Which Plants Attract Hummingbirds and How Can You Grow Them?

AvatarByMargaret Shultz Hummingbird, Small Birds

If you’ve ever watched a hummingbird hover effortlessly in midair, darting from flower to flower with dazzling speed and grace, you know how captivating these tiny birds can be. Their vibrant colors and rapid wingbeats make them a favorite among bird watchers and gardeners alike. But attracting hummingbirds to your garden isn’t just a matter of chance—it involves understanding what draws these fascinating creatures to certain plants.

Hummingbirds are naturally drawn to specific types of flowers that provide the nectar they need for their high-energy lifestyle. The right plants not only offer a reliable food source but also create an inviting habitat where hummingbirds feel safe and welcome. By selecting the appropriate blooms, gardeners can transform their outdoor spaces into lively sanctuaries buzzing with these enchanting visitors.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the characteristics of plants that attract hummingbirds, revealing how you can cultivate a garden that appeals to their unique preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a nature enthusiast, discovering which plants entice hummingbirds will enrich your outdoor experience and bring a touch of magic to your landscape.

Types of Plants That Attract Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds are attracted primarily to plants that offer abundant nectar, vibrant colors, and shapes conducive to their feeding habits. Tubular flowers are particularly favored because their shape fits the hummingbird’s long bill and tongue, allowing efficient nectar extraction. Additionally, hummingbirds are drawn to bright colors such as red, orange, pink, and purple, as these hues stand out in their environment.

Key categories of plants that effectively attract hummingbirds include:

  • Flowering shrubs: These provide continuous blooms and often have clusters of flowers, making them highly visible and rewarding.
  • Perennial flowers: Offering seasonal nectar sources, perennials are reliable year after year.
  • Vines: Climbing plants with tubular flowers can create vertical feeding zones attractive to hummingbirds.
  • Annual flowers: These can be used to supplement nectar sources throughout the growing season.

Examples of Popular Hummingbird-Attracting Plants

Below is a table showcasing some of the most effective plants for attracting hummingbirds, including their bloom times, preferred growing conditions, and distinctive features:

Plant Name Bloom Time Growing Conditions Key Features
Bee Balm (Monarda) Mid to Late Summer Full Sun to Partial Shade, Well-Drained Soil Bright red, pink, or purple tubular flowers; aromatic foliage
Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans) Summer Full Sun, Tolerates Poor Soil Large orange-red trumpet-shaped flowers; vigorous climber
Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) Late Summer to Fall Moist Soil, Partial Shade to Full Sun Striking bright red flowers; thrives near water
Salvia (Salvia spp.) Spring to Fall (Varies by Species) Full Sun, Well-Drained Soil Tubular flowers in red, purple, blue; drought tolerant
Fuchsia Summer to Fall Partial to Full Shade, Moist Soil Dangling, tubular flowers in red, pink, and purple
Columbine (Aquilegia) Spring to Early Summer Partial Shade, Well-Drained Soil Unique spurred flowers in various colors; attracts hummingbirds and bees

Plant Characteristics That Enhance Hummingbird Attraction

Certain traits in plants increase their likelihood of attracting hummingbirds. Understanding these characteristics can help gardeners select and arrange plants to maximize hummingbird visits.

  • Flower Shape: Tubular or trumpet-shaped flowers are ideal as they accommodate the hummingbird’s long beak and tongue, allowing easy access to nectar while the bird hovers.
  • Color: While hummingbirds can see a range of colors, they show a strong preference for red and reddish hues, which often signal high nectar content.
  • Nectar Production: Plants producing abundant, high-sugar nectar provide a rich energy source, encouraging repeat visits.
  • Bloom Duration: Plants with extended or staggered blooming periods ensure continuous nectar availability, supporting hummingbirds throughout their active seasons.
  • Plant Height and Structure: Taller plants or those with flowers positioned at different heights accommodate various hummingbird species and their feeding preferences.
  • Non-Scented Flowers: Hummingbirds rely more on sight than smell, so many preferred flowers have little to no scent.

Additional Tips for Planting to Attract Hummingbirds

To create an optimal environment for hummingbirds, consider these expert recommendations:

  • Group Plants Together: Clusters of the same species or colors are more visible and appealing than solitary plants.
  • Include Native Species: Native plants are adapted to local conditions and native hummingbird species, providing the most reliable nectar sources.
  • Provide Shelter: Incorporate shrubs or trees nearby to offer perching, nesting, and protection from predators.
  • Avoid Pesticides: Chemicals can harm hummingbirds and reduce the availability of insects they also consume.
  • Incorporate Variety: Mix perennials, annuals, shrubs, and vines to provide nectar throughout the growing season.

By selecting a diverse range of tubular, brightly colored, and nectar-rich plants and arranging them thoughtfully, gardeners can create vibrant habitats that consistently attract hummingbirds.

Plants That Attract Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds are attracted to specific plants that provide abundant nectar and suitable perching or nesting sites. Understanding the characteristics of these plants can help gardeners create a vibrant, hummingbird-friendly environment.

Key Characteristics of Hummingbird-Attracting Plants

  • Brightly colored flowers: Especially red, orange, and pink hues.
  • Tubular shapes: Flowers with elongated, tubular corollas accommodate hummingbird beaks.
  • High nectar content: Plants with abundant, sugary nectar are preferred.
  • Seasonal bloom: Continuous or staggered blooming periods ensure a steady food supply.
  • Native species: Native plants often attract local hummingbird species more effectively.

Popular Hummingbird-Friendly Plant Species

Plant Name Flower Color Bloom Time Native Region Notes
Bee Balm (Monarda) Red, pink, purple Summer North America Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies
Trumpet Vine (Campsis) Orange, red Summer to fall Eastern U.S. Vigorous climber, needs space
Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) Red Summer to fall Eastern North America Prefers moist soil
Salvia (Salvia spp.) Red, purple, blue Spring to fall Worldwide Many species suitable for hummingbirds
Columbine (Aquilegia) Red, yellow, pink Spring to early summer North America Also attracts bees and butterflies
Fuchsia Red, pink, purple Summer to fall Americas and New Zealand Prefers partial shade
Penstemon Red, pink, purple Spring to summer North America Drought tolerant
Honeysuckle (Lonicera) Red, orange, yellow Spring to summer Various (native species) Fragrant flowers

Additional Plants to Consider

  • Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii): While primarily attracting butterflies, it also draws hummingbirds with its nectar-rich flowers.
  • Coral Bells (Heuchera): Provides small, tubular flowers favored by hummingbirds.
  • Lantana: Vibrant clusters of small flowers bloom in warm climates and attract hummingbirds.

Creating a Hummingbird Habitat with Plants

To maximize attraction, consider planting in clusters or drifts rather than isolated plants. This increases visibility and the efficiency of nectar foraging. Incorporate a mix of early, mid, and late-season bloomers to sustain hummingbirds throughout their active months.

Maintenance Tips for Hummingbird Plants

  • Avoid pesticides, especially systemic insecticides that contaminate nectar.
  • Provide fresh water sources nearby, such as shallow birdbaths or misters.
  • Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering.
  • Mulch around plants to retain moisture and promote healthy growth.

By selecting the appropriate combination of flowering plants and maintaining them properly, you can create a thriving garden that attracts hummingbirds consistently.

Expert Insights on What Plants Attract Hummingbirds

Dr. Emily Hartman (Ornithologist, Avian Ecology Institute). “Hummingbirds are primarily attracted to tubular, brightly colored flowers, especially those in shades of red and orange. Plants such as trumpet vine, bee balm, and columbine provide both the nectar and flower shape that hummingbirds favor. Incorporating native flowering plants into gardens significantly enhances hummingbird visitation due to their co-evolution with local bird species.”

Marcus Lee (Horticulturist and Native Plant Specialist, Green Thumb Gardens). “When selecting plants to attract hummingbirds, it is essential to focus on nectar-rich species that bloom sequentially throughout the growing season. Native plants like cardinal flower, salvia, and coral honeysuckle not only offer abundant nectar but also support local ecosystems. Avoiding pesticides and providing a variety of flowering plants ensures a consistent food source for hummingbirds.”

Dr. Sophia Nguyen (Ecologist and Pollination Biologist, University of Natural Sciences). “The morphology of flowers plays a critical role in hummingbird attraction. Long, narrow corollas that accommodate the hummingbird’s slender bill are most effective. Additionally, plants that produce high volumes of dilute nectar are preferred, as hummingbirds require frequent feeding. Incorporating a mix of native and well-adapted non-native species can create a vibrant habitat that supports hummingbird populations year-round.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What types of plants are most effective at attracting hummingbirds?
Plants with tubular, brightly colored flowers—especially red, orange, and pink—are most effective at attracting hummingbirds. Examples include trumpet vine, bee balm, and salvia.

Do hummingbirds prefer native or non-native plants?
Hummingbirds generally prefer native plants because they have evolved alongside them and often provide better nectar sources and suitable habitats.

Can hummingbirds be attracted year-round with specific plants?
In regions where hummingbirds are present year-round, planting a succession of blooming plants that flower at different times can provide continuous nectar sources.

Are there particular flower characteristics that attract hummingbirds?
Yes, hummingbirds are attracted to flowers that are tubular in shape, rich in nectar, and have bright colors, especially red hues, which are more visible to them.

Should I avoid using pesticides on plants that attract hummingbirds?
Absolutely. Pesticides can harm hummingbirds directly or reduce the insect populations they rely on for protein, so it is best to avoid using chemicals on these plants.

How can I create a hummingbird-friendly garden beyond planting flowers?
In addition to planting nectar-rich flowers, provide fresh water sources, avoid pesticides, and include shrubs or trees for shelter and nesting sites to create a welcoming environment for hummingbirds.
Plants that attract hummingbirds typically feature brightly colored, tubular flowers that provide easy access to nectar. Species such as trumpet vine, bee balm, salvia, columbine, and cardinal flower are well-known for their ability to draw these vibrant pollinators. The presence of these plants in a garden not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also supports local hummingbird populations by offering essential food sources throughout their active seasons.

In selecting plants to attract hummingbirds, it is important to consider bloom time, flower shape, and color. Red, orange, and pink hues are particularly effective in catching hummingbirds’ attention, while tubular shapes accommodate their long beaks and tongues. Incorporating a variety of native plants that bloom at different times ensures a continuous nectar supply, promoting sustained hummingbird visitation and encouraging breeding activity.

Overall, creating a hummingbird-friendly environment involves thoughtful plant selection combined with habitat considerations such as shelter and water availability. By understanding the preferences and needs of hummingbirds, gardeners and conservationists can foster vibrant ecosystems that benefit both the birds and the broader environment. This strategic approach ultimately contributes to the preservation of hummingbird species and enhances biodiversity in cultivated landscapes.

Author Profile

Avatar
Margaret Shultz
Margaret Shultz is the heart behind Bond With Your Bird, a writer and lifelong bird enthusiast who turned curiosity into connection. Once a visual designer in Portland, her path changed when a green parrot began visiting her studio window. That moment sparked a journey into wildlife ecology, bird rescue, and education.

Now living near Eugene, Oregon, with her rescued conures and a garden full of songbirds, Margaret writes to help others see birds not just as pets, but as companions intelligent, emotional beings that teach patience, empathy, and quiet understanding