Creating a garden that attracts hummingbirds is a delightful way to enjoy these fascinating creatures. Hummingbirds are attracted to bright, tubular flowers that produce nectar, which provides them with the energy they need. By planting a variety of these flowers, you can create a beautiful, bird-friendly environment. Below are some of the best flowers for a garden designed to attract hummingbirds:
1. Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)
Trumpet vine is a popular choice for attracting hummingbirds due to its bright, trumpet-shaped flowers. The flowers come in shades of orange, red, or yellow, which are particularly appealing to hummingbirds. This fast-growing vine can be trained to climb trellises, fences, or arbors, making it ideal for vertical gardens. Be cautious, as it can spread aggressively, so regular maintenance is needed to keep it under control.
2. Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)
Bee balm, also known as Oswego tea, features vibrant red, pink, or purple flowers that are rich in nectar. The tubular shape of the flowers makes it easy for hummingbirds to feed. Bee balm thrives in full sun and moist, well-drained soil, making it an excellent addition to garden beds or borders. Additionally, it attracts bees and butterflies, providing multiple benefits for your garden’s ecosystem.
3. Salvia (Salvia spp.)
Salvia is a versatile genus that includes many species favored by hummingbirds. The flowers of salvia are typically tubular and come in shades of red, purple, blue, or pink. Salvia is a hardy perennial that grows well in most garden conditions, including full sun to partial shade. Its nectar-rich flowers make it a prime choice for attracting hummingbirds, and its low maintenance requirements make it an easy addition to any garden.
4. Fuchsia (Fuchsia spp.)
Fuchsia flowers are delicate and beautiful, with a drooping shape that appeals to hummingbirds. The vibrant pink, purple, or red flowers provide an excellent source of nectar. Fuchsia is perfect for shaded areas, which makes it ideal for gardens with limited sunlight. Hanging baskets or containers filled with fuchsia can offer a charming way to bring hummingbirds closer to your porch or patio.
5. Columbine (Aquilegia spp.)
Columbine flowers are uniquely shaped, with spurs that resemble a bird’s beak, which is a feature that hummingbirds are drawn to. They come in a variety of colors, including red, yellow, pink, and purple, and are often fragrant. Columbine thrives in a variety of growing conditions, from full sun to partial shade, and it’s a great choice for adding texture and color to your garden.
6. Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)
Zinnia is a colorful, easy-to-grow annual flower that can attract hummingbirds with its vibrant hues of red, orange, pink, and purple. The flowers are daisy-like and provide plenty of nectar for hummingbirds. Zinnias prefer full sun and well-drained soil and are perfect for creating a burst of color in your garden. Their long bloom time ensures that hummingbirds will visit your garden throughout the season.
7. Lobelia (Lobelia spp.)
Lobelia is a trailing perennial that produces clusters of small, tubular flowers, often in shades of blue or red. These flowers are particularly attractive to hummingbirds, especially in hanging baskets or containers. Lobelia thrives in partial shade but can also tolerate full sun in cooler climates. It’s an excellent plant for adding a splash of color while attracting these fascinating birds.
8. Hummingbird Sage (Salvia spathacea)
Hummingbird sage is a native plant to North America and a perfect choice for attracting hummingbirds. Its magenta-colored tubular flowers are loved by these birds. Hummingbird sage is well-suited to dry, rocky soil and can tolerate drought, making it an ideal plant for xeriscaping or low-water gardens. It blooms in late spring to early summer and attracts not only hummingbirds but also bees and butterflies.
9. Penstemon (Penstemon spp.)
Penstemon, also known as beardtongue, has tubular flowers in various shades, including red, purple, pink, and white. These flowers are designed to accommodate hummingbirds with their tubular shape and nectar-rich blossoms. Penstemon is a hardy perennial that thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, making it a great choice for rock gardens, borders, and wildflower meadows. It’s also relatively drought-tolerant once established.
10. Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)
Coral honeysuckle is a vigorous climbing vine that features clusters of tubular red or orange flowers. The flowers produce abundant nectar, making them a favorite of hummingbirds. Coral honeysuckle is ideal for trellises, fences, or walls and can be trained to grow in a variety of ways. It’s a hardy plant that attracts hummingbirds and pollinators throughout the growing season.
11. Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia uvaria)
Red hot poker, also known as torch lily, has tall, striking flower spikes that are perfect for attracting hummingbirds. The tubular flowers start as yellow or orange and fade to red, creating a visually stunning contrast. This perennial thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it ideal for sunny garden beds. Red hot poker’s vibrant flowers provide both beauty and nectar for hummingbirds.
12. Morning Glory (Ipomoea spp.)
Morning glories are fast-growing vines that produce large, funnel-shaped flowers in a variety of colors, including blue, purple, red, and pink. These flowers are rich in nectar, which attracts hummingbirds, and the vines can easily climb trellises, fences, or walls. Morning glories thrive in full sun and well-drained soil and are perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to your garden.
13. Bottlebrush (Callistemon spp.)
Bottlebrush plants feature long, spiky flowers that resemble a bottlebrush, and they are available in shades of red, pink, and yellow. The tubular flowers are perfect for attracting hummingbirds. Bottlebrush plants thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them suitable for gardens in warm climates. Their striking flowers and rich nectar make them a must-have for a hummingbird-friendly garden.
14. Firecracker Flower (Russelia equisetiformis)
The firecracker flower is a shrub with long, slender red tubular flowers that are especially attractive to hummingbirds. Its cascading growth habit makes it an excellent choice for hanging baskets, containers, or as a ground cover. Firecracker flowers thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them a low-maintenance option for attracting hummingbirds to your garden.
15. Scarlet Pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis)
Scarlet pimpernel is a fast-growing, ground-covering plant that produces bright red, orange, or pink flowers. These flowers are particularly attractive to hummingbirds due to their tubular shape and rich nectar. Scarlet pimpernel is easy to grow and thrives in full sun or partial shade, making it an ideal choice for filling in gaps in the garden while attracting hummingbirds.
Conclusion
Attracting hummingbirds to your garden is not only about planting the right flowers, but also about creating a welcoming environment for these delightful creatures. By incorporating a variety of plants with tubular, nectar-rich flowers, you can ensure that your garden is a year-round haven for hummingbirds. Whether you choose vines, perennials, or annuals, the key is to select a mix of plants that provide the color and nectar that hummingbirds crave. Happy gardening!
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