These Flowers Are Hummingbird Magnets!
Bright colors, nectar-rich blooms, and the flutter of tiny wings: here’s your guide to creating a hummingbird haven in your garden!
If you love seeing hummingbirds zip through your garden, you’re not alone. These tiny pollinators are not just fun to watch—they also play a crucial role in pollinating many flowers. One of the best ways to attract and keep hummingbirds coming back is by planting flowers rich in nectar and vibrant in color. Here are some top flower choices that hummingbirds can’t resist:
🌸 Columbine (Aquilegia)
An early-season bloomer, Columbine is often one of the first flowers to welcome hummingbirds back in spring. Its delicate, spurred petals are filled with nectar, perfectly designed for the long beaks of these tiny birds. Available in a variety of colors, Columbine thrives in partial shade and adds a graceful elegance to garden beds and woodland edges.
🌺 Bee Balm (Monarda)
As the name suggests, Bee Balm attracts bees—but it’s also a hummingbird favorite! Its shaggy, firework-like blooms come in shades of red, pink, and purple, and the rich nectar content makes it irresistible to hummingbirds. Bonus: it’s a native North American plant that also deters deer and supports other pollinators.
🌿 Salvia (Salvia spp.)
With its long blooming season and tubular flowers, Salvia is a hummingbird essential. These blooms come in brilliant shades of red, purple, and blue, and can last from late spring into fall. Salvias are drought-tolerant and thrive in sunny spots, making them low-maintenance and high-reward.
❤️ Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
The bold red spikes of Cardinal Flower are like neon signs for hummingbirds. Few colors attract them as strongly as red, and this native wildflower is loaded with nectar. It prefers moist soil and partial sun, making it ideal for planting near ponds or in rain gardens.
💜 Lupine (Lupinus)
These striking spires of flowers not only add vertical interest to your garden, but they’re also a favorite of hummingbirds. Lupines bloom in rich blues, purples, and pinks, and their upright, pea-like flowers are packed with nectar. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil.
🌼 Petunias (Petunia spp.)
A garden staple, Petunias are easy to grow in beds, borders, or hanging baskets. Hummingbirds love their funnel-shaped flowers, especially the red, pink, and purple varieties. Make sure to choose old-fashioned or heirloom varieties—some newer hybrids are bred for looks and lack nectar.
🔔 Coral Bells (Heuchera)
Known for their ornamental foliage, Coral Bells also produce small, bell-shaped flowers on thin stalks that hummingbirds adore. They bloom in spring and early summer and thrive in partial shade. Their compact size makes them perfect for borders or containers.
🌈 Zinnias (Zinnia elegans)
Colorful, long-lasting, and sun-loving, Zinnias are as cheerful as they are attractive to hummingbirds. Their bright blooms come in nearly every color and are rich in nectar. Plant them in full sun and deadhead regularly to keep the blooms (and the birds) coming.
🌿 Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.)
No hummingbird garden is complete without the sweet scent and tubular blooms of Honeysuckle. These climbing vines bloom profusely, especially in warmer climates, and are practically dripping with nectar. Red and orange varieties are particularly favored by hummingbirds.
🌟 Tips for Attracting Hummingbirds to Your Garden
- Go native: Native plants are more likely to offer the nectar and flower shapes hummingbirds evolved to feed from.
- Add a water feature: A shallow birdbath or mister can provide hummingbirds with a place to bathe and drink.
- Avoid pesticides: Chemicals can harm the insects hummingbirds also feed on—and the birds themselves.
- Plant in clusters: Hummingbirds are more likely to notice mass plantings than isolated blooms.
- Keep blooming: Mix early, mid, and late-season bloomers to keep nectar available all season long.
By planting a mix of these hummingbird-friendly flowers, you’ll not only create a visually stunning garden, but you’ll also support these energetic little birds with the nourishment they need. Whether you’re working with a small balcony or a sprawling backyard, there’s a flower on this list that can bring a touch of hummingbird magic to your space.
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