If you want to attract hummingbirds, creating a landscape that suits them is important. I love watching hummingbirds flitting about my property, looking for places to land, build nests, and of course, delicious things to eat. Previously, we’ve written about 15 things you can do to your property to attract hummingbirds, and one of those bullet points is planting flowers that act as food sources for them. Planting flowers, particularly flowers that are native to your region, will help convince them that your property is a great place to stay!
40+ flowers that attract hummingbirds
Planting flowers that hummingbirds like is an important factor in attracting them. You can always put up some hummingbird feeders too, but hummingbirds definitely prefer nutritious nectar over sugar water. We’ve compiled a list of 40 or more of the best flowers for attracting hummingbirds to your property. It’s not an exhaustive list, but it’s a great place to start if you plan to plant a hummingbird garden. Let’s dive in.
May night salvia
The blossoms of May Night Salvia are recognized for their vibrant color. They are also prized for attracting hummingbirds. May Night Salvia is only one of many plants in the fascinating genus that has something unique to offer growers with a wide range of preferences. In 1997, it was named Perennial Plant of the Year. It’s certainly one of my favorites, I love the spikes of purple flowers that burst upward from the plant every summer.
Beardtongue
Penstemon plants, also called Beardtongue are herbaceous perennials with lance-shaped leaves and tubular flower spikes. Pink, white, purple, crimson, and (occasionally) yellow are some of the flower hues. The term Beardtongue relates to the pollen-free stamen that protrudes from the bloom, giving it the appearance of a bearded iris. From seeds planted in the spring until early summer, this perennial is simple to cultivate. It takes 10 to 21 days to germinate and has a sluggish start. Beardtongue plants bloom in early summer, covering the gap between the late spring bulbs and the maturation of summer flowers like yarrow, coneflowers, and coreopsis.
Bee balm
Bee Balm bushes are herbaceous perennials native to North America that are prized for their brilliant, colorful blossoms that attract hummingbirds, bumblebees, and other pollinators. Surprisingly, they’re also classified as herbs. Bee Balm is a member of the mint family with fragrant leaves and a variety of culinary and therapeutic use. It has a square stem, opposing leaves, and spreading rhizomes that spread quickly under the soil like many mints.
Butterfly bush
Butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii) is a woody plant with stunning blooms and an arching habit. It’s simple to cultivate and has eye-catching flower spikes. The blooms now appear in a variety of hues, including pink, yellow, blue, and multicolors, thanks to the magic of cultivar creators. Butterfly bushes are known to attract butterflies and other pollinators, as their name indicates. Hummingbirds are attracted to red-flowering Butterfly bushes.
Catmint
Catmint is an herb native to Iran and the surrounding Caucuses and has a tendency to be invasive, so plant carefully. It is a perennial herb that requires full sun, regular watering, and well-draining soil, and is hardy in a wide range of climates. This herb can be grown easily in hardiness zones 3-9. It’s known to attract hummingbirds. And sometimes cats.
Nasturtium
If you’ve ever been stopped in your tracks by a dense, vine-like plant with dark green circular leaves and big red, yellow, and orange flowers, there’s a good chance you’ve laid eyes on a Nasturtium. This flower is one of my favorites – I can remember a time as a young man planting this flower with my mom in her garden. Today, it’s still one of my favorite flowers to grow.
Zinnia
Zinnias are a daisy genus that belongs to the sunflower family (Heliantheae) (Asteraceae). They are found in scrub and dry grassland from the Southwestern United States to South America, with Mexico serving as a diversity hotspot. The genus is known for its single long-stemmed flowers, which come in a variety of vibrant hues. Flowers come in a variety of colors, including pink, orange, purple, white, red, and yellow, as well as multi-color variants. The leaves are light to mid-green in color.
Dianthus
Clove Pink (Dianthus caryophyllus) flowers come in a variety of hues. However, the term “pinks” originally refers to the Old English word pynken, which means “pinking shears.” It refers to the notched margins of the plant’s leaves rather than the color. Clove Pink herb plants are linked to carnations. The clove aroma is carried on the blossoms. These pretty tiny plants make excellent landscape accents.
Columbine
The Columbine plant (Aquilegia) is a low-maintenance perennial that provides seasonal appeal for much of the year. It flowers in a variety of hues in the spring, emerging from its gorgeous dark green leaves, which become crimson in the fall. Hummingbirds love the bell-shaped blossoms, which may also be utilized in cut-flower arrangements.
Daylily
The daylily is a gift that experienced gardeners give to those who are just starting out. The reason is simple – there are hardly any flowering plants that are easier to grow and maintain. They can survive almost every kind of disease and weather condition, be it drought or deer. At the same time, their vibrant colors can fit anywhere in the garden. This plant flowers all summer and is well known for attracting hummingbirds.
Larkspur
Larkspur flowers emerge in the spring and add much-needed color to winter gardens. They are the July birth flower, so remember that the next time somebody has a birthday! Planting Larkspur can be challenging due to the necessity for a cold time before sowing the seeds, as well as the fact that these poisonous beauties can be harmful! However, once they’ve developed into plants, they’re low-maintenance and simple to maintain alive, even for inexperienced gardeners.
Pineapple sage
Pineapple sage is perhaps one of the most fitting descriptions for a plant’s fragrance I’ve ever encountered. Gently rubbing the leaves of this plant produces that sweet, tangy citrus smell of pineapple with a hint of traditional sage aroma. It really is a plant out of this world, which is why I have five of them planted in my garden. My growing zone is just barely warm enough for the plant to be perennial, so I feel pretty lucky to be able to grow it. The hummingbirds are lucky too, it attracts tons of hummingbirds to my garden.
Foxglove
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) is a beautiful biennial flower that produces tube-shaped blossoms in a cascading, cone-shape from a single stem. These spires of flowers can stand up to 6 feet tall. It is a favorite of pollinators, and in fact has evolved specifically to attract bumblebees. If you want to bring bumblebees to your yard, Foxglove is a must. It’s also been known as a favorite for hummingbirds. So if hummingbirds are your thing, plant Foxglove!
Lupine
If you happen to be hiking through a lush forest in the Pacific Northwest, you might come upon a plant with star-like leaves shooting tall stalks of different colored flowers into the air. If so, there’s a chance you’ve spotted Lupine growing in its natural habitat. It doesn’t just grow out in the wild though, Lupine can be grown right at home as well. No need to hike to enjoy its beauty!
Trumpet Vine
The Trumpet vine, also known as the yellow Trumpet vine or trumpet creeper, is a flowering plant in the Bignoniaceae family. It is native to the eastern United States and is a natural occurrence worldwide. It’s a robust, deciduous woody vine with spectacular trumpet-shaped blossoms that may reach a height of 10 meters. Although some gardeners consider Trumpet vine creepers invasive, proper care and pruning can easily keep them under control.
Hostas
Hostas are so beautiful that entire gardens can be dedicated to only growing these plants. These plants are another one that gardeners recommend to beginners because of their durable nature. Perhaps, the most exciting part about hostas is their variety. While foliage is the plant’s primary attraction, it also produces white or purple flowers that are splendid to look at.
Iris
There are very few gardeners in the world, no matter how inexperienced, that do not know about the iris flower. They are among the most diverse flowering plants when it comes to colors and growing needs. At the same time, the iris is easily distinguishable – their leaves are akin to swords and their flowers have six drooping lobes. They’re an early flower that attracts hummingbirds.
Echinacea
Echinacea is a lovely herb that produces beautiful, cone-like purple flowers. It’s also commonly used in herbal remedies and is often found in teas. Have you ever considered growing Echinacea? It really isn’t hard! Growing up in the midwest, we had tons of Echinacea growing in our yard. It continues to be one of my absolute favorite flowers and is known to attract hummingbirds to your yard.
Echinops
If you want to add a beautiful, globe-like purple flower to your garden that will drive pollinators and birds wild, you need not look further than Echinops. This hardy perennial flower is a great addition, and you really don’t see it in very many gardens, so it’s sure to wow visitors and passers-by alike. Echinops gets its name from Greek – echinos meaning hedgehog and ops meaning appearance. It produces not just one flower per stalk, but a cluster of flowers that creates a globe-like appearance, thus why it’s also sometimes called globe thistle.
Wisteria
Despite its forceful image, the show-stopping Wisteria vine is a favorite of many gardeners in spring, when it is brimming with bunches of fragrant blossoms. The plant is a long-lived vine with cascades of blue to purple blossoms that look stunning swaying from a pergola or archway. This vine, on the other hand, grows quickly and aggressively, typically reaching a length of 30 feet or more. It also has a reputation for being rather heavy. Wisteria vines will climb into any nook and crevice they can find, so don’t put them too close to your house.
Flowering tobacco
Flowering Tobacco is a stunning decorative plant that is indigenous to Colombia, Paraguay, Uruguay, southern Brazil, and northern Argentina. It will give color and a pleasant scent to your yard. It has flower stalks adorned with clusters of blossoms and fuzzy, sticky leaves that attract hummingbirds. The blooms of the majority of types, which appear in the summer and early fall, open in the evening and fill the environment with their intense sweet perfume, luring nighttime pollinators like moths.
Desert candle
Eremurus, often known as Desert Candle, are tall, regal perennials with thick, starfish-like roots that will give herbaceous borders height and flair. About forty species of plants belonging to the genus Eremurus are endemic to central Asia, and they are most common in rocky terrain at high altitudes. If you want the appearance of foxtail lilies in the dark, plant the bugbane flower because they require a lot of sunlight.
Cardinal flower
Widely celebrated as the cardinal flower, lobelia cardinal has long graced the wet spots of landscapes in Europe and North America since the 17th century. Gifting this flower bestows an aura of distinction and dignity. It has also been linked to romance and passion. The cardinal flower gets its unique name for its resemblance to the long, bright red robes worn by members of the church. The history of the flowers, their symbolism, and history, are as rich and bright as the flower itself. The cardinal flower has for long been linked with passion and romance for its flaming red color, which will also attract hummingbirds.
Pentas
Pentas, also known as Pentas lanceolata, has unusual star-shaped blossoms that give it another name: the “Egyptian Star Flower.” When fully grown, this shrub can reach a height of 4 feet and can range in height from 18 to 36 inches. The Rubiaceae family, which also includes well-known ornamentals like gardenias and important commercial crops like coffee, includes the genus Pentas, species lanceolata. Pentas are annuals that may be grown everywhere; in growth zones 9 and above, the plants may be perennials.
Petunia
One of the most common garden flowers is Petunia (Petunia spp.), which can be grown in flower beds and pots. They are prolific bloomers and come in almost all colors, except for genuine blue. They have spreading foliage that is hairy and rather sticky, as well as broad, trumpet-shaped blooms. There is a wide range of species in the petunia genus. They can have solitary or double blooms, ruffled or smooth petals, striped, veined, or plain colors, mounding or cascade growth patterns, and even smell. The majority are sold as hybrids. All of them are known to attract hummingbirds.
Pincushion flower
Small yet magnificent blossoms also have their place in the landscape, although big flowers like dahlias and sunflowers can be attention-hogs in the flower garden. Scabiosa sometimes referred to as the pincushion flower, is one of the most lovely and fascinating little flowers that gardeners can grow. The perennial flower, which is native to Europe, is simple to successfully grow and comes in a range of lovely colors.
Red-hot poker
The red hot poker plant is a great choice if you want something impressive in your yard or something that will draw in wildlife buddies. Torch lilies are simple to grow and take care of, even for novice gardeners. Red hot pokers are exotic-appearing perennials with recognizable bottlebrush blossoms that come in a variety of flamboyant colors, from red to orange, yellow, and lime green. As they benefit from the same sunny growth conditions as yarrow, rudbeckias, heleniums, and agapanthus, they enjoy a lengthy flowering season and look wonderful when planted in large numbers in hot-colored borders.
Scarlet sage
Scarlet Sage may be the right plant for you if you want to add rich color to your garden without having to give it a lot of attention. Scarlet Sage needs ample sunlight and soil that drains well to flourish. Besides that, you will not have to worry about this striking species much other than when visitors ask you what it is! Its stunning red flowers attract hummingbirds and other pollinators.
Trumpet honeysuckle
One of the all-time favorite vines is the native trumpet honeysuckle, also known as coral honeysuckle. Its splash of color attracts humans and many pollinators. The tubular flowers are a magnet for bees and birds, especially the beloved hummingbirds who come for the nectar. Thus, if you want to attract hummers, it is a great choice.
Soapwort
Soapwart is a hardy perennial that grows erect with leafy green stems devoid of side branches. It readily flowers through the summer months with clusters of blooms that give a floral and sweet scent that closely resembles a clove. It is native to both Europe and Asia.
Summer phlox
Phlox (P. paniculata) is a low-maintenance plant that gives the summer garden a splash of color and charm. The Polemoniaceae, or “Jacob’s ladder” family, in which the Phlox genus is found, is prized in particular for the size and longevity of its blooms. It will provide hummingbirds with a source of food for months on end.
Verbena
Consider growing the Verbena if you are looking for long-lasting flowers that will blossom during the harshest hours of summer heat. When placed in the brightest and probably driest section of the garden, Verbena plants, whether perennial or annual varieties, guarantee summer blossoms. Perennial Verbena will put on a stronger summer show if your area has high summer humidity.
Weigela
This vintage beauty has occasional blooms throughout the summer and spring. Weigela requires little upkeep. Weigela is a robust and hardy shrub, thus taking care of it entails planting and watering a growing weigela in the appropriate location. Its flowers are great for attracting hummingbirds.
Pride of Madeira
The Pride of Madeira is a popular addition to garden borders and beds and one of the easiest plants to grow and maintain. A native of the Portuguese island of Madeira and the Spanish Cayman Islands, it has become readily popular throughout America. Hummingbirds are attracted by their purple flowers.
Lantana
Lantana plants are well-liked and cultivated in outdoor hanging baskets or as ground covers because of their distinctive vine-like appearance that sprawls from woody branches. Round clusters of tiny, vividly colored flowers, which can be yellow, orange, white, red, pink, blue, or purple, are what Lantana is famous for. The almost bright colors are frequently blended together inside the same cluster, giving the impression of two colors. Lantana is well known to attract hummingbirds.
Cigar plant
The Cigar plant (Cuphea ignea) is a low-growing, tender perennial shrub, and is more commonly known as the firecracker plant or the Mexican cigar plant. This tropical evergreen shrub is endowed with a bright red flower with black and white tips that resembles a lit cigar. The Latin word ignea means fire. Hummingbirds love to sip nectar from its long, tube-like flowers.
Annual Geranium
The well-known Annual Geranium blooms with red, purple, pink, or white blossoms and thick, pleated leaves. Authentic geraniums are frequently known as cranesbill or hardy geraniums. Before the genus Pelargonium was named in 1789, both kinds of plants were formerly classified as belonging to the Geranium genus. But many Pelargonium species continue to go by the name geranium as their common name.
Bleeding heart
Early spring brings out the flowers of the Bleeding Heart vine (Dicentra spectabilis), which adorns the yard with eye-catching, heart-shaped blossoms borne on arching stalks. As the plant awakens from dormancy, attractive bluish-green foliage first appears. The Bleeding Heart’s flowers can be all-white or all-pink, as with the Bleeding Heart hybrid “Alba.” It’s an early flower known to attract hummingbirds.
Indian Paintbrush
If you find yourself walking through a meadow anywhere from Northwest Russia all the way down to the Andes Mountains in South America and you saw a beautiful pink brush-like flower sticking up out of the grass, there’s a good chance you’ve spied Indian Paintbrush, a perennial flower with an extensive native range. Indian Paintbrush isn’t just a wildflower growing in meadows, it can be planted on your property too. It can be a little bit tricky to get it started though, which makes it a less common garden flower. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into growing this beautiful, brush-like flower on your property.
