Hummingbirds are some of the most beloved backyard birds. These tiny creatures zig and zag from flower to flower, wings buzzing as they lick up nectar with their long, slender beaks. Because of their diminutive size and high metabolism, hummingbirds must visit hundreds of flowers each day to get the calories they need. That’s why planting flowers that attract hummingbirds is one of the best ways to bring these flying gems into your garden.
What do hummingbirds eat?
Hummingbirds get most of their nutrition from drinking nectar from tubular flowers. Their long, thin beak and tongue allows them to reach deep inside blossoms to extract the sweet nectar. Hummingbirds also eat small insects for essential proteins and nutrients.
To attract hungry hummingbirds to your garden, plant flowers with the following features:
- Tube or trumpet-shaped blossoms that provide accessible nectar
- Bright, solid colors like red, orange, pink, or purple
- Plentiful, clustered blooms that make visiting efficient
- Flowers with little to no scent, since hummingbirds are not attracted by fragrance
Best perennials that attract hummingbirds
Here are some excellent perennial flowers to include in your landscaping if you want to invite hummingbirds to visit.
Bee balm
With dense clusters of tubular red or pink flowers atop sturdy stalks from mid to late summer, bee balm (Monarda) is a sure way to catch the eye of passing hummingbirds. The flowers also attract bees and butterflies. Grow bee balm in full sun to part shade, in zones 4-9.
Cardinal flower
Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) gets its name from its brilliant red blooms that are irresistible to hummingbirds. The flowers have a specialized shape that matches perfectly with a hummingbird’s beak and tongue. Grow this moisture-loving plant in full to part sun, in zones 2-9.
Columbine
Columbine flowers have elegant, downward facing blooms in colors like red, yellow, pink, purple, and white. Their unique shape is specially adapted for hummingbird pollination. Plant columbine (Aquilegia) in medium to wet soil, in full sun to part shade, in zones 3-9.
Coral bells
For both striking flowers and foliage, opt for coral bells (Heuchera). The dainty bell-shaped blooms on tall flower stalks come in bright shades of red, pink, and white. Hummingbirds will seek out these nectar-rich blooms. Grow coral bells in zones 4-9, in part shade.
Delphinium
With towers of red, blue, purple, or white flowers, delphinium attracts hummingbirds with both its tubular shape and color. Plant this perennial in full sun to light shade, in rich soil, in zones 3-7.
Foxglove
The elegant tubular flowers of foxglove (Digitalis) unfurl on tall stems in late spring and early summer. Hummingbirds probe the blossoms for nectar. Be aware that foxglove is toxic to humans and pets. It grows best in part shade in zones 4-8.
Hosta
Grown primarily for their large ornamental leaves, some hosta varieties also produce tall flower stalks with tubular blooms that draw in hummingbirds. Plant hosta in part to full shade, in moist soil, in zones 3-9.
Lupine
The long elegant flower spires of lupine come in a range of colors like purple, pink, yellow, white, and blue. Hummingbirds will visit these flowers regularly for a meal. Grow lupine in full sun to light shade, in zones 4-8.
Penstemon
Also called beardtongue, penstemon produces many tubular flower varieties that attract hummingbirds. The blossoms come in shades of red, pink, purple, white, and blue. Plant penstemon in full sun, in well-drained soil, in zones 2-10.
Petunia
Both wild and cultivated varieties of petunia offer trumpet-shaped flowers perfect for hummingbird nectaring. Varieties with solid color blooms of red, purple, and pink are most attractive. Plant petunias in full sun to part shade, in zones 9-11.
Salvia
With tall spikes of small, tubular flowers, salvia is a magnet for hummingbirds. There are many species and varieties to choose from, often in shades of red. Grow salvia in full sun to part shade, in zones 4-11.
Other plants that attract hummingbirds
In addition to perennials, consider incorporating some of these other plants in your yard to attract hummingbirds:
- Shrubs like butterfly bush, azalea, and lilac
- Vines such as trumpet vine and coral honeysuckle
- Annuals like nasturtium, fuchsia, and petunia
- Trees like mimosa and tulip poplar
Tips for planting a hummingbird garden
Follow these tips to design a garden that will really bring in the hummingbirds:
- Plant in groups – Hummingbirds are more likely to visit flowers clustered together than single plants here and there.
- Include a water source – A mister, sprinkler, or fountain for drinking and bathing will further entice hummingbirds to visit.
- Avoid pesticides – Pesticides can be toxic to hummingbirds. Practice organic gardening methods.
- Provide dense foliage – Hummingbirds often nest and shelter in shrubs and trees. Evergreen shrubs give year-round protection.
- Supplement with feeders – Sugar-water feeders provide an excellent source of quick energy.
- Include native plants – Local native flowers co-evolved with hummingbirds and are perfectly adapted to their needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time of year do hummingbirds appear?
In much of the United States, ruby-throated hummingbirds arrive from their southern migration in early to mid spring. In southern states, hummingbirds may overwinter. Hang up feeders a few weeks before you expect to see the first hummingbird.
How long do hummingbirds live?
The average lifespan of a wild ruby-throated hummingbird is 3-5 years. The oldest known wild hummingbird was 12 years old.
How often should I change hummingbird nectar?
To avoid mold, fermentation, and bacteria, change the nectar in your feeder every 2-3 days in warm weather and every 4-5 days in cooler temperatures. Clean the feeder with hot water and no soap.
What is the best recipe for homemade nectar?
An easy nectar recipe is: 1 part white sugar dissolved in 4 parts hot water. Let cool before filling feeders.
Do hummingbirds migrate?
Most species in the northern United States and Canada migrate south in winter, some going all the way to Central America or Mexico. Anna’s and other western hummingbirds may overwinter in milder climates.
What are hummingbird flowers?
Hummingbird flowers have tubular or trumpet-shaped blooms with lots of nectar and little to no scent. Red, orange, and pink blossoms tend to attract the most hummingbirds.
Conclusion
By landscaping with the favorite flowers of hummingbirds, you can create an enticing environment that will attract these tiny energetic birds to your yard. Choose a variety of nectar-producing perennials, annuals, vines, and trees to provide food from early spring through fall. A water source, feeders, and protected nesting sites will make your garden even more hummingbird-friendly.
