25 Gorgeous Flowers and Plants That Attract Hummingbirds

Hummingbird being attracted to a flower

There are few things more magical than looking in your yard to see hummingbirds sipping on nectar and feasting on pollen. But, have you ever taken note of the types of flowers and plants hummingbirds are attracted to? These tiny birds are drawn to flowers with nectar-rich blossoms and (typically) fiery hues. If you're not one for florals and are looking for hummingbird plants, there's plenty to choose from.

Roger Hammer is a professional naturalist, author of Attracting Hummingbirds and Butterflies in Tropical Florida, and survivalist instructor for Naked and Afraid. He spent 30 years as the manager of the Castellow Hammock Nature Center for the Miami-Dade County Parks Department. Parade spoke with him to understand the ultimate question: What flowers do hummingbirds like? 

The answer, as intricate and diverse as the birds themselves, results in an extensive botanical palette. It's important to note that preferences may vary among different hummingbird species and regions. Nevertheless, we can all play a role in creating sanctuaries for hummingbirds by intentionally planting these blooms and trees. Ready for some garden inspiration? Here are some gorgeous flowers that attract hummingbirds.

Related: Gardening by the Stars: The Zodiac Signs as Spring Flowers

What Is the Hummingbird's Favorite Flower?

There are a few flowers and plants that hummingbirds are especially known for loving, including petunias, firebush and tropical sage.

However, Hammer tells Parade that it's tough to pinpoint exactly what the hummingbird's favorite flower is, as there are over 300 hummingbird species. As the old saying goes, "Different strokes for different folks" (or, in this case, hummingbirds).

What Color of Flower Attracts Hummingbirds the Most?

Hammer says that, generally, the color of flower that attracts hummingbirds the most is typically red and orange hues. They're known for liking red and orange tubular flowers.

Related: 40 Best Spring Flowers to Beautify Your Backyard, According to Gardening Experts

Best Flowers to Attract Hummingbirds

1. Tropical Sage

Tropical sage, also commonly known as red salvia, is one of the best flowers to attract hummingbirds. The tubular shape of red salvia flowers is perfectly suited for a hummingbird's bills, allowing them to easily access its nectar. Hummingbirds have a rapid metabolism, as they fly long distances and require frequent refueling. Tropical sage produces tons of nectar, one of a hummingbird's vital energy sources.

2. Petunia

The trumpet-shaped blossoms of petunias provide easy access to the sweet nectar tucked inside, making them a convenient pit stop for hummingbirds. Petunias' vibrant colors, ranging from vivid pinks and purples to bold reds and yellows, catch the eye of passing hummingbirds, inviting them for a closer look. Petunias bloom profusely throughout the warmer months.

3. Coral Honeysuckle

Hammer tells Parade that coral honeysuckle (AKA Lonicera sempervirens) is a high-climbing vining flower that hummingbirds love. This native North American vine offers resilience and adaptability, thriving in various soil types and light conditions. Its extended blooming period from late spring to early summer provides a consistent food source for hummingbirds, who are, of course, drawn to the nectar of the flowers.

Related: 16 Different Types of Edible Flowers You Can Add to Your Garden

4. Cardinal Flower

Cardinal flowers, known for their striking scarlet blooms, are prized additions to gardens for anyone wondering how to attract hummingbirds. These native North American perennials thrive in moist, partially shaded areas.  The intense red hue of the flowers serves as a beacon, attracting hummingbirds from afar. Still, they can tolerate a range of soil types and are relatively low-maintenance once established.

5. Azalea

Azaleas bloom in many colors, including pink, white, red and purple. These flowering shrubs are native to several continents including Asia, North America and Europe. While azaleas require regular watering to thrive, their stunning blooms and hummingbird-friendly qualities make them worthy additions to any garden.

6. Standing Cypress

"The standing cypress is a flower that hummingbirds love, and no—it has nothing to do with the cypress tree," Hammer explains. 

He says that standing cypress bloom pretty, red tubular flowers—a common love affair for hummingbirds. Standing cypress' blooming period is typically from late spring to early summer, coinciding with the peak activity of hummingbirds, ensuring a steady stream of visitors to your garden.

7. Hosta

Hostas are flowers beloved for their beautiful foliage, but they also produce funky spikes in shades of white, lavender or purple, which bloom in summer. Hummingbirds are drawn to their subtle fragrance and nectar contents, and their dense foliage can also provide shelter and nesting for hummingbirds.

Related: What Is Your Birth Flower? Find Out the Meaning Behind the Blooms for Each Month

8. Zinnia

Who doesn't love the sight of a popping, bright zinnia in the garden? Hummingbirds can't pass these flowers up! These annual flowers thrive in sunny locations, making them perfect additions to flower beds, borders and containers. Zinnias bloom profusely throughout the summer and into fall, providing a continuous feast for hummingbirds during their active seasons.

9. Cape Fuchsia

Cape fuchsias are native to South Africa and sprout flowers that resemble miniature trumpets. While relatively low-maintenance once established, these hummingbird flowers benefit from regular watering and deadheading to promote prolonged flowering. Plus, this helps encourage frequent visits from hummingbird friends!

10. Eastern Red Columbine

Eastern red columbines flaunt bell-shaped flowers that hang gracefully from slender stems. The red and yellow hues of the blossoms, often described as a dancing flame, are popular for attracting hummingbirds. The unique shape of the flowers, with long spurs extending behind the petals, provides easy access to nectar.

11. Florida Hibiscus

Hammer specifically mentions the Florida hibiscus, but adds that all hibiscus are great hummingbird plants for both pollen and nectar. Hibiscus flowers do best in warm, tropical climates, offering beautiful blooms in red, pink, orange, yellow and whites. The trumpet-shaped flowers are rich in nectar, attracting hummingbirds with their sweet fragrance and bright colors.

12. Bee Balm

Bee balms are perennial herbs renowned for their striking flowers and aromatic foliage, attracting hummingbirds (and bees too, hence the name) to the garden. However, the tubular-shaped blossoms of bee balms are a hummingbird's dream come true. 

Related: 15 Plants That Can Help Repel Bees and Keep Them Out of Your Yard

13. Catmint

Don't get it confused with catnip! Catmint provides nectar-rich blooms from late spring to early summer and sometimes continues into fall. Catmint's adaptability to various soil types and light conditions makes them a perfect addition for gardeners looking to attract hummingbirds.

14. Oregon Grape

Oregon grapes are a native evergreen shrub of North America. Their clusters of small, bright yellow flowers are beloved by hummingbirds and gardeners alike! These hummingbird flowers thrive in partial shade to full sun and well-drained soil, blooming in early spring.

Related: 45 Most Common Houseplants to Grow in Your Space

Best Plants for Hummingbirds

15. Firebush

For Hammer, firebush is number one on the list of botanicals that attract hummingbirds. He says that they are cold-sensitive and may freeze in the wintertime. If you're planning on adding firebush to your garden, he urges going to a nursery that is reputable and knows what they're talking about.

16. Bahama Swamp Bush

Neck-and-neck with firebush for the best hummingbird plant is the Bahama swamp bush. Hammer describes it as a large bush that blooms green hibiscus flowers, as big around as a nickel. He also mentions that if you held these blooms upside down, nectar would fall out.

"When most people think of hummingbird flowers, they think of red and orange tubular flowers, but it's funny because this one has tiny green flowers. We have two in our yard, and hummingbirds fight over this plant!" Hammer says.

17. Bahama Strongback

"Bahama strongbacks are native to Florida. They are small trees with drooping branches and white flowers, big around as barely a dime—and yes, hummingbirds go nuts in the yard for them!" Hammer tells Parade.

Hammer mentions that many people have translated the name to "strongbark," so you may hear this hummingbird plant referred to by one or the other.

18. Geiger Tree

Hummingbirds love geiger trees, but these do better in southern Florida counties. They produce half-dollar-sized orange flowers, adding a splash of color to gardens and yards. Hummingbirds flock to geiger trees for their bright colors and killer pollen plus nectar combo.

19. Coral Bean

"Coral bean is a native Florida shrub. It's a small tree with bright red tubular flowers—hummingbird's favorites, as we've found out," Hammer says.

You'll see these blooms in spring and summer, which is great news for hummingbirds! However, it's important to note that all parts of the coral bean plant, including the seeds, are toxic if ingested. Heed caution if planting it in areas used by children or pets.

Related: 28 Different Types of Gorgeous Orchids for Your Home or Garden

20. Live Oak

Hammer says that he's watched hummingbirds buzz around the live oak in his yard for years, explaining that when hummingbirds migrate back north, live oaks flower. And similarly to nectar, pollen is a high-energy food to keep hummingbirds going during long treks.

"Nobody would ever think of an oak for attracting hummingbirds, but when the male flowers are all over live oaks, the hummingbirds are just chatting away," he adds.

21. Powderpuff

"Hummingbird feeders—full of white sugar—are not good for hummingbirds. Plus, a lot of people don't clean their feeders frequently. This can cause fungus and get hummingbirds sick," Hammer tells Parade.

That's why it's better to plant hummingbird plants and flowers, like powderpuffs! Hammer describes hummingbirds as going "bonkers" over the pink species!

22. Shrimp Plant

The shrimp plant, botanically known as Justicia brandegeana, is a tropical hummingbird plant known for its eye-catching flowers. It gets its name from the shape of its flowers, which resemble the curved body of a shrimp. Blooming throughout the year with their tubular shape, its flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds. They are also low maintenance for gardeners.

23. Chinese Hat Plant

"Rufous and Buff-bellied hummingbirds love these plants!" Hammer tells Parade.

He continues, "Interestingly enough, these plants are native to China, where there are no hummingbirds. Hummingbirds are a new world species, only found in North, South and Central America."

24. Red Fire Spike

"In my yard, hummingbirds are around these plants all the time," Hammer says.

Red fire spikes are another tropical favorite with red flower spikes and an uncanny ability for attracting hummingbirds. The plants produce tall spikes with clusters of tubular-shaped flowers that live best in rich, well-drained soil and partial shade.

25. Clerodendrum

Rounding out the list are clerodendrums. Though known for attracting hummingbirds, Hammer cautions gardeners when planting this one.

"They can truly be a gardener's nightmare, with really aggressive spreading. They are invasive in Florida," he warns.

Next: Create Your Own Butterfly Paradise With These 35 Plants and Flowers That Attract Butterflies

Source

• Roger L. Hammer, author of Attracting Hummingbirds and Butterflies in Tropical Florida