#Plants #Attract #Hummingbirds #Garden
Last Updated on April 29, 2025 by April
Hummingbirds bring a spark of energy and a little chaos to any garden, which is probably why so many bird watchers and gardeners love having them around. If you’re hoping to lure these little acrobats, it really comes down to picking flowers and shrubs they can’t resist—think nectar-rich blooms and eye-catching colors.
Selecting plants that attract hummingbirds can help create a lively, colorful landscape while also supporting local wildlife. Plenty of these plants do well in hardiness zones 3 to 10, so there’s a good chance you’ll find something that works for your area. With the right mix, you’ll likely spot more hummingbird visitors zipping around your yard.
Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)
Bee Balm is a perennial that puts out bright, tubular flowers hummingbirds seem to love. It’s happy in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 9.
This one likes full sun or a bit of shade and does best in moist, well-drained soil. You’ll usually see red flowers, but there are also pink, purple, and white versions out there.
The foliage is aromatic too—not a bad bonus if you’re after both color and a little fragrance in your garden.
Trumpet Creeper (Campsis radicans)
Trumpet Creeper is a fast-growing, deciduous vine that throws out clusters of orange-red, tubular flowers. Hummingbirds go for these in a big way, probably because of the shape and that bold color.
It’s hardy in zones 4 through 9 and prefers full sun, though it can put up with some shade.
This vine will happily climb fences, trellises, or even a wall, thanks to its aerial roots. If you’ve got a big space to cover, this one can get the job done quickly.
Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)
Coral honeysuckle is a native vine with clusters of tubular red flowers, loaded with nectar. Hummingbirds flock to it.
It’s good for zones 4 through 9 and likes full sun but won’t complain about a bit of shade.
Unlike some other vines, coral honeysuckle isn’t overly aggressive. You can train it up a fence, trellis, or arbor, and it’ll bloom from spring into summer, giving hummingbirds a reliable food source for a good stretch of the year.
Salvia (Salvia splendens)
Salvia splendens is a go-to for gardeners thanks to its bright red, tubular flowers—basically a neon sign for hummingbirds.
It thrives in zones 10 to 11, but plenty of folks grow it as an annual in cooler places. The blooms keep coming from late spring until frost, which is always nice.
Salvia likes full sun and soil that drains well. Give it regular water to keep those flowers looking their best.
Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
Cardinal Flower stands out with vivid red blooms, a total magnet for hummingbirds. It naturally pops up in moist spots and flowers late in the summer.
This perennial is happy in zones 3 through 9. People often plant it near ponds or streams since it likes wet feet.
It grows upright, usually two to four feet tall, and makes a bold accent in gardens with a bit of shade or partial sun.
Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia uvaria)
Red Hot Poker is a perennial with tall spikes of red, orange, and yellow tubular blooms. Hummingbirds seem to notice these from a mile away.
It does best in zones 5 through 9, wants full sun, and needs well-drained soil. You’ll get blooms from late spring into summer, and the plant adds a bit of height and drama to the garden.
Fuchsia (Fuchsia magellanica)
Fuchsia magellanica is a shrub that dangles tubular, pendulous flowers in pinks, purples, and reds. Hummingbirds are pretty much guaranteed to show up for these in the summer.
It’s best suited for zones 6 to 9, and likes partial shade with moist, well-drained soil.
Fuchsia magellanica can get pretty tall—up to 10 feet. Prune it now and then to keep it in shape and encourage more blooms.
Penstemon (Penstemon digitalis)
Penstemon digitalis, or beardtongue, is a North American native perennial with tubular white flowers that hummingbirds go for, blooming in late spring to early summer.
It’s flexible about sun—full or partial—and isn’t picky about soil. Penstemon digitalis is happiest in zones 3 through 8.
This one stands upright, up to three feet, and also draws in bees and other pollinators.
Scarlet Sage (Salvia coccinea)
Scarlet Sage is either an annual or a short-lived perennial, but either way, its bright red, tubular flowers are a hummingbird favorite.
It does well in zones 8 to 10, likes full sun or a bit of shade, and wants well-drained soil.
People like Scarlet Sage because it’s easy to grow and flowers from spring to fall. It usually reaches two to three feet tall.
Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)
Columbine is a perennial wildflower native to North America, with red and yellow nodding flowers that show up in spring and early summer.
Hummingbirds are drawn to its shape and bright colors. Columbine grows best in zones 3 to 8.
It prefers partial shade and good drainage, and you’ll see it anywhere from one to three feet tall. It also reseeds itself without much fuss.
Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii)
Butterfly Bush puts out long spikes of purple, pink, white, or blue flowers, all loaded with nectar. Hummingbirds and butterflies both love it, and you’ll see blooms from summer into early fall.
This deciduous shrub works in zones 5 to 9 and is happiest in full sun with well-drained soil.
It can get tall—six to twelve feet. Deadhead spent blooms to keep the flowers coming and rein in reseeding.
Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)
Zinnia is a classic annual with bright, daisy-like blooms, a reliable favorite for hummingbirds. It grows in zones 3 to 10.
Stick it in full sun and well-drained soil, and it’ll pretty much take care of itself.
The tubular blooms serve up nectar all summer. Zinnias come in loads of colors, so you can mix things up in your garden.
Lantana (Lantana camera)
Lantana is a flowering shrub with clusters of small, vibrant blooms. It’s common in zones 8 through 11.
The nectar-rich flowers pull in both hummingbirds and butterflies. Lantana likes full sun and soil that drains well.
Once it’s settled in, it handles drought pretty well and works in garden beds or containers.
Firecracker Plant (Russelia equisetiformis)
The Firecracker Plant grows slim stems topped with bright red, tubular flowers, usually blooming from spring through fall. Hummingbirds are all over it.
It’s a good fit for zones 9 to 11, and prefers full sun but manages in partial shade.
Russelia equisetiformis likes well-drained soil and regular watering, especially when it’s dry out. The cascading habit makes it nice for borders, containers, or hanging baskets.
Hummingbird Mint (Agastache rupestris)
Hummingbird Mint (Agastache rupestris) is a perennial herb with tubular orange flowers and a soft, minty scent. Flowers pop from mid-summer to early fall, and hummingbirds take notice.
It’s best in zones 5 to 9, wants full sun and well-drained soil, and once it’s going, it doesn’t need much water—great for xeriscapes or low-water gardens.
Cape Fuchsia (Phygelius capensis)
Cape Fuchsia is a semi-evergreen shrub with tubular flowers in reds, pinks, or yellows. The blooms last a long time and hummingbirds show up for the nectar.
It does well in zones 7 to 10, likes well-drained soil, and is fine with sun or partial shade. Its size makes it easy to tuck into borders or even a container.
Amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus)
Amaranth grows upright spikes of small, reddish flowers that hummingbirds sometimes visit for nectar. It’s an annual that likes full sun.
It’s versatile, growing in zones 2 through 11 and handling a range of soils as long as drainage isn’t an issue.
The bold foliage and tall shape stand out in the garden. Regular watering helps keep the blooms coming.
Tropical Petunia (Ruellia simplex)
Tropical Petunia (Ruellia simplex) puts out tubular purple-blue flowers from spring to fall, keeping hummingbirds interested for months.
It’s suited to zones 8 to 11, does fine in sun or partial shade, and isn’t fussy about soil.
Low-maintenance and good in beds, borders, or containers. The upright growth and lush leaves add a little extra visual punch.
Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis)
Jewelweed is a native annual with bright orange, trumpet-shaped flowers, packed with nectar for hummingbirds all season.
It likes moist, partly shaded spots and can get two to five feet tall. Jewelweed grows in zones 2 to 11.
It reseeds itself easily, so you’ll probably see it return each year if the conditions are right. Blooms show up from late spring through early fall.
Russell Lupine (Lupinus polyphyllus)
Russell Lupine throws up tall spikes of blue, purple, or pink flowers, drawing in hummingbirds from late spring into early summer. The nectar must be pretty irresistible to them.
It’s native to western North America and does best in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8. You’ll want to give it a sunny patch and soil that drains well—no soggy roots, please.
Growing in dense clumps, Russell Lupine can even offer a bit of shelter for smaller wildlife. And if you’re tired of deer munching on your plants, good news: they usually leave this one alone.
