Did we mention that these tiny birds are basically nature’s pest control?
Is a garden even a garden without a bird or two fluttering between the vibrant flowers? We think not. So, now that spring is here and warm weather is on its way, we are thinking about flowers to plant based on one thing alone: hummingbirds, which offer three benefits to any garden. First, they’re active pollinators. Second, they’re nature’s pest control, as they nosh on little insects that may be harming your garden. Lastly, they’re a beautiful vibe.
So, if you want to invite these tiny birds (they’re about three to five inches long), we have a very easy way to encourage their arrival. Ahead, we have shared nearly 30 flowering plants that will draw hummingbirds in and make them happy when they arrive. All you need to buy is the seeds and care for what’s to come. The hummingbirds will thank you with their colorful and charming presence.
Trumpet Honeysuckle
This hardy sun-loving perennial vine has tubular flowers that hummingbirds love. Read the plant label or description carefully: You want to plant the native (Lonicera sempervivens) or the Dutch variety (Lonicera pericylmenum), not the invasive Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), which will take over your yard.
Columbine
This spring-blooming perennial has gorgeous flowers with long spiky tails, and it's one of the earliest sources of nectar for hummingbirds. It prefers part shade.
Hosta
It may not be the first plant you think of, but this sturdy perennial has spikes of flowers in mid-summer. And hummingbirds love it! Give hosta mostly shade.
Cuphea
Bright orange or red tubular flowers cover this hardy annual. Cuphea, also called firecracker plant, is irresistible to hummingbirds. It's a sun-lover, but keep it watered during the hottest part of the summer.
Fuchsia
This shade-loving annual has exquisite drooping flowers that beckon hummingbirds. It looks best draping out of hanging pots, baskets, or window boxes.
Rose of Sharon
Rose of Sharon is a hardy shrub that starts flowering late in the season when much of the rest of the garden is winding down. Its huge flowers are magnets for hummingbirds and other pollinators.
Lantana
Lantana is a shrubby, drought-tolerant annual that comes in gorgeous colors from neon orange to bright pink. Hummingbirds love it! In warm climates, it can be perennial. Give it full sun.
Salvia
Salvia blooms for weeks on end from early to mid-summer, and it comes in many different shades of purples, deep pinks, and blues. Newer varieties make a tidy mound of attractive foliage, instead of flopping over.
Cardinal Flower
Hummingbirds like the red and yellow trumpet-shaped flowers on this native perennial. It's hardy in warmer climates and has a spreading habit (up to 5 feet wide) that makes it a good ground cover or border. It prefers part to full sun.
Catmint
Catmint is a sturdy perennial with fuzzy foliage and purple-blue flower spikes that last for several weeks in early to mid-summer. It has a pleasant spicy-minty scent and loves full sun.
Torenia
These pink and white or pink and purple flowers that resemble snapdragons last from spring to fall, providing a source of nectar all season long for hummingbirds. Torenia, also called wishbone flowers, are annuals that do best in part sun.
Bee Balm
This perennial is a favorite that all pollinators adore! The fringed flowers are heat-tolerant and come in pinks, reds, and purples. Bee balm looks best planted in huge swaths, which also makes it easier for hummingbirds to spot! It needs full sun.
Foxglove
This charming cottage garden favorite has beautiful spikes of pink, white, or purple flowers in late spring. They prefer part sun, and part shade for their best blooms.
Daylily
Daylilies come in tons of different colors and forms, and they're tough plants that tolerate all types of soil. Although each flower blooms for just one day (thus, the name!), there are multiple flowers on each stem, which keeps the show going for weeks. They need full sun.
Zinnia
Zinnias are hardy annuals that come in an array of sizes. They're popular with hummingbirds, but other pollinators, such as butterflies, also love these flowers. They need full sun.
Butterfly Bush
It may not be their total fave, but hummingbirds do visit butterfly bushes regularly, especially when they're at the height of the mating season in late spring and early summer. Plant the newer hybrids, which are not invasive. They do best in full sun.
Petunia
Petunias are an old standard that your grandparents probably grew. They bloom continuously from planting until frost. Give them full sun, and display them in a hanging basket or window box for the most pleasing aesthetics.
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Bleeding Heart
Bleeding hearts are charming perennials that offer nectar for hummers in late spring to early summer. They prefer mostly shade.
Sunflower
Sunflowers come in an array of sizes, shapes, and colors, and they're super-easy to grow from seed. They provide a good source of nectar to hummingbirds in late summer and early fall, when other flowers are beginning to fade.
Delphinium
Delphiniums are classic cottage garden flowers with exquisite blooms in pinks, whites, and shades of purple-blue. They do best in cooler climates and prefer morning sun, and afternoon shade.
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