Hummingbirds are among the most exciting wildlife visitors you can bring into your garden. Their fast wingbeats, iridescent feathers, and playful personalities make them magical to watch. But what really draws hummingbirds into a yard—sometimes within minutes—is the right combination of nectar-rich, brightly colored, tubular flowers.
Because hummingbirds burn energy at astonishing speeds, they seek out plants that offer easy access to sugary nectar and protein-rich insects. If you plant the right species, your garden quickly turns into a hummingbird haven.
Below is a carefully selected list of the top plants that attract hummingbirds, including perennials, annuals, shrubs, and vines. Each entry includes why hummingbirds love it, how to grow it, and what makes it effective.
What Makes a Plant Attractive to Hummingbirds?
Before diving into the plant list, it helps to understand why hummingbirds choose certain flowers.
1. Tubular Flower Shape
Hummingbirds evolved long, narrow bills to reach nectar deep inside flowers that bees and butterflies cannot access.
2. Bright Colors
Hummingbirds are especially drawn to:
- Red
- Orange
- Hot pink
- Magenta
- Deep purple
3. High Nectar Output
Some flowers produce significantly more nectar than others. Hummingbirds memorize high-reward plants and return repeatedly.
4. Long Blooming Period
Plants that bloom for months—rather than weeks—provide dependable food.
5. Accessible Nectar
Flowers that don’t require landing platforms suit hummingbirds, which prefer hovering.
The 20 plants below check all the boxes.
Top 20 Plants That Attract Hummingbirds
1. Bee Balm (Monarda)
Bee balm is one of the most reliable hummingbird magnets.
Why Hummingbirds Love It
- Bright red or pink tubular blooms
- Rich nectar production
- Wide flower clusters easy to spot
Growing Notes
- Prefers full sun to part shade
- Attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies
- Spreads easily
2. Salvia (Sage)
Perhaps the top hummingbird plant in many regions, salvias bloom profusely.
Why It Attracts Hummingbirds
- Long blooming season
- High nectar availability
- Vibrant colors (red, blue, purple, coral)
Best Varieties
- Salvia guaranitica
- Salvia coccinea
- Salvia greggii
3. Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)
Known as the “hummingbird vine,” trumpet vine produces large red-orange flowers.
Why It’s Effective
- Long tubular flowers ideal for hummingbird bills
- Massive nectar reserves
- Blooms heavily in summer
Growing Notes
- Can grow aggressively
- Best for fences, arbors, or backyards
4. Zinnias
Zinnias are colorful, easy to grow, and a hummingbird favorite.
Why Hummingbirds Love It
- Bright blooms
- Consistent nectar
- Attracts insects hummingbirds feed on
Growing Tips
- Plant as annuals
- Excellent in pots, borders, or meadows
5. Penstemon (Beardtongue)
A native plant with a long history of hummingbird interaction.
Benefits
- Tubular flowers in shades of red and pink
- Low maintenance
- Ideal for dry gardens
6. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
One of the most striking red flowers available.
Why It Works
- Brightest red of all wildflowers
- Deep tubes match hummingbird bill length
- Bloom shape prevents bee access
Growing Needs
- Likes moisture
- Great for ponds or wet gardens
7. Agastache (Hummingbird Mint)
A drought-tolerant, fragrant perennial.
Why Hummingbirds Love It
- Tall spikes covered with nectar-filled flowers
- Long blooming season
- Warm orange and red hues preferred by hummingbirds
8. Lantana
Loved in warm climates for performance and rich nectar.
Benefits
- Multi-colored flower clusters
- Highly drought tolerant
- Blooms non-stop until frost
Great for pots and borders.
9. Fuchsia
Best for shady patios and hanging baskets.
Why It Attracts Hummingbirds
- Dangling tubular flowers
- Perfect nectar concentration
- Blooms from spring to fall
10. Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia)
Also called torch lily, it produces dramatic flower spikes.
Why Hummers Visit
- Nectar-rich tubular blooms
- Red-orange tips irresistible to hummingbirds
11. Columbine (Aquilegia)
A spring-blooming woodland favorite.
Why Hummingbirds Love It
- Long, backward-pointing spurs filled with nectar
- Early-spring food source when hummingbirds arrive
12. Butterfly Bush (Buddleia)
Though known for butterflies, hummingbirds love it too.
Benefits
- Sweet nectar
- Long bloom time
- Comes in many colors
Choose dwarf varieties for small gardens.
13. Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)
Unlike invasive Japanese honeysuckle, this species is native and hummingbird-friendly.
Why It Works
- Red tube-shaped flowers
- No fragrance needed—pure visual attraction
- Great climbing plant
14. Cuphea (Cigar Plant or Mexican Heather)
One of the BEST annuals for hummingbirds.
Reasons It Attracts Them
- Tiny tubular flowers bloom nonstop
- Heat-loving and tough
- Works beautifully in pots
15. Impatiens
Perfect for shade gardens.
Why Hummingbirds Visit
- Soft tubular blooms
- Bright colors they easily notice
Combine with fuchsia for a shade-loving hummingbird display.
16. Fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium)
A tall, pink wildflower loved by hummingbirds in northern regions.
Why It Works
- Abundant nectar
- Blooms in dense spikes
- Great for pollinator meadows
17. Aloe (Flowering Species)
A surprising hummingbird favorite in warm zones.
Why Hummingbirds Like It
- Orange tubular flowers
- Blooms in winter when nectar is scarce
- High sugar concentration
18. Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis)
A small tree perfect for southwestern gardens.
Benefits
- Showy trumpet-shaped blooms
- Drought resistant
- Great summer nectar supply
19. Scarlet Runner Bean
A vine that is both ornamental and edible.
Why It Attracts Hummingbirds
- Constant bright red blooms
- Summer-long nectar source
- Perfect for fences and trellises
20. Passionflower Vine (Passiflora)
Exotic, intricate flowers that hummingbirds find irresistible.
Why It’s Effective
- Complex flower structure hummingbirds navigate easily
- Provides nectar and insect prey
- Great for trellises or walls
Choosing the Best Plants for Hummingbird Garden
1. Mix Bloom Times
A good hummingbird garden includes:
- Early bloomers – columbine, currant
- Mid-season flowers – bee balm, salvia
- Late bloomers – agastache, zinnias
This ensures food availability from spring through fall.
2. Choose Native Plants
Native plants produce:
- Better nectar
- More insects
- More natural shelter
Examples:
- Penstemon
- Fireweed
- Scarlet gilia
- Coral honeysuckle
3. Use Clusters, Not Single Plants
Group plants in clusters of:
- 3
- 5
- 7
Hummingbirds spot large color patches more easily.
4. Include Plants of Different Heights
Hummingbirds like layered gardens:
- Ground-level flowers
- Knee-high perennials
- Tall shrubs and vines
This mimics natural habitats.
The Best Combination for Immediate Attraction
If you want instant hummingbird action, plant these five together:
- Red salvia
- Bee balm
- Cuphea
- Zinnias
- Trumpet vine
These bloom heavily and deliver continuous nectar.
Tips for Creating a Hummingbird-Friendly Garden
1. Avoid Pesticides
Pesticides kill insects hummingbirds depend on for protein.
2. Provide Water
Hummingbirds love:
- Misters
- Drippers
- Small fountains
They use them for drinking and bathing.
3. Add Perches
Perches help hummingbirds:
- Rest
- Conserve energy
- Watch for rivals
Use small branches or garden stakes.
4. Combine Flowers with Feeders
Feeders support hummingbirds during:
- Migration
- Early spring
- Drought
- Poor blooming years
Use the 4:1 water-to-sugar recipe.
Why Plant Variety Matters for Hummingbirds
Different flowers offer:
- Different bloom times
- Different nectar volumes
- Different colors
- Different shapes
Hummingbirds prefer diversity because it guarantees steady food from sunrise to sunset.
Final Thoughts
Hummingbirds rely on flowers for high-energy flowers for high-energy nectar, and choosing the right plants can turn any yard into a vibrant feeding ground. The top plants listed above are reliable, beautiful, and proven to bring hummingbirds back year after year.
Whether you grow a large backyard plot, a small patio garden, or a collection of potted plants, adding nectar-rich flowers like salvia, bee balm, zinnias, agastache, fuchsia, and trumpet vine will reward you with nonstop hummingbird visits.
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