Have you ever watched a hummingbird hover effortlessly, its iridescent feathers glistening in the sunlight as it sips nectar from a vibrant bloom? There’s something truly magical about these tiny pollinators flitting through the garden, bringing energy, movement, and life to your outdoor space.
If you want to turn your backyard into a hummingbird haven, the right flowers make all the difference. Nectar-rich blooms in bold reds, pinks, and purples are like magnets for these fascinating creatures, offering them a reliable food source while adding a burst of color to your landscape. The best part? Many of these plants are low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and pollinator-friendly, making them perfect for both beginner and experienced gardeners.
Ready to transform your garden into a breathtaking oasis? Let’s dive into ten must-have hummingbird flowers that will attract these delightful visitors and keep them coming back for more!
In This Article
1. Bee Balm
If you’re looking to attract hummingbirds, Bee Balm (Monarda) is a garden essential. This pollinator-friendly perennial thrives in USDA zones 4–9, producing nectar-rich blooms in red, purple, and even orange. Its minty-scented foliage adds charm while deterring deer, making it a perfect addition to flower beds, borders, and hummingbird gardens.
How to Grow and Care for Bee Balm
Planting:
- Prefers full sun to partial shade (at least 6 hours of sunlight).
- Grows best in rich, medium-moisture to wet soil with good drainage.
- Space 18–24 inches apart for air circulation.
Watering & Feeding:
- Maintain consistently moist soil, particularly during warm periods.
- Add a layer of mulch to help preserve moisture and reduce weed growth.
- Use a balanced organic fertilizer in early spring.
Pruning & Maintenance:
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming.
- Cut back stems in fall or spring for healthy growth.
- Divide every 2–3 years to prevent overcrowding.
Preventing Powdery Mildew:
- Space plants properly and water at the base.
- Choose mildew-resistant varieties if humidity is high.
Bring Your Garden to Life with one of the best Hummingbird Flowers !
With its dazzling colors, easy care, and love for hummingbirds, Bee Balm will transform your garden into a vibrant paradise. Plant it today and enjoy a season of fluttering visitors!
2. Cardinal Flower
If you want to attract hummingbirds while adding a stunning pop of color to your garden, Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) is a top choice. With its brilliant red, tubular blooms, this native wildflower is specially designed for hummingbirds’ long beaks, making it an irresistible nectar source. Growing in USDA zones 3–9, Cardinal Flower thrives in moist environments, making it perfect for rain gardens, pond edges, and damp flower beds.
How to Grow and Care for Cardinal Flower
Planting:
- Prefers full sun to partial shade (best flowering in 6+ hours of sunlight).
- Requires rich, well-draining soil that stays consistently moist to wet.
- Grows 2–4 feet tall, adding height and drama to garden beds.
Watering & Feeding:
- Needs regular watering, especially in dry spells.
- Apply mulch to retain moisture and keep roots cool.
- Lightly fertilize in spring with compost or balanced plant food.
Pruning & Maintenance:
- Deadhead spent flowers to extend blooming into late summer.
- Cut back stems in fall after flowering to encourage fresh spring growth.
- Divide every 2–3 years to maintain plant health and prevent overcrowding.
Pest & Disease Prevention:
- Typically resistant to pests, but proper air circulation is key to avoiding fungal problems.
- Encourages beneficial insects that contribute to a healthy and thriving garden environment.
3. Zinnia
If you’re looking for easy-to-grow flowers that attract hummingbirds and brighten up your garden, Zinnias (Zinnia elegans) are a fantastic choice. With their bold, daisy-like blooms in a rainbow of colors, these annual flowers bloom from summer to fall, providing a long-lasting nectar source for hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. Best of all, Zinnias are drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and fast-growing, making them perfect for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike.
How to Grow and Care for Zinnias
Planting:
- Best grown in USDA zones 3–10 as an annual.
- Prefers full sun (at least 6 hours daily) for the best blooms.
- Thrives in well-draining, moderately fertile soil.
- Space plants 6–18 inches apart, depending on the variety.
Watering & Feeding:
- Water thoroughly but less often, ensuring the soil dries slightly between watering sessions.
- Spread a layer of mulch around the plants to help conserve moisture and keep weeds at bay.
- Use a balanced fertilizer every few weeks to encourage abundant blooms.
Pruning & Maintenance:
- Deadhead spent flowers to promote continuous blooming.
- Avoid overhead watering to prevent powdery mildew.
- Cut fresh blooms regularly for vibrant indoor flower arrangements.
Pest & Disease Prevention:
- Zinnias are generally pest-resistant, but watch for aphids and spider mites.
- Space plants properly for good airflow, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
4. Salvia
If you’re searching for a low-maintenance, long-blooming flower that hummingbirds adore, Salvia (Salvia spp.) is a perfect choice. With its vibrant spikes of red, purple, pink, or blue flowers, Salvia is a nectar-rich powerhouse, providing food for hummingbirds from spring through fall. These drought-tolerant perennials and annuals thrive in various climates, making them an excellent addition to any pollinator-friendly garden.
How to Grow and Care for Salvia
Planting:
- Grows best in USDA zones 4–10, depending on the variety.
- Prefers full sun (at least 6 hours per day) for the best blooms.
- Thrives in well-draining, dry to moderately moist soil.
- Space plants 12–24 inches apart for good air circulation.
Watering & Feeding:
- Water sparingly once established, as Salvia is highly drought-tolerant.
- Apply a thin layer of mulch to retain moisture in hotter climates.
- Apply a light dose of balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support healthy growth.
Pruning & Maintenance:
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage extended blooming.
- Trim back in late fall or early spring to promote new, vigorous growth.
- Divide perennials every few years to maintain plant health.
Pest & Disease Prevention:
- Generally resistant to pests and diseases, but watch for aphids and mildew.
- Ensure proper spacing to improve airflow and reduce fungal issues.
5. Bleeding Heart
For a touch of romantic charm in your garden, Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis) is a breathtaking choice. Known for its heart-shaped, dangling pink or white flowers, this shade-loving perennial adds elegance to any hummingbird-friendly landscape. Blooming in spring and early summer, it thrives in cool, moist environments, making it ideal for woodland gardens and shaded borders.
How to Grow and Care for Bleeding Heart
Planting:
- Best suited for USDA zones 3–9.
- Thrives in dappled to full shade, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens.
- Thrives in rich, well-draining, consistently moist soil.
- Space plants 18–24 inches apart to allow for healthy growth.
Watering & Feeding:
- Keep your soil evenly moist, especially during dry periods.
- Apply mulch to retain moisture and keep roots cool.
- Fertilize lightly in early spring with compost or balanced plant food.
Pruning & Maintenance:
- Once blooming ends, foliage may turn yellow and die back—this is normal.
- Trim back spent leaves but avoid disturbing the roots, as they store energy for next year’s growth.
- Divide plants every few years to maintain vigor.
Pest & Disease Prevention:
- Generally pest-resistant, but slugs and snails may be occasional visitors.
- Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
6. Butterfly Bush
For a flourishing, wildlife-friendly garden, the Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii) is a must-have. With its long, fragrant flower spikes in shades of purple, pink, white, and blue, this fast-growing shrub is a magnet for hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. Blooming from summer to fall, it provides a continuous nectar source, making it an excellent choice for pollinator gardens and sunny landscapes.
How to Grow and Care for Butterfly Bush
Planting:
- Best suited for USDA zones 5–9.
- Requires full sun (at least 6 hours daily) for maximum blooming.
- Thrives in well-draining, moderately fertile soil.
- Space plants 4–6 feet apart, as they can grow 6–12 feet tall.
Watering & Feeding:
- Water regularly until established, then reduce frequency.
- Apply mulch to retain moisture and keep roots cool.
- Fertilize lightly in early spring to encourage strong growth.
Pruning & Maintenance:
- Deadhead spent blooms to promote continuous flowering.
- Prune heavily in early spring to maintain shape and encourage vigorous growth.
- In colder climates, cut back to the ground in late winter to prevent dieback.
Pest & Disease Prevention:
- Generally pest-resistant, but occasional aphids may appear.
- Maintain proper airflow around the plant to reduce the risk of fungal infections.
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
7. Trumpet Creeper
If you’re looking for a fast-growing, dramatic climber that hummingbirds can’t resist, Trumpet Creeper (Campsis radicans) is the perfect addition to your garden. Its vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of red, orange, and yellow bloom from summer through early fall, providing a continuous nectar source. This hardy vine is an excellent choice for trellises, fences, arbors, and pergolas, adding vertical interest while attracting pollinators.
How to Grow and Care for Trumpet Creeper
Planting:
- Best suited for USDA zones 4–9.
- Thrives in full sun for the most abundant blooms.
- Prefers well-draining soil, though it adapts to various conditions.
- Provide a sturdy support structure, as it can grow 30–40 feet long.
Watering & Feeding:
- Water regularly during the first year, then reduce once established.
- Apply mulch around the base to help retain moisture and reduce weed growth.
- Avoid excessive fertilization, as it promotes foliage over flowers.
Pruning & Maintenance:
- Prune aggressively in late winter or early spring to control its vigorous growth.
- Cut back runners to prevent spreading into unwanted areas.
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
Pest & Disease Prevention:
- Generally resistant to pests, but aphids may occasionally appear.
- Prevent fungal diseases by ensuring proper spacing and airflow.
8. Lupine
If you want to add vibrant color and texture to your garden while attracting hummingbirds, Lupine (Lupinus spp.) is a perfect choice. With its tall, spiky flower clusters in shades of blue, purple, pink, yellow, and white, Lupine brings a striking visual appeal while providing nectar for hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. This hardy perennial or annual thrives in a variety of climates and is an excellent choice for wildflower meadows, cottage gardens, and borders.
How to Grow and Care for Lupine
Planting:
- Best suited for USDA zones 4–8.
- Prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal blooming.
- Thrives in well-draining, sandy or loamy soil.
- Space plants 12–18 inches apart for healthy growth.
Watering & Feeding:
- Water thoroughly but less often, ensuring the soil has time to dry slightly between watering sessions.
- Spread mulch around the base to help preserve moisture and stabilize soil temperature.
- Avoid excessive fertilization, as Lupine fixes nitrogen in the soil naturally.
Pruning & Maintenance:
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage prolonged flowering.
- Cut back foliage after blooming to promote fresh growth.
- Divide established plants every few years to promote healthy growth and prevent overcrowding.
Pest & Disease Prevention:
- Generally low-maintenance, but keep an eye out for aphids.
- Ensure good airflow to prevent fungal issues in humid climates.
9. Eastern Red Columbine
If you’re looking for a graceful, low-maintenance perennial that hummingbirds adore, Eastern Red Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) is a wonderful choice. This native wildflower produces delicate, red and yellow bell-shaped blooms, offering an early-season nectar source for hummingbirds and pollinators. With its lacy foliage and elegant flowers, it adds charm to woodland gardens, shaded borders, and naturalized landscapes.
How to Grow and Care for Eastern Red Columbine
Planting:
- Thrives in USDA zones 3–8.
- Prefers partial shade to full sun, though it flourishes in dappled light.
- Grows well in moist, well-draining soil, tolerating a variety of conditions.
- Space plants 12–18 inches apart to allow for healthy air circulation.
Watering & Feeding:
- Water moderately, keeping soil slightly moist but not soggy.
- Spread mulch around the base to help preserve moisture and stabilize soil temperature.
- Fertilize sparingly, as Columbine thrives in average soil.
Pruning & Maintenance:
- Deadhead spent blooms to extend flowering time.
- Trim back foliage after blooming to encourage fresh growth.
- Let some flowers go to seed for self-sowing and natural spreading.
Pest & Disease Prevention:
- Generally pest-resistant, but keep an eye out for leaf miners.
- Ensure good airflow to prevent fungal issues.
10. Petunia
For a burst of color and continuous blooms, Petunias (Petunia spp.) are a fantastic choice for attracting hummingbirds. These easy-to-grow annuals produce trumpet-shaped flowers in a stunning array of colors, making them perfect for hanging baskets, garden beds, and containers. With their long blooming season from spring to fall, petunias provide a steady nectar source that keeps hummingbirds coming back.
How to Grow and Care for Petunias
Planting:
- Suitable for USDA zones 9–11 as perennials, but grown as annuals in cooler climates.
- Prefers full sun for the most abundant blooms.
- Thrives in well-draining, moderately fertile soil.
- Space plants 10–12 inches apart for healthy growth.
Watering & Feeding:
- Water moderately, keeping soil slightly moist but not soggy.
- Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every few weeks for continuous blooms.
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pruning & Maintenance:
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
- Trim back elongated stems to encourage fuller, more compact growth.
- Trim faded blooms in midseason to rejuvenate flowering.
Pest & Disease Prevention:
- Generally low-maintenance, but watch for aphids and slugs.
- Ensure good air circulation to prevent mildew and fungal issues.
Brighten Your Garden with Petunias !
With their brilliant colors, easy care, and long-lasting blooms, Petunias are a must-have for hummingbird-friendly gardens. Plant them today and enjoy a season filled with vibrant flowers and buzzing pollinators!
FAQ
What is a hummingbird’s favorite flower?
Hummingbirds are especially drawn to nectar-rich, tubular flowers in red, orange, pink, and purple hues. Some of their favorites include Bee Balm, Trumpet Creeper, Cardinal Flower, Salvia, and Zinnias. These flowers provide an easy-access nectar source that perfectly matches their long, slender beaks.
What are the best annual flowers for hummingbirds?
If you’re looking for annual flowers that attract hummingbirds, consider Zinnias, Petunias, Nasturtiums, Fuchsia, and Lantana. These vibrant blooms provide a continuous nectar supply from spring through fall, ensuring a steady food source for visiting hummingbirds.
What attracts hummingbirds the most?
Hummingbirds are primarily attracted to brightly colored, nectar-rich flowers, with a preference for reds, oranges, and pinks. They are also drawn to moving water sources, such as misters and fountains. Avoid using pesticides in your garden, as hummingbirds rely on small insects for protein.
What are the best potted flowers for hummingbirds?
For container gardening, some of the best hummingbird-friendly flowers include Petunias, Fuchsia, Salvia, Lantana, and Verbena. These compact, nectar-rich plants thrive in pots, hanging baskets, and window boxes, making it easy to attract hummingbirds even in small spaces.
Conclusion
Imagine stepping into your garden and watching hummingbirds flutter gracefully, drawn to the vibrant, nectar-rich blooms you’ve planted just for them. With the right selection of flowers—whether it’s Bee Balm, Zinnias, Salvia, or Trumpet Creeper—you can create a thriving oasis that not only attracts these tiny wonders but also supports a diverse range of pollinators.
Are you ready to transform your outdoor space into a hummingbird haven? Whether you have a spacious backyard or just a few potted plants on a balcony, adding the right flowers will invite color, movement, and life into your garden. Start planting today and enjoy the magic of hummingbirds returning season after season!
Which hummingbird-friendly flowers will you be adding to your garden? Let us know in the comments and share your gardening experience!