Yes, there are several types of flowers that attract hummingbirds. Hummingbirds are naturally drawn to flowers with bright colors, special shapes, and lots of nectar. Some of the most popular hummingbird flowers include:
Trumpet Flowers
Trumpet flowers like honeysuckles, trumpet vines, and columbines have bright, tubular petals that hummingbirds love. Their long, tapered shape is perfectly designed for a hummingbird’s long beak and tongue to reach inside to sip the nectar. Some popular trumpet-shaped flowers that attract hummingbirds include:
Honeysuckles
Over 200 species of honeysuckles exist, and most have tubular flowers in shades of red, orange, yellow, or pink. Their sweet nectar draws in hummingbirds to pollinate the blossoms. Some honeysuckle species liked by hummingbirds include:
- Coral honeysuckle
- Trumpet honeysuckle
- Lonicera sempervirens
- Lonicera ciliosa
Columbines
Columbines come in a wide color palette, with blooms in red, yellow, pink, purple, blue, and white. Their unique shape allows hummingbirds easy access. Some columbine species that attract hummingbirds are:
- Western columbine
- Crimson columbine
- Rocky Mountain columbine
- Aquilegia canadensis
Trumpet Vines
As their name implies, trumpet vines produce showy, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of orange, red, or yellow. They bloom throughout summer, providing a long season of nectar for hummingbirds. Some trumpet vine species that attract hummingbirds include:
- Trumpet creeper
- Campsis radicans
- Campsis grandiflora
- Podranea ricasoliana
Salvias
Salvias, also called sages, produce tubular flowers with plenty of nectar. Their spiky blooms come in reds, oranges, pinks, purples, and blues. Hummingbirds flock to salvias all season long. Some salvia varieties that attract hummingbirds include:
- Scarlet sage
- Autumn sage
- Pineapple sage
- Salvia guaranitica
- Salvia leucantha
Fuchsias
The bell-shaped flowers of fuchsias are irresistible to hummingbirds. They hang downwards on long petals, allowing hummingbirds easy access. Fuchsias bloom in shades of red, purple, pink, white, and orange. Some fuchsia species that attract hummingbirds are:
- Trailing fuchsia
- Upright fuchsia
- Lady’s eardrops
- Fuchsia magellanica
- Fuchsia splendens
Lilies
Many lily varieties also entice hummingbirds to stop by for nectar. Their large, showy blooms contain ample nectar supplies. Hummingbird-friendly lily types include:
- Tiger lily
- Turk’s cap lily
- Wood lily
- Lilium humboldtii
- Lilium pardalinum
Native Wildflowers
Native wildflowers are naturally adapted to a region’s climate and pollinators. Planting native species offers the best source of food for local hummingbirds. Some excellent native flowers for attracting hummingbirds include:
- Bee balm
- Cardinal flower
- Columbine
- Foxglove
- Penstemon
- Paintbrush
When to Plant Flowers
Hummingbirds start migrating north in early spring. Having flowers ready for them by early to mid-spring will provide an enticing food source after their long journey. Mid-summer plantings will supply nectar through fall. Some tips for timing flower plantings include:
- Plant early-blooming flowers like honeysuckle, columbine, and fuchsia 4-6 weeks before the average last frost date.
- Plant summer-blooming flowers like lilies, sage, and trumpets after the last frost date.
- In warmer climates, plant nectar-rich flowers in late winter or early spring.
- In colder climates, have flowers ready by early-mid spring before hummingbird migration.
- Add late-season blooms in mid-summer to provide food through fall migration.
Where to Plant Flowers
Hummingbirds frequent backyards with feeders and flowers. Place flowering plants where you can enjoy watching hummingbirds come and go. Some tips on placement include:
- Group together several hummingbird-attracting plants for best results.
- Situate flower beds near trees or structures where hummingbirds perch and rest.
- Plant flowers along the edges of yards or gardens to draw hummingbirds in.
- Include flowering vines on trellises, fences, and arbors.
- Plant tall flowers toward the back of beds, with short flowers up front for visibility.
- Provide flowers in both sun and shade to accommodate hummingbird preferences.
How to Attract More Hummingbirds
Beyond planting flowers, there are more ways to make your yard welcoming for hummingbirds. Here are some additional tips:
- Provide hummingbird feeders with fresh nectar, especially early and late in the season when flowers may not bloom.
- Include hummingbird baths and dripping water features for drinking and bathing.
- Avoid using pesticides that could be harmful if consumed by hummingbirds.
- Set up nest boxes or provide plant fibers for nest-building.
- Offer small perches near feeders for hummingbirds to rest.
Benefits of Hummingbirds in Gardens
Attracting hummingbirds offers many rewards. Here are some of the top benefits:
- Watching the aerial displays, speed, and agility of hummingbirds is fascinating.
- Hummingbirds serve as pollinators for gardens and flower beds as they flit from bloom to bloom.
- Their rapid wing beats and hovering behavior make them unique among birds.
- Seeing their iridescent feathers and specialized beaks up-close is mesmerizing.
- Hearing the buzzing sound of their wings and chip notes is part of the charm.
- Hummingbirds are small and non-threatening, adding cheerful life to gardens.
Key Takeaways
Here are some key summary points on flowers that attract hummingbirds:
- Plant bright, tubular flowers like honeysuckle, trumpet vine, fuchsia, and salvias.
- Native wildflowers adapted to your climate are excellent choices.
- Have flowers ready by early to mid-spring before hummingbirds arrive.
- Group multiple hummingbird-friendly plants together in beds.
- Supplement with feeders, water features, perches, and nesting materials.
- Watching hummingbirds interact with flowers and gardens is an exceptionally rewarding experience.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds are drawn to beautiful, nectar-filled blossoms that cater perfectly to their feeding needs. By planting the right flowers and designing your garden to invite hummingbirds, you can enjoy hours of up-close observation of these energetic, fascinating birds. The dazzling colors, nonstop motion, and magical sounds of hummingbirds make them a true wonder of nature to have visit your yard and gardens each year.
