Best Flowers to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Garden
My Garden Life
July 28, 2025
Table of Contents
By Bridget Webber
It’s truly a magical experience to have hummingbirds in your garden and one of the best ways to experience these tiny birds is by providing flowers to attract hummingbirds.
Hummingbirds are not only beautiful, but they also provide various benefits for your outdoor space. For example, hummingbirds are excellent pollinators and can increase the yield of your flowers and fruits. They also feed on insects, reducing garden pests. In addition, the flapping of their wings produces a calming, “humming” sound that enhances a serene atmosphere.
Select Plants with Flowers that Attract Hummingbirds
To attract hummingbirds to your garden, plant hummingbird-friendly plants. That would be plants that produce tubular flowers. Tubular flowers hold an abundance of nectar and they’re easy for hummingbirds to insert their long narrow beaks.
Plant a mix of annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs that flower at different times so that something is always blooming that the hummingbirds can enjoy. Here are some terrific options for a variety of flowering plants that will entice hummingbirds:
Annual Flowers that Attract Hummingbirds
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.
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.
Salvia ‘Black and Blue’ (Salvia guaranitica)
Butterflies and hummingbirds flock to the intensely blue flowers of this Salvia. Plant has a bushy habit so give it some space in the garden. Prune freely to maintain size and encourage fresh blooming. Wonderful for mixed borders and rock gardens. Perfect for all kinds of containers. Cut flowers are long-lasting in fresh bouquets. Plant in drifts or bands for best effect.
Nicotiana (Nicotiana )
The blooms of Nicotiana are tiny trumpets of color, some with the added delight of sweet fragrance. A majority of the popular varieties are grown as annuals, but perennial and shrub forms are available for tropical climates. Combine Nicotiana with broad leaved and trailing plants for a well-balanced display. A perfect choice for beds and borders. Looks great in rock gardens and can be grown in containers. Wonderful for combination plantings.
Salvia, Tropical Sage (Salvia splendens)
A perennial in its native Brazil, the splendens species of Salvia is used as an easy care annual elsewhere. An abundance of small blooms cluster along upright stems for maximum color and texture. Varieties with blooms from bright red to pastel shades are available, with the lighter colors doing best if given protection from hot afternoon sun. Wonderful for mixed borders and rock gardens. Perfect for all kinds of containers. Plant in drifts or bands for best effect.
Lantana (Lantana )
Lantana are native to several tropical regions and popular as heat tolerant annuals for gardens and containers. Their clusters of tiny blooms come in a good range of colors and are loved by butterflies. They may be upright or trailing, depending on variety chosen, but all have nicely textured foliage and good drought tolerance. The perfect choice for beds and borders. Superb for baskets, containers and window boxes. Looks great in rock gardens.
Cleome, Spider Flower (Cleome hassleriana)
Some plants have natural charisma and cleome is one of them. Spidery poufs of flower heads top tall stems in a striking display. The curious looking bloom clusters bring fragrance, soft color and lightness to gardens and large containers. Cleome plants bloom for months on end and provide hummingbirds with a season-long buffet. Ideal choice for beds, borders, and cutting gardens. Superb backing plant for mixed borders. Cut flowers are long-lasting in fresh bouquets.
Common Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)
A favorite of gardeners and butterflies alike, Zinnias bring long-lasting, bright color and rich texture to any planting. Removal of spent blooms will assure the most prolific and ongoing floral display. Use in beds, borders, containers and window boxes. Provides long lasting cut flowers.
Calibrachoa (Calibrachoa hybrid)
Blooms resembling miniature petunias cover an abundance of trailing stems in a lush and colorful display. A tender perennial most commonly grown as an annual. Easy care and heat tolerant. Many botanical authorities consider Calibrachoa to belong to the genus petunia. Perfect for all kinds of containers, including window boxes, hanging baskets and combination planters. Looks great in rock gardens.
No results found.
Perennial Flowers to Attract Hummingbirds
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.
Indian Pink (Spigelia marilandica)
A fun plant for brightening up dull, shady situations. This North American native is found growing in moist wooded locations, ravines and along stream banks. Produces unique red and yellow tubular flowers with petals that flare into a perfect five-point star. Hummingbirds love this plant so situate it where these winged visitors can be viewed and enjoyed. Especially nice in woodland gardens and shady borders.
Cherry Skullcap (Scutellaria suffrutescens)
This low-growing plant is incredibly tidy, carefree and versatile. Tolerates average to poor soil conditions, has good drought tolerance, has few pests, the foliage is evergreen providing winter interest, and the cheerful cherry-pink flowers are produced over a long season from summer into autumn. A perfect plant for edging a garden, walk, or patio. A reliable choice for rock gardens, alpine troughs, patio containers, and slopes.
Nepeta, Catmint (Nepeta x faassenii)
Catmint is a relative of the familiar catnip plant that is adored by cats (Nepeta cataria) and it is a plant sure to be adored by gardeners dealing with the challenges of hot, dry growing conditions. No matter how tough things get, Catmint retains its lovely mounded form, soft gray-green color, and in a true display of resilience, it produces flowers throughout the growing season. Makes a dependable mixed border plant. Looks great in rock gardens. Outstanding for planting near walkways, decks and patios where scent can be enjoyed.
Hosta, Plantain Lily ‘Assorted’ (Hosta hybrid)
Hosta are the go-to plant for many gardeners dealing with shade. They do well with morning sun in Northern zones, especially gold-leaved varieties, but are best in all day shade in areas such as the southern U.S. With thousands of named varieties available, you’ll find an abundance of options for plant sizes and colorful leaf combinations. Hosta are ideal for specimen, foundations, and mass plantings, and woodland gardens.
Bergamot, Bee Balm (Monarda hybrid)
This wonderful, all-around performer emits a delightful scent. Bee balm produces whorled clusters of tubular florets and deliciously fragrant foliage. Flowers are loved by hummingbirds, bees and butterflies. Outstanding for planting near walkways, decks and patios where scent can be enjoyed. Ideal choice for beds, borders, and cutting gardens.
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.
Delphinium (Delphinium elatum)
Delphinium is an old-fashioned favorite for traditional perennial gardens or a cottage garden. Tall spires of densely packed flowers are held on strong stems. Unsurpassed for providing a dramatic, eye-catching display in the garden or the vase. Makes a dependable mixed border plant. Ideal choice for cutting gardens. Cut flowers are long-lasting in fresh bouquets.
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.
Torch Lily, Tritoma, Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia uvaria)
Draws attention like no other garden flower! Unique spikes of red and yellow flowers are produced late in the season. The flowers are loved by hummingbirds. Ideal choice for beds, borders, and cutting gardens. Excellent for planting along fences and walls. Creates a pivotal accent point in any garden.
Common Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
The tall stalks of foxglove bear multiple rows of tubular blooms that would certainly be most stylish on the paws of any properly dressed fox! Foxgloves are equally eye-catching and stylish in the garden, providing height, vertical interest and a good range of colors. The perfect choice for beds and borders. Especially nice in woodland gardens. Perfectly suited to informal, naturalized settings. Terrific plant for hummingbird gardens.
Columbine (Aquilegia hybrid)
Columbine is a classic garden favorite valued for its handsome foliage and charming blooms. Neat, compact plants are topped with elegant, large flowers. The flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies to the garden! Makes a dependable mixed border plant. Especially nice in woodland gardens. Plant in groups for maximum color impact.
No results found.
Flowering Shrubs and Vines that Attract Hummingbirds
A fun and exotic-looking plant that adds a tropical touch to any location. Callistemon gets its common name from the fluffy red flower spikes that resemble bottle-brushes. Flowers are produced over a long season from spring through summer and attract hummingbirds and butterflies to the garden. Suitable for growing in large containers on the patio or deck. Beautiful grouped or massed in a shrub border. Excellent for planting along fences and walls.
Hyacinth Bean, Egyptian Bean, Indian Bean (Dolichos lablab)
Featured on the arbor in the kitchen garden of Thomas Jefferson at Monticello, Virginia. This fast growing vine, also referred to as the Egyptian and Indian Bean, was introduced to European gardens by the early 1700s and then made its way to American nurserymen by the early 19th century. Blooms in various shades of purple in late summer are followed by deep burgundy seedpods. Beautiful trained to fences, posts, latticework and trellises. Great for privacy screening on decks or blocking unsightly views.
Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis)
Not a true willow, Chilopsis gets the common name “Desert Willow” from its narrow foliage that resembles willows of the Salix genus. Desert Willow has an interesting, irregular growth habit that gives it an artistic flair. It can be grown as a shrub or small tree; simply prune to maintain the desired size and shape. An excellent choice for hot, dry locations where many plants would fail. A fast grower that will quickly develop into a small tree for a mixed border or to add height and shade to a small space garden.
Chaste tree has something for everyone; flowers, fragrance, beautiful foliage and it’s nearly maintenance-free! This is a super versatile plant that can be grown as a shrub or pruned into a small tree. A spectacular sight when in bloom and the branches are covered with blue flowers. Keep in mind that hummingbirds, bees, and other beneficial insects will flock to this plant when in bloom. A great choice for foundation plantings or hedges. Excellent for planting along fences and walls.
Cape Honeysuckle (Tecomaria capensis)
Cape honeysuckle provides a welcome burst of color to the late season landscape. This rambling evergreen is incredibly heat tolerant and easy to care for. The clusters of bright tubular flowers are a magnet for hummingbirds and butterflies. Plant near a porch or patio to enjoy the visitors up close! Great cascading over fences or climbing up walls. Looks beautiful in the garden as a clipped dwarf hedge or groundcover. Can be trained as an espalier against a wall or to a trellis.
Glossy Abelia (Abelia x grandiflora)
Abelia shrubs add texture to the landscape with their outstanding glossy evergreen foliage. Arching branches carry clusters of slightly fragrant, tubular blooms. The flowers attract butterflies to the garden. Beautiful grouped or massed in a shrub border. Perfectly suited to informal, naturalized settings. Great for texture in borders, use for hedging or foundations.
Scarlet Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera x brownii)
A vining, climbing species of Lonicera also known as Scarlet Trumpet Honeysuckle. Bright, tubular blooms are a summertime favorite of hummingbirds and butterflies and attractive foliage provides a beautiful backdrop to other plantings through multiple seasons. Commonly used to climb fences or walls. Beautiful trained to posts, latticework and trellises. Great for privacy screening on decks.
Weigela (Weigela florida)
Weigela are a low care, high return landscape choice. An abundance of funnel shaped blooms and lush foliage growth are easily encouraged with an annual pruning, after flowering is complete. Foliage ranges from green to purplish green and even variegated, depending on variety. Blooms may be red, white, yellow or various shades of pink. Ideal for borders, hedges or as a specimen plant. Excellent for planting along fences and walls.
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.
Trees that Attract Hummingbirds
Ohio Buckeye (Aesculus glabra)
Ohio buckeye is an easy-to-grow deciduous tree native to North America. It’s common in areas with moist soil such as along streams and rivers. The palmate leaves emerge bright green and mature to a darker green in summer. Greenish-yellow flowers are followed by seeds that are covered with a leathery, spiny husk. Foliage turns shades from yellow to bright orange in the fall. Buckeye nuts are toxic and should not be eaten.
Northern Catalpa (Catalpa speciosa)
Northern catalpa is a very interesting, fast-growing deciduous tree. It produces enormous bright green, heart-shaped foliage and stunning panicles of white, orchid-like flowers from late spring into summer. Mature trees develop a lovely pyramidal crown. Leaves turn yellow in fall. One of catalpa’s most distinctive features is its long seed pods, up to 22” (55 cm) long.
Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera)
The tulip tree, also known as a tulip poplar or yellow poplar, is native to central and eastern North America. It’s an extremely hardy, fast-growing tree that can produce 1-2′ (30-60cm) of new growth per year. The unusual green-yellow, tulip-like flowers are a unique attraction. The leaves turn to brilliant yellow in autumn. Provides instant form and structure to the landscape. Best used for large scale plantings.
Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
Redbud explodes into life at the first hint of spring with bright lavender-pink flowers announcing the return of warm days ahead. Flowers are followed by enchanting heart-shaped foliage. Small clusters of flat seed pods appear in autumn and persist well into winter. It’s a North American native and very well suited for naturalizing in wooded settings or using as an ornamental landscape tree in small spaces.
Hawthorn (Crataegus species )
Hawthorn is a charming small deciduous tree or large shrub with decorative cut foliage and outstanding autumn color. This is a fine choice for the landscape with its excellent combination of flowers, fruits, and ornamental foliage! Hawthorns’ clusters of small berries are a favorite of wildlife, but not tolerable to the human stomach. Available in both tree and hedging forms. Makes a lovely feature plant for a small space.
Crabapple (Malus species)
Crabapples are perfect for adding year round structure and interest to the landscape. Softly colored, lightly scented spring blooms are followed by small, attractive fruits in summer. Often the fruits persist, providing a compliment to autumn’s foliage and bright contrast to winter’s snow.
No results found.
These plants and flowers have bright colors and nectar-rich blooms that hummingbirds love. Planting them throughout your garden can create a beautiful and inviting space for these fantastic little birds. An abundance of flowers will also attract insects. Small insects such as aphids, gnats, caterpillars, and spiders – just to name a few – are an important source of protein for hummingbirds.
Planning and consideration will help you create a beautiful, thriving garden with the perfect colors and flowers to attract hummingbirds.
Using Hummingbird Feeders
Since many flowers bloom at different times of the season, hummingbird feeders are a great way to provide a reliable source of nourishment. You can make a nectar solution for hummingbirds by dissolving sugar (one part) in water (four parts), boiling, and cooling the mixture before putting it in the feeder. However, avoid using honey or artificial sweeteners as they can harm hummingbirds. Also, there’s no need to put red dye into the nectar. Opt for a red feeder instead.
Unless the nectar solution is being consumed daily, you’ll want to be sure to replace it every three or four days to prevent bacterial growth or mold that may harm hummingbirds. Rinsing the feeder before refilling it will help keep things sterile. An occasional thorough cleaning with mild dish soap or vinegar is also a good idea for sanitizing hummingbird feeders.
If you have the space, put out more than one feeder. Male hummingbirds can be territorial, and a single male may chase other birds away if he stakes a claim on a single feeder.
Hummingbird Feeder Placement and Maintenance
Proper placement of feeders is crucial for maintaining a healthy and thriving hummingbird population. Keep feeders away from predators such as cats and provide a clear line of sight so the birds feel safe. In addition, place feeders where you can easily access them for refilling and cleaning.
Be sure to maintain and clean your feeder regularly. Hummingbirds like clean, fresh nectar, so change the solution every few days, especially during warmer weather. You can use a mixture of one part vinegar and four parts water to clean the feeder once a week.
Rinse thoroughly with warm water before refilling it. Check for mold and mildew buildup and clean any hard-to-reach areas with a small brush. With a little effort, you can enjoy the beauty of hummingbirds in your garden all season.
Creating a Welcoming Environment for Hummingbirds
Creating a safe and welcoming environment will attract hummingbirds to your garden. One way to do this is by avoiding using pesticides and chemicals that could harm these delicate birds. Rather, opt for natural pest control methods and choose organic gardening practices to create a space where hummingbirds thrive. These steps will help protect these beautiful creatures.
Providing water is also vital if you want to attract hummingbirds to your yard. Hummingbirds need fresh water to bathe in and drink, so consider placing a bird bath or fountain in your garden.
Hummingbirds need shelter in which to build nests, to rest, and for protection from predators too. You can help to protect them by planting shrubs and trees close to the areas where they feed.
By providing sources of food, nectar and shelter that hummingbirds enjoy you will improve your chances for attracting these charming little birds to your garden. For additional tips on how to design a safe and welcoming space for hummingbirds see our article, 5 Tips for Attracting Hummingbirds to Your Garden.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.
0 Comments