Attracting Hummingbirds: Planting the Best Flowers for Your Garden

If you’re looking to create a vibrant and inviting hummingbird habitat in your yard, selecting the right plants is key. Hummingbirds are attracted to flowers with bright colors, especially red, tubular shapes to fit their long bills, and plenty of nectar. By choosing plants that offer long bloom times or repeat flowering, you can ensure that these delightful creatures will visit your yard regularly. Whether you’re in a northern or southern region, there are numerous plant options to entice hummingbirds. Here are 15 of the best hummingbird flowers to cultivate in your garden.

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Why Diversity Matters

A hummingbird garden that includes a variety of flowers is not only visually appealing but also ensures a continuous food source for these tiny birds throughout the spring, summer, and fall. In southern regions, it’s essential to choose flowers that bloom through mild winters to support migrating hummingbirds that overwinter in your area.

1. Bee Balm

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Bee balm (Monarda didyma) is a perennial plant with distinctive spikes of spherical flowers that attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators. This plant grows two to four feet tall and should be divided every three to four years. Deadheading the flowers after blooming will prevent self-seeding in the garden.

2. Cardinal Flower

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The perennial cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) produces tall stalks of rich red blooms that hummingbirds love. Position it at the back of perennial beds and add mulch to keep the soil moist and prevent frost heaving in colder climates.

3. Zinnia

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Zinnias are easy-to-grow annual flowers with bright colors that attract hummingbirds and other pollinators. These flowers develop seeds as they mature, making them a great food source for birds like finches. Ensure the plants have enough space for air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.

4. Salvia

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Salvia plants, from the mint family, are excellent choices for attracting hummingbirds. These clump-forming perennials produce tall spikes of small flowers that bloom through late summer. Keeping them moist will encourage repeat blooming.

5. Bleeding Heart

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Bleeding hearts (Lamprocapnos spectabilis) are stunning perennials with heart-shaped blooms that thrive in lightly shaded, cool climates. They prefer moist but well-drained soil to prevent root rot.

6. Butterfly Bush

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Butterfly bushes (Buddleia davidii) are deciduous shrubs that attract both butterflies and hummingbirds. Ensure they receive full sun and consider their invasive potential in some regions.

7. Trumpet Creeper

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Trumpet creeper (Campsis radicans) is a vining plant with tubular flowers that hummingbirds adore. Regular pruning is essential to prevent it from taking over your garden.

8. Lupine

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Hybrid lupines (Lupinus x hybridus) are ideal for attracting spring hummingbirds with their dense spikes of flowers. Ensure they have enough space to grow and replant every few years.

9. Columbine

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Columbines (Aquilegia spp.) are versatile garden perennials that grow well as edging plants. Removing spent flowers will encourage additional bloom.

10. Petunia

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Petunias are popular annual flowers that are easy to grow and attract hummingbirds. Plant them in sunny locations for continuous blooms.

11. Penstemon

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Penstemon flowers are filled with sweet nectar that hummingbirds enjoy. These tall plants are easy to grow from seed and require full sun to thrive.

12. Trumpet Honeysuckle

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Trumpet honeysuckles (Lonicera sempervirens) provide early nectar for returning hummingbirds. Train them to grow up a trellis in a sunny spot for abundant blooms.

13. Coral Bell

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Native coral bells (Heuchera spp.) produce bell-shaped blooms that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Regularly dividing these perennials will ensure a continuous supply of flowers.

14. Flowering Tobacco

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Tobacco flowers (Nicotiana alata) are often overlooked but loved by hummingbirds for their trumpet-shaped blooms. Ensure they have warm, well-drained soil to thrive.

15. Delphinium

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Delphiniums are striking additions to a hummingbird garden with their bright flower spikes. Plant them in rich, well-draining soil and provide consistent moisture for optimal growth.

Supporting Hummingbirds in Your Garden

Hummingbirds rely on nectar-rich flowers for energy and pollination.
Hanging feeders with homemade nectar can supplement natural food sources.
Position feeders in a shady spot to prevent nectar spoilage from the sun.
Hummingbirds feed most actively at dawn and dusk.

By planting a variety of hummingbird-friendly flowers in your garden, you can create a welcoming environment for these fascinating creatures. With the right plants and proper care, you can enjoy the fluttering visits of hummingbirds throughout the growing season. Make your yard a paradise for these tiny wonders by incorporating these 15 best hummingbird flowers into your garden landscape.