shrubs that will give you blooms all season long. Consider mixing different flowers for a selection of early bloomers and late bloomers, or choose plants with a long blooming season for the longest bloom time possible.
2. 2. Create a quiet and comfortable environment. Hummingbirds are shy birds, and even the best flowers won’t lure them if the blooms are in a loud or seemingly dangerous environment. Plant your hummingbird garden in a quiet spot in your backyard, away from busy activity or pets, to create a suitable hummingbird habitat.
3. 3. Plant densely for best results. Hummingbirds choose pollination spots based on how much nectar is available to them—so they’re especially attracted to areas with dense vegetation of flowering plants. For the best results, plant very densely to make your flower beds irresistible as a hummingbird nectar source.
4. 4. Add in a hummingbird bath. Hummingbirds will often bathe in shallow pools of clean water, so setting up a small birdbath will further encourage hummingbirds to stop by your garden.

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