Hummingbirds are attracted to certain types of flowers that provide the nectar they need for energy. Some flowers have evolved specifically to attract hummingbirds, with bright colors, tubular shapes, and abundant nectar. Knowing what flowers hummingbirds are drawn to can help you create an inviting garden for these special birds.
Flowers Specially Adapted for Hummingbirds
Some flowers have characteristics that make them particularly well-suited for pollination by hummingbirds. These include:
Tubular Shape
Many hummingbird flowers have a tubular or trumpet-like shape. This matches the long, slender beak of a hummingbird that allows it to delve deep into the flower to reach the nectar. Examples of tubular hummingbird flowers include:
– Trumpet Vine
– Coral Honeysuckle
– Salvias
– Penstemons
– Fuchsias
– Columbines
– Trumpet Creeper
Bright Red Color
Bright red is a color that particularly attracts hummingbirds. Red stands out vividly against green foliage, signaling to hummingbirds that nectar can be found there. Some red hummingbird flowers include:
– Cardinal Flower
– Ruby-throated Honeysuckle
– Bee Balm
– Red Columbine
– Fuchsia
– Trumpet Vine
– Paintbrush
High Nectar Content
Hummingbirds have very high metabolisms and require a lot of energy in the form of nectar. Flowers specially adapted for their pollination tend to produce more nectar than those pollinated by bees or other means. Some examples of nectar-rich hummingbird flowers:
– Fuchsia
– Trumpet Creeper
– Salvia
– Cardinal Flower
– Columbine
– Petunia
Minimal Scent
Unlike bees that are attracted to flowers by scent, hummingbirds locate flowers visually. Hummingbird flowers tend to be only mildly scented or scentless. This ensures the nectar and pollen are reserved for hummingbirds rather than bees.
Best Flower Types to Attract Hummingbirds
Based on their natural preferences, here are some of the best flower varieties for luring hummingbirds to your garden:
Salvia
Salvias are tubular, nectar-filled flowers that come in colors like red, orange, pink, and purple. There are over 900 species, providing blooms through spring, summer, and fall in most climates. Hummingbirds love the shape and abundant nectar.
Petunias
A popular bedding plant, petunias come in a rainbow of colors. Their trumpet shape is perfect for hummingbird beaks and they have plentiful nectar. Hang petunias in baskets or plant in beds for constant color.
Fuchsia
The pendulous flowers of fuchsias are ideal for hummingbirds to dip into. With bright red and pink blossoms, they are attractive to humans and hummingbirds alike. Use them in hanging baskets where birds can easily access the blooms.
Lantana
A heat-loving annual, lantana produces clusters of small, tubular flowers in colors like yellow, orange, pink, and red. Blooming from spring until frost, they are a reliable source of nectar.
Columbine
The red and yellow blooms of columbine have upward facing spurs that perfectly match a hummingbird’s beak. Their nectar content is especially high. Plant columbine in beds and borders for spring through early summer color.
Bee Balm
Also called monarda, bee balm has shaggy clusters of tubular flowers in shades of red, pink, purple, and white. It blooms in summer and has an irresistible draw for hummingbirds.
Coral Honeysuckle
This vine has long, slender, trumpet-shaped blooms in bright coral-red. It is heat tolerant and a profuse bloomer, providing nectar for hummingbirds through warm months. Grow it on a trellis or fence.
Cardinal Flower
One of the brightest red flowers, cardinal flower is a magnet for hummingbirds. Growing along streams and ponds, bear this moisture-loving perennial in borders or partly submerged pots.
Trumpet Creeper
Trumpet creeper vine has clusters of long, tubular orange-red blooms that attract hummingbirds. Vigorous and sometimes invasive, keep it controlled. Creeper blooms through summer into fall.
Best Shapes and Colors to Attract Hummingbirds
In addition to specific flower varieties, you can look for blooms with these characteristics to invite hummingbirds to feed:
Tubular Flowers
Tubular-shaped flowers are best adapted for pollination by hummingbirds. Their skinny, tapered blooms match the long beaks of hummingbirds that can reach nectar not accessible by other pollinators. Prioritize tubular flowers of any color in your garden.
Red Flowers
Bright red blooms signal to hummingbirds that nectar is available. While they will visit other colors, red flowers grab their attention and get the most traffic. Use red blooms strategically to highlight key areas.
Orange and Pink Flowers
Next to red, orange and pink flowers also attract hummingbirds. Again, the bright colors against green foliage help them spot the flowers. Include flowers in warm shades of orange and pink.
Purple and Yellow Flowers
Cooler shades of purple and yellow are also enticing to hummingbirds. While they may not be as common, having some purple and yellow blooms along with red, orange and pink provides variety.
Clusters of Small Flowers
Hummingbirds are drawn to clusters of tubular flowers, like those produced by sages and bee balm. Even if individual blooms are small, a whole bundle signals there is plenty of nectar to be had. Prioritize flowers that bloom abundantly.
When and Where Flowers Bloom
To provide a constant nectar source, consider a succession of hummingbird flowers that bloom through the seasons, as well as placement:
Spring Flowers
– Columbine
– Fuchsia
– Penstemon
– Salvia
– Petunia
– Honeysuckle
Summer Flowers
– Bee balm
– Trumpet vine
– Petunia
– Fuchsia
– Sage
– Verbena
– Lantana
Fall Flowers
– Fuchsia
– Salvia
– Lantana
– Zinnia
– Cardinal flower
– Trumpet vine
Flowers for Sunny Areas
– Zinnia
– Salvia
– Petunia
– Verbena
– Sage
– Columbine
Flowers for Shady Areas
– Impatiens
– Begonia
– Fuchsia
– Coleus
– Coral bells
– Columbine
Potted Flowers
– Petunia
– Fuchsia
– Million bells
– Salvia
– Begonia
– Impatiens
Supporting Hummingbird-Friendly Habitat
In addition to flowers, provide other habitat elements that hummingbirds favor:
Feeders
Supplement blooms by hanging nectar feeders, especially during migration and winter. Use a 4:1 ratio of water to white sugar or make homemade nectar. Change nectar every few days.
Water
Provide a water fountain, mister, or small ponds for birds to drink and bathe. Moving water sparkles, attracting hummingbirds.
Shelter
Hummingbirds seek shelter in trees and shrubs for resting, nesting, and escaping predators. Plant native species and avoid trimming all branches.
Nesting Sites
Leave up dead trees, branches, and twigs for nest building. Hummingbirds also use the downy seeds of plants like thistle and cattail for lining nests.
| Flower Type | Colors | Bloom Time |
|---|---|---|
| Salvia | Red, orange, pink, purple | Spring, summer, fall |
| Petunia | All colors | Spring, summer |
| Columbine | Red, yellow | Spring |
| Bee balm | Red, pink, purple, white | Summer |
| Lantana | Red, yellow, orange, pink | Spring until frost |
Conclusion
By landscaping with hummingbird favorites like salvia, petunias, honeysuckle, and fuchsia, as well as providing food, water, and shelter, you can create a welcoming oasis for these special pollinators. Seeking out flowers in bright reds, oranges, pinks, purples, and yellows will attract the most hummingbird activity to enjoy. With a diversity of blossoms from spring through fall, you’ll provide the sustenance hummingbirds need as they migrate and thrive.
