Best Plants to Attract 6 Common Hummingbird Species

By Kelly Miller

Hummingbirds are one of the great joys of the summer garden. They zoom onto the scene, darting from flower to flower seeking nectar. Their tiny charm and aerial antics are a delight to behold. Throughout the United States there are several common hummingbird species that are easy to attract to your backyard if you offer them the appropriate types of flowers. In the United States and Canada, the most common hummingbird species include:

• Ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris)
• Anna’s hummingbird (Calypte anna)
• Rufous hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus)
• Black-chinned hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri)
• Calliope hummingbird (Selasphorus calliope)
• Allen’s hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin)

To attract these delightful feathered pollinators, many homeowners set up hummingbird feeders filled with a sugar-water solution. As long as it’s properly maintained, a hummingbird feeder is a helpful source of hydration and nutrients. However, the best way to create an appealing landscape for hummingbirds is with nectar-rich flowering plants.

Let’s get to know our common “hummers.” Here are the basic facts on the species you’re most likely to encounter, followed by tips and plant suggestions for a hummer-friendly garden.

Meet the Most Common Backyard Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds are only found in the Americas. There are 375 species, most of which live year-round in South or Central America. However, some venture north for the summer. In the United States, 16 species occur regularly.

Here’s a quick look at six of the most common hummingbird species that you’re most likely to spot in a home garden.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

The most common hummingbird in North America is the ruby-throated hummingbird, with a range that extends up to Canada and includes the entire eastern half of the U.S. In most eastern states, especially in the Northeast, this is the only hummingbird species that you’re likely to see. However, they’re common enough to inspire many eastern gardeners to set up feeders and nectar-rich plantings for the pleasure of having them stop by.

Both males and females have emerald-green backs, while only males bear the ruby-red throat patch that the species is named for.

Anna’s Hummingbird

Anna’s hummingbirds are common along the West Coast, from Southern California to Canada. In fact, they’re more common in many areas than they used to be, thanks to an increase in the use of exotic flowering landscape plants. This is one of only three hummingbird species that live year-round in the U.S. and Canada.

Males have stunning crimson coloration on their crowns and throats. Females have green crowns and backs.

Rufous Hummingbird

Rufous hummingbirds migrate across much of the western U.S. en route to their migration range in the Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Montana, and Canada. They’re known for covering an extreme distance—up to 2000 miles—on their migration route.

The rufous hummingbird is colored like an autumn forest, with a rich patchwork of orange, copper, and green hues.

Black-chinned Hummingbird

The breeding range of black-chinned hummingbirds spans from Texas to the Pacific Northwest and Canada. Males have black heads bordered by a dash of purple, while females have white chins and metallic green backs.

This species inhabits meadows and woodlands, but is happy to stop by a backyard garden. They display impressive mating rituals, with males flying high then zipping downward in 100-foot dives.

Calliope Hummingbird

The calliope hummingbird travels up to 5,000 miles from its winter range in Mexico to its breeding range in the Western U.S. It’s found in the West Coast states, as well as Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, and Nevada.

This species is recognized by the unusual purple streaks across its throat. It’s also the smallest long-distance migratory bird in the world and the smallest bird in North America. An adult calliope hummingbird only weighs as much as a ping-pong ball.

Allen’s Hummingbird

Allen’s hummingbirds occur in a very limited range along the Oregon and California coasts. They enter their northern breeding range in springtime after wintering in Mexico.

Allen’s hummingbirds have a nearly identical appearance to rufous hummingbirds, with subtle differences in coloration. Allen’s hummers are also known for their territorial behavior and enthusiastic mating displays.

Ways to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Backyard

If you want to make your home landscape a safe and attractive setting for hummingbirds, start with these practices:

• Grow a variety of plants, especially native species, including trees, shrubs, and flowering plants.
• Avoid the use of harmful lawn and garden chemicals.
• Maintain a hummingbird feeder, especially in spring and fall, to support hummers along their migration routes.
• Follow best practices for hummingbird feeders to avoid accidental harm.
• Maintain a cat-free yard and place feeders out of reach of predators.

What Type of Plants Attract the Most Common Hummingbird Species?

Hummingbirds are nectarivores, which means they meet most of their nutrient needs with the nectar produced by flowering plants. Hummers also eat insects, but their special skill is poking those long, thin bills and forked tongues deep inside flowers to extract sugar-rich nectar.  

Common hummingbird species visit all sorts of nectar-rich flowers, but some plants are more appealing than others. Here are a list of traits that make some flowers more appealing to hummingbirds than others:

1. Hummingbirds Prefer Native Plants

Native pollinators are most attracted to, and nourished by, the native plants they co-evolved with. For hummingbirds, native plants offer the richest doses of nectar and the ideal shapes for extracting an easy meal.

2. Red or Orange Flowers Attract Hummingbirds

Hummers will feed on flowers of any color, but their eyes are most sensitive to bright red and orange hues. Flowers in these colors are most likely to entice a hummingbird to visit.

3. Hummingbird Beaks are Best Adapted to Tubular Flowers

Hummingbird’s beaks are adapted to feeding from tube-shaped flowers, such as those found on cardinal flower plants and any plants with trumpet-shaped blooms.

Plants to Grow for Hummingbirds in the Eastern United States

In the Eastern United States, ruby-throated hummingbirds are present from April through November. Additionally, birders in the Southeast may encounter rufous hummingbirds, along with rare visits from other species that drift outside of their usual range.

Here are some of the best plants to grow to attract ruby-throated hummingbirds throughout their range, which includes most regions throughout the eastern half of the United States:

Giant Ironweed, Tall Ironweed (Vernonia gigantea)

Giant ironweed is a native perennial that can be found growing wild from the Southeastern United States through the Central states into Canada. This is one of the tallest of the ironweed species and it’s common to see it growing in wide open spaces such as pastures, meadows, and along the side of roads. Panicles of vibrant rosy-purple flowers appear from summer into fall. Formerly known as Vernonia altissima.

Orange Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis)

Orange jewelweed is a North American native plant found in shady, moist, often boggy locations. The plants have a loose, fine-stemmed growth habit sprinkled with intricate orange flowers that dangle from delicate stems. The blooms are shaped like a funnel, with a wide opening tapering to a spur. A perfect reservoir for nectar that attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and bumble bees.

Wild Bergamot, Bee Balm (Monarda fistulosa)

Wild bergamot is a clump-forming, bushy, rounded plant that produces aromatic, gray-green foliage. Lavender blooms appear in late summer that resemble upside down mop heads. This North American native can be found growing wild in meadows, along roadways and ditches, and in open areas in the woods. It can also tolerate the soil around walnut trees. A favorite of hummingbirds, bees and butterflies!

Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)

Swamp milkweed is a clump-forming perennial plant perfectly suited to moist soil conditions. This is a beautiful milkweed species with one of the largest growing ranges of all the milkweeds. It can be found growing in moist fields, meadows, bogs, marshes, ditches, and along stream banks throughout most of North America. It is a host plant for monarch and queen butterflies.

Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

The cardinal flower is an eye-catching wildflower, native to a large region of North America. The clump-forming plants produce tall stems of lance-shaped leaves topped by a spike of brilliant red flowers. The blooms are a valuable source of nectar for hummingbirds and butterflies. Cardinal flower’s tolerance to moist conditions make it a good choice for a rain garden or marshy meadow.

Columbine, Canada Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)

Native wildflower of eastern North America. Produces nodding, red and yellow flowers with medium length spurs. Hummingbirds love the nectar-rich blooms. Makes a dependable mixed border plant. Especially nice in woodland gardens. Terrific plant for hummingbird gardens. Best planted in groups.

Obedient Plant, False Dragonhead (Physostegia virginiana)

Obedient plant is an intriguing native perennial that forms long spikes of small, trumpet-like flowers. Vigorous, spreading habit. Called “obedient” because blooms moved gently to one side will stay in that position. A favorite of hummingbirds and pollinating insects! Effective in borders and cutting gardens. Nice for larger patio containers. Impressive in large groups.

Penstemon, Foxglove Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis)

A vigorous Penstemon with tubular, bell-like blooms on a multitude of sturdy stems. Very tolerant of heat and humidity. Varieties of this easy-care species often have reddish to purple stems and foliage. The flowers are loved by hummingbirds! Excellent for borders, rock gardens, or mass plantings. Perfectly suited to informal, naturalized settings. Terrific plant for hummingbird gardens.

Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)

Trumpet vine is a vigorous woody vine that adds year round texture and interest to the landscape. Large trumpet-like blooms bring a burst of warm color to the late season garden. Lush, dark green foliage provides the perfect backdrop for mixed plantings. A favorite of butterflies and hummingbirds! Great for privacy screening on decks or blocking unsightly views. Commonly used to climb fences or walls. Best used for large scale plantings.

No results found.

Plants to Grow for Hummingbirds in the Western United States

Western climates vary widely and attract a greater diversity of hummingbird species. Here are a few flowering plants that hummingbirds love, and that grow well throughout much of the western United States:

Hummingbird Plant (Dicliptera suberecta )

The hummingbird plant is native to Uruguay where it is a woody perennial. Plants produce a gorgeous combination of velvety, gray-green foliage and brilliant orange tubular flowers that are a favorite of hummingbirds. Blooms are produced over a long period from summer into fall. Popular for growing as a summer annual in regions with freezing winters. This plant is exceptionally tolerant of heat and drought.

Anise-scented Sage, Hummingbird Sage (Salvia guaranitica)

This beautiful, bushy Sage is a South American import perfect for hot, dry locations. Butterflies and hummingbirds flock to the intensely blue flowers that appear all summer long. The foliage has a light anise scent when bruised. Prune freely to maintain size and encourage fresh blooming. Wonderful for mixed borders and rock gardens.

California Fuchsia (Zauschneria garrettii)

This fast-growing hardy Fuchsia is perfect for cooler climates or high-altitude gardens. Forms a dense mass of low, soft-green foliage that turns into an explosion of color in summer. Orange trumpet-like flowers cover the plant and provide a welcome treat for hummingbirds. Excellent for borders, rock gardens, or mass plantings. Makes a breathtaking specimen plant.

Autumn Sage, Cherry Sage (Salvia greggii)

Nice shrub-like plant for difficult hot and dry locations. Foliage forms a dense bush sprinkled with bright tubular flowers. Butterflies and hummingbirds love this plant! Prune freely to maintain size and encourage fresh blooming. Wonderful for mixed borders, rock gardens, and containers. Cut flowers are long-lasting in fresh bouquets.

Red Yucca, Hummingbird Yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora)

Also known as “Hummingbird Yucca” because the hummingbirds love this plant’s tall stems of trumpet-shaped flowers. Red Yucca is a beautiful, yet rugged selection for challenging hot, dry locations. The clumps of narrow, rigid, blade-like foliage provide a uniform, architectural shape and yet the fine texture of the foliage still maintains a soft appeal. An excellent foundation, or border plant.

Scarlet Sage, Texas Sage, Tropical Sage (Salvia coccinea)

The perfect choice for seemingly hopeless hot, dry locations with poor soil. Brilliant flower spikes brighten up the scene and things will really liven up when the butterflies and hummingbirds arrive seeking the nectar from the tubular flowers. Put a few in patio planters to enjoy the activity up close. An excellent choice for mixed borders and rock gardens.

Beardtongue, Beardlip penstemon (Penstemon barbatus)

Beardtongue is a wonderfully long-flowering perennial, native to the western United States. Delicate tubular blooms dangle off long stems, amongst narrow, lance-like leaves. The flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds, making them an even more valuable addition to the garden. Excellent for borders, rock gardens, or mass plantings. Perfectly suited to informal, naturalized settings. Terrific plant for hummingbird gardens.

Western Bleeding Heart (Dicentra formosa)

The blooms of western bleeding heart resemble delicate, puffed up hearts hanging gracefully from arching stems. Ferny foliage makes this an attractive plant even when blooms are not present. A wonderful choice for growing among broad-leafed, shade plants. Beautiful in shady borders and woodland gardens. Makes a dependable mixed border plant. Combines well with hosta in woodland gardens.

Rocky Mountain Columbine (Aquilegia caerulea)

Fantastical, multi-layered blooms of differing petal types nod above delicate foliage. A delightful combination of beauty and whimsy sure to enliven the shade garden. Aquilegia are perfect companions to broad-leaved shade plants such as hosta or brunnera. Makes a dependable mixed border plant. Especially nice in woodland gardens. Terrific plant for hummingbird gardens. Best planted in groups.

No results found.

Gardening for Feathered Friends

Hummingbirds are many gardeners’ favorite guests, but your local home landscape can support all sorts of avian wildlife. Learn more about gardening for our feathered friends in our guide: Plants that Attract Birds to Your Garden.