Hummingbirds bring energy and charm to any garden, but they need the right flowers to keep them coming back. These tiny acrobats love nectar-rich blooms, especially those in red, pink, and orange hues. With the right plants, you can turn your backyard into a hummingbird hotspot. Some of these flowers have worked wonders in my own garden, making it a buzzing, fluttering paradise.
1. Trumpet Vine Calls Them In
This fast-growing vine produces fiery orange-red flowers that hummingbirds cannot resist. It climbs fences, trellises, and even trees, adding a striking element to any yard. I planted one near my porch, and by midsummer, it had turned into a hummingbird diner. Just be ready to trim it back because it grows fast.
2. Bee Balm Keeps the Garden Lively
Bee balm is like a magnet for pollinators. Hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees flock to its bright red, pink, or purple blooms. Plus, it smells fantastic when you brush against it. I planted a cluster near my patio, and every summer, it turns into a non-stop hummingbird festival.
3. Cardinal Flower Stands Tall
With its deep red blooms and tall spikes, cardinal flower is impossible to miss. Hummingbirds love its tubular flowers, which offer plenty of nectar. This plant thrives in moist soil, making it a great choice for rain gardens. If you want a flower that practically waves a flag for hummingbirds, this is it.
4. Salvia Brings Color for Months
Salvia comes in a range of colors, but red and purple varieties are the best for attracting hummingbirds. These heat-loving perennials bloom for months, keeping your garden lively. I once planted a row of red salvia along my walkway, and it became an instant hummingbird runway.
5. Honeysuckle Smells as Sweet as It Looks
Honeysuckle vines offer both beauty and a heavenly scent. Their long, trumpet-shaped flowers are packed with nectar, making them a hummingbird staple. I remember as a kid, I used to pull the flowers apart to taste the nectar myself—hummingbirds and I were in direct competition.
6. Fuchsia Adds a Splash of Elegance
If you want a flower that looks as if it belongs in a fairy tale, fuchsia is it. Its dangling, bell-like blooms come in pink, purple, and red, making it a visual treat. These plants thrive in hanging baskets, so you can bring the hummingbirds right up to your porch.
7. Penstemon Delivers Nectar in Style
Also known as beardtongue, penstemon produces spiky clusters of tubular flowers in red, pink, and purple. Hummingbirds love their shape, and they bloom for months with minimal care. They are drought-resistant too, making them a great pick for a low-maintenance garden.
8. Columbine Offers Early Blooms
With its intricate, spurred flowers, columbine adds elegance to any garden. The red and yellow varieties are hummingbird favorites. These flowers bloom early in the season, giving hummingbirds a much-needed nectar source when they first arrive in spring.
9. Petunias Keep the Garden Bright
Petunias are colorful, cheerful, and easy to grow. Hummingbirds love the red and pink varieties, especially when planted in hanging baskets. I once filled an entire window box with petunias, and by midsummer, it was like a hummingbird highway right outside my kitchen window.
10. Lantana Thrives in the Heat
Lantana is a sun-loving plant that produces clusters of tiny, nectar-rich flowers in vibrant colors. It flourishes in hot, dry conditions and blooms non-stop. Hummingbirds flock to its red, pink, and orange varieties, making it a great addition to any summer garden.
11. Coral Bells Add a Touch of Charm
With their delicate bell-shaped flowers and stunning foliage, coral bells offer the best of both worlds. Hummingbirds love their tiny blossoms, and the leaves come in an array of beautiful colors. They thrive in partial shade, making them a great pick for those tricky garden spots.
Jamie is the founder of The Backyard Pros. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. He has real estate experience and he is a home owner. Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online.