You don’t need a big yard to enjoy hummingbirds—a simple balcony, patio, porch, or rooftop garden with the right potted plants can attract them just as effectively as large gardens. Hummingbirds are drawn to bright colors, tubular flowers, and nectar-rich blooms that can easily be grown in containers.
Below is a complete list of the best potted plants that attract hummingbirds, including annuals, perennials, shrubs, and vines that thrive in pots.
Why Potted Plants Work for Hummingbirds
Container plants are ideal because:
- They bring flowers closer to hummingbird flight paths
- You can move them to sunny spots, maximizing blooms
- They allow color combinations hummingbirds can’t resist
- Frequent watering improves nectar production
- You can create hummingbird “feeding stations” anywhere
The trick is choosing species that bloom heavily in containers and produce lots of nectar.
Best Potted Plants That Attract Hummingbirds
These are the top-performing plants for pots, hanging baskets, window boxes, or porch containers.
Best Annual Flowers for Pots
Annuals bloom nonstop, making them some of the best hummingbird plants for containers.
1. Salvia (Annual Varieties)
- Red, purple, pink, coral, blue
- Extremely high nectar output
- Thrives in pots with full sun
Popular varieties:
- Salvia splendens
- Salvia coccinea
2. Petunias
- Masses of trumpet-shaped flowers
- Easy to grow in pots or hanging baskets
- Hummingbirds visit daily
Choose bright pinks and reds for maximum attraction.
3. Fuchsia (Hanging Basket Champion)
- Shade-loving
- Dangling, tubular flowers perfect for hummingbirds
- Blooms continuously
Ideal for porches, patios, and hanging displays.
4. Zinnias (Dwarf Varieties)
- Great for container gardens
- Long-lasting, colorful blooms
- Excellent nectar source
5. Cuphea (Cigar Plant / Firecracker Plant)
- One of the best annual hummingbird plants
- Tiny tubular flowers bloom nonstop
- Thrives in heat
Perfect for pots or window boxes.
6. Impatiens (Shade Annual)
Hummingbirds love the nectar-rich blooms, especially red and rose varieties.
7. Lantana (Annual in Cold Climates)
- Bright clusters of nectar-rich flowers
- Heat-loving and drought-tolerant
- Works well in large containers
Live Salvia – Blue – Beautiful Upright Perennial – Healthy Spring Plant – 12″ Tall by 6″ Wide in 2.5 Qt Pot
- SPRING COLOR: This vibrant, upright salvia will make a beautiful addition to your spring garden. Its long stem and bunched flowers at the top add a unique look to any space!
- GROWTH: Perennial salvias can grow tall and wide, with the average reaching about 36 inches in height and width.
- CARE: Salvias grow best in a location with full sun and well-draining soil. Adding mulch around the base of the plant will help the roots stay cool and moist. Once established, salvias are pretty drought tolerant and only require little watering but be sure to water thoroughly upon planting. Fertilize lightly when planting.
- FUN FACT: Believe it or not, salvias are a member of the mint family and a close relative to sage!
- LIVE PLANTS: Our plants are grown exclusively for Deep Roots and The Three Company, shipped fresh directly from our greenhouse to you!
Proven Winners® Petunia Plant – Supertunia Vista Bubblegum – 2 Pack – Annual Flower for Spring & Summer Blooms – 6″ Tall x 6″ Wide, 1.56 Pt Pot
- SPRING FLOWER: Supertunia Vista Bubblegum petunias are a beautifully bright and creamy shade of pink. They look great in a flower bed, pot, or hanging planter!
- GROWTH: These petunias grow to be about 24 inches tall with a spread of up to 36 inches.
- CARE: These petunias will grow best in a spot where they get a lot of sun for the majority of the day. They need an average amount of water so water about once a week and use a controlled release fertilizer when planted.
- FUN FACT: This petunia attracts butterflies and hummingbirds!
- Proven Winners – Photo courtesy of Proven Winners
Set 2 Red Fuchsia Plants Live 2-5 Inches Tall, Colorful Hanging Flower Plants for Patio, Garden and Containers
- Includes two fuchsia plants, each approximately 2-5 inches tall, suitable for patio pots, hanging baskets, and shaded garden areas
- Produces eye-catching flowers in vibrant colors
- Compact growth makes these plants ideal for hanging baskets, window boxes, decorative pots, and small-space gardening
- Performs well in partial shade and cooler outdoor areas with regular watering and well-drained soil
- USDA Zones: 8–11
3 Zinnia Plants, Mix Zinnia Flower Plants, 3 to 5 Inc Tall, Live Zinnia Plant, Orange Yellow Flower
- Adding vibrant color to your garden or indoor space
- You will receive two plants including one yellow zinnia plant and one orange zinnia plant
- Easy to plant indoor or outdoor
- Grows up to 1–2 feet tall
- USDA Zones 8–11
Live Candy Corn Cuphea Plant, Hummingbird Attracting Flowering Plant, Red-Orange-Yellow Blooms, 3 Inch Pots, Well-Rooted Starter Plants
- FLOWERING CHARACTERISTICS: Produces stunning tubular flowers in red, orange, and yellow colors that resemble candy corn, blooming continuously through the growing season
- PLANT SIZE: Compact perennial growing in 3-inch starter pots, perfect for containers, borders, or garden beds with well-developed root systems
- WILDLIFE ATTRACTION: Natural magnet for hummingbirds and butterflies, making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens
- GROWING REQUIREMENTS: Thrives in full to partial sun exposure with regular watering and well-draining soil
- VERSATILE USE: Ideal for hanging baskets, mixed containers, or as colorful border plants, adding vertical interest with its upright growing habit
Live Flowering New Guinea Impatiens – Shades of Pink (3 Plants Per Pack) – Beautiful Shade Flowers – 12″ Tall by 5″ Wide in 1 Qt Pot
- SPRING FLOWERS: These gorgeous New Guinea Impatiens are perfect for beginners. They are low maintenance and their heart-shaped petals look beautiful in any garden.
- GROWTH: New Guinea Impatiens grow quite quickly so you will be able to enjoy them all season long. At maturity, they can grow up to 18 inches tall, with a spread of about 9 inches.
- CARE: New Guinea Impatiens prefer a location with full sun in the morning and shade throughout the rest of the day. They will grow best in slightly acidic, well-draining soil that has been mixed with organic matter. Water thoroughly upon planting and then water regularly to keep them moist, but not overly wet as this will cause rotting.
- FUN FACT: New Guinea Impatiens are also referred to as “Touch-Me-Nots” because when you touch them, their seeds shoot out up to 20ft away!
- LIVE PLANTS: Our plants are grown exclusively for Deep Roots and The Three Company, shipped fresh directly from our greenhouse to you!
Live Flowering Lantana – Grower’s Choice Assorted Colors (2 Plants Per Pack), Healthy Blooming Pollinator, 8″ Tall by 5″ Wide in 1 Qt Pot
- BEAUTIFUL COLOR: This gorgeous lantana will be a beautiful addition to your garden!
- CARE: Lantana grows best in full sunlight. Plant it in moist, well-draining soil and add organic matter for best results. Water every 1-2 weeks with a deep watering at the base of the plant. When grown as annuals, Lantana will grow to be 12-14″ tall and 1-2′ wide.
- FUN FACT: Each individual flower is long and tubular, making them attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds.
- LIVE PLANTS: Our plants are grown exclusively for Deep Roots and The Three Company, shipped fresh directly from our greenhouse to you!
Best Perennial Flowers for Pots
These come back year after year and bloom well in containers.
1. Bee Balm (Monarda)
- Tubular red/pink blooms
- Strong hummingbird magnet
- Compact varieties like “Balmy” or “Pardon My Purple” fit pots
2. Agastache (Hummingbird Mint)
- Drought tolerant
- Blooms for months
- Thrives in containers with good drainage
Great in warm climates and sunny balconies.
3. Penstemon
- Upright spikes of tubular flowers
- Loved by hummingbirds
- Perfect for tall decorative pots
4. Columbine (Aquilegia)
- Spring blooming
- Performs well in partially shaded containers
5. Coral Bells (Heuchera)
- Attractive foliage + tiny nectar-rich flowers
- Hummingbirds love the blooms
- Ideal for shade or partial shade pots
Live Flowering Bee Balm – Assorted Colors (2 Plants Per Pack), Pollinator – Attracts Butterflies, 10″ Tall by 4″ Wide in 1 Qt Pot
- BEAUTIFUL COLOR: These gorgeous assorted pink and purple bee balm will be a beautiful addition to your garden!
- BEAUTIFUL COLOR: This gorgeous pink bee balm will be a beautiful addition to your garden!
- CARE: Bee Balm grows best in full sunlight. Plant it in moist, well-draining soil and add organic matter for best results. Water every 1-2 weeks with a deep watering at the base of the plant.
- FUN FACT: Bee Balm, a member of the mint family, has been used topically to help with bee sting swelling, which is where its name comes from!
- LIVE PLANTS: Our plants are grown exclusively for Deep Roots and The Three Company, shipped fresh directly from our greenhouse to you!
Live Plant from Green Promise Farms – Proven Winners, Agastache x Meant to Bee Queen Nectarine, Annise Hyssop, Peach Flowers – #1 Gallon Size Container
- For Best results, plant in USDA zone: 5-9 – mature size: 30-36 inches H x 18-24 inches W
- Plant is fully rooted in the soil and can be planted immediately upon arrival, weather permPlantting.
- Peach-toned flowers attract bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators.
- Performs best in full sun and is drought tolerant.
- Great for pollinator gardens and sunny borders.
500+ Penstemon Spectabilis Seeds for Planting – Perennial Showy Flower Heirloom Non-GMO Seeds, Attract Hummingbird & Butterfly
- Planting Area: Penstemon spectabilis thrives in the western and southwestern US, tolerating hot temperatures and low rainfall.
- Use: Ideal for borders, rock gardens, or wildflower meadows, its tall flower spikes and vibrant blooms add vertical interest and color to landscapes.
- Planting: For spring planting, scatter seeds on loose, well-draining soil, press lightly without covering, and keep moist until germination. Full sun required.
- Planting Tips: In fall, sow seeds directly in the garden before frost, allowing natural cold stratification for spring germination. Ensure seed-to-soil contact.
- Attract Pollinators: The blooms attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.
3 Live Wild Columbine Plants (Aquilegia Canadensis) – Native Perennials from My Home Park in 4” Pots – Not Seeds – 4–8” Tall on Arrival – Supports Pollinators & Hummingbirds – Zones 4–8
- 3 LIVE PLANTS IN 4” POTS – READY TO PLANT : Receive 3 live Wild Columbine plants (Aquilegia canadensis), each individually grown in a 4” pot. These are not seeds—plants arrive 4–8” tall and ready to transplant for quick, reliable garden success.
- LATE SPRING BLOOMS & SEASON-LONG FOLIAGE : Enjoy nodding red and yellow bell-shaped flowers in late spring, followed by attractive green foliage that lasts all season. A beautiful, natural fit for woodland gardens, rock borders, and pollinator landscapes.
- HUMMINGBIRD & POLLINATOR FAVORITE : The distinct tubular flowers of Wild Columbine are a magnet for hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects—making this native perennial a key contributor to biodiversity and eco-friendly gardens.
- STRONG ROOT SYSTEMS FOR EASY ESTABLISHMENT : Organically grown and shipped fresh from My Home Park’s nursery, each plug features a healthy root system for low transplant shock and fast, long-lasting establishment in your garden.
- DROUGHT-TOLERANT, DEER-RESISTANT & VERSATILE : Hardy in Zones 4–8, Wild Columbine thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts well to both dry and moist soils. Naturally deer-resistant and low-maintenance—perfect for sustainable, hands-off gardening.
Live Heuchera Coral Bells 2-Pack – Black Olive – Shade Perennial Foliage Plant, 10” Tall, 1 Qt Pot
- SPRING FLOWERS: Carnival Black Olive Heuchera features dramatic dark foliage that adds rich contrast to shade gardens and containers.
- GROWTH: Forms a compact mound about 10–12 inches tall and 14 inches wide.
- CARE: Prefers partial shade and well-draining soil. Water regularly to keep soil lightly moist.
- FUN FACT: Heuchera is also known as Coral Bells because of its delicate flower spikes.
- LIVE PLANTS: Our plants are grown exclusively for Deep Roots and The Three Company, shipped fresh directly from our greenhouse to you!
Best Shrubs for Containers (Compact Hummingbird Magnets)
Many flowering shrubs grow beautifully in pots and offer large nectar supplies.
1. Butterfly Bush (Dwarf Varieties)
Look for compact forms:
- “Pugster” series
- “Lo & Behold” series
These stay small but bloom heavily.
2. Flowering Currant
- Excellent early-spring nectar
- Works well in large pots
- Attracts migrating hummingbirds
3. Dwarf Weigela
- Red and pink varieties draw hummingbirds
- Many compact forms for containers
4. Bottlebrush (Callistemon)
- Brush-like red flowers packed with nectar
- Grows well in tubs or large containers
Dwarf Lavender Butterfly Bush – One stem in 2.5 inch Pot – Low Maintenance – California Grown
- Size: One stem in a 2.5-inch pot, ideal for easy planting or potting. Please note that not all plants in the pot may be in bloom at the time of shipping.
- Low Maintenance: This hardy shrub is easy to care for, requiring minimal watering and pruning once established.
- Attracts: Butterfly Bushes are known for their ability to attract butterflies, Making them a great addition to any garden or landscape.
- Ensuring a healthy, robust plant that thrives in a variety of climates.
- Ideal for Small Gardens: Perfect for small garden spaces, patios, or even balcony planters due to its compact size.
2 Gallon Proven Winners Weigela Spilled Wine Shrub
- Thrives in USDA zones 4-8
- Grows to mature size 24-36″ W x 24-36″ H
- Full sun to partial shade
- Deciduous – Foliage loss in winter and new growth in spring
- Used in containers, landscapes, and as accents
Bottlebrush Red Cluster | 1 Large Trade Gallon Size Plant | Callistemon | Drought Tolerant Shrub, Evergreen Foliage, Vibrant Red Blooms, Low Maintenance Plant, Attracts Hummingbirds, Landscaping
- Stunning Bottlebrush Red Cluster features vibrant red blooms, adding a striking splash of color to any garden or landscape
- Hardy and adaptable, Callistemon Rigidus thrives in various soil types, ensuring your garden remains lush and attractive year-round
- This low-maintenance shrub is perfect for both novice and experienced gardeners, requiring minimal effort for maximum visual impact
- Bottlebrush Red Cluster attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, bringing lively movement and beauty to your outdoor space
- Versatile Callistemon Rigidus can be used as a hedge, border plant, or focal point, enhancing your garden’s aesthetic appeal
Best Vines for Containers
You can grow vines in pots and let them climb trellises, rails, and pergolas.
1. Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)
- Non-invasive native vine
- Perfect tube-shaped flowers for hummingbirds
- Great for a balcony trellis
2. Cypress Vine (Ipomoea quamoclit)
- Fern-like foliage
- Scarlet star-shaped flowers
- Fast-growing and good in pots
3. Scarlet Runner Bean
- Edible + hummingbird plant
- Constant red flowers ideal for patios
4. Passionflower Vine
- Stunning exotic blooms
- Hummingbirds visit frequently
- Grows well in deep containers
Best Hanging Basket Plants That Attract Hummingbirds
If you want hummingbirds up close, hanging baskets are unbeatable.
Top choices:
- Fuchsia
- Petunia
- Million Bells (Calibrachoa)
- Cuphea
- Impatiens
- Ivy geranium
- Nasturtiums (trailing types)
Position baskets near windows, patios, or porches for perfect viewing.
Coral Honeysuckle | 3 Live Plants | Lonicera Sempervirens | Attracts Hummingbirds, Red Trumpet Flowers, Fast Growing Vines, Low Maintenance, Long Blooming Season, Garden Climbing Vine
- Vibrant Coral Honeysuckle offers stunning tubular blooms, attracting pollinators for a lively garden display from spring to fall
- Low-maintenance Lonicera Sempervirens thrives in various soil types, providing gardeners with a hassle-free climbing vine option
- Perfect for trellises, arbors, and fences, this honeysuckle vine adds vertical interest and beauty to any outdoor space
- Native plant with a fast growth rate, ideal for quickly covering unsightly structures and creating lush, green screens
- Enjoy delightful, fragrant flowers that enhance garden ambiance and create a welcoming atmosphere for outdoor gatherings and relaxation
Seeds Cypress Vine Red Star (Ipomoea Quamoclit) Climbing Annual Flowers for Planting
- Package includes about 50 seeds
- Instructions in English are included
- Season of Interest: Spring, Summer, Autumn
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
- Species: Ipomoea quamoclit; Germanation: 90-95%
Scarlet Runner Bean – 25 Seeds – Heirloom Bean Variety, Non-GMO Runner Bean Seeds for Planting in The Home Garden, Thresh Seed Company
- The Scarlet Runner Bean is a centuries-old bean originally cultivated in the mountains of Central America, but grown in North America since the 1600’s
- This classic runner bean variety produces vigorous, vining plants with profusions of scarlet red blooms that eventually give rise to large green pods. The enclosed seeds are large, flat, and lavender colored with black mottling near the hilum.
- Scarlet Runner Bean plants grow as perennials in frost-free climates but are typically grown as annuals in the north. 65 days to flowering.
- GMO-free, chemical-free seeds; Regularly tested to ensure at least 85% germination
- Durable packet protects seeds from light and moisture, extending the survival of the seeds by years; A great choice for preparedness seed vaults; Resealable zipper tops make for convenient storage and planting
Succulents & Unusual Container Plants Hummingbirds Love
1. Red Yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora)
- Drought tolerant
- Long wands of tubular red flowers
- Excellent for warm, dry climates
2. Aloe (Flowering Species)
Hummingbirds love the orange tube-like blooms.
How to Arrange Potted Plants to Bring More Hummingbirds
1. Create a Hummingbird Feeding Station
Group 5–7 pots together using:
- Red blooms
- Mixed heights
- Constantly blooming species
This acts like a nectar buffet.
2. Use Bright Colors
Place red pots or red ceramic containers to boost attraction.
3. Position Plants at Different Heights
Hummingbirds prefer vertical layers:
- Hanging baskets
- Tabletop pots
- Floor-standing containers
- Trellised vines
4. Keep Pots in Full Sun (When Possible)
More sun = more blooms = more nectar.
5. Add a Water Source
A small mister or fountain bowl on your patio can draw hummingbirds instantly.
6. Combine Plants With Feeders
Place a feeder among your pots using the classic recipe:
- 1 part sugar
- 4 parts water
(no red dye!)
Best Potted Plants for Small Spaces
Even tiny balconies can attract hummingbirds. Try:
- Cuphea
- Mini salvia
- Fuchsia
- Lantana
- Bee balm dwarf series
- Hanging petunia baskets
- Coral bells
- Small trellised cypress vine
Top 20 Potted Plants for Hummingbirds (Quick List)
- Cuphea (Cigar Plant)
- Salvia (annual or perennial)
- Petunia
- Fuchsia
- Zinnia (dwarf types)
- Lantana
- Impatiens
- Bee Balm (compact series)
- Agastache
- Penstemon
- Coral Bells
- Columbine
- Butterfly Bush (dwarf)
- Flowering Currant
- Weigela (dwarf)
- Bottlebrush (small varieties)
- Coral Honeysuckle
- Cypress Vine
- Scarlet Runner Bean
- Passionflower
Conclusion
Potted plants can attract hummingbirds just as effectively as full gardens. With the right mix of salvias, cuphea, fuchsia, petunias, lantana, and hummingbird-friendly shrubs or vines, you can turn any space—balcony, patio, porch, or rooftop—into a hummingbird haven.
Containers also let you control soil, light, and placement, ensuring your plants bloom heavily and provide nectar all season long.