10 Best Flowers to Attract Hummingbirds

flowers in vegetable garden

Welcome to our buzzing blog about the best blooms for hummingbirds! If you’re dreaming of turning your garden into a hummingbird hotspot, you’re in the right place. These tiny, vibrant birds love to zip around from flower to flower, and with the right plants, you can watch their dazzling aerobatics right in your backyard.

From the bright splash of a Delphinium to the sweet nectar of a Fuchsia, we’ll guide you through the top flowers that are sure to attract these delightful feathered friends.

So, let’s get ready to plant some hummingbird happiness and bring your garden to life with color and charm!

Flowers for Hummingbirds

Here are some options you can choose from while planting flowers for hummingbirds in your garden.

1. Lantana

flowers that attract hummingbirds

Meet the lantana, a hummingbird favorite that’s not just pretty but also super practical! These tubular blooms come in a vibrant mix of colors, most commonly yellow and purple, making them a delightful spectacle. What’s even better? Deer tend to leave them alone, which means they’re all set for the hummingbirds to enjoy.

Lantanas are tough cookies too—they can handle dry spells like champs, making them super easy to care for.

These colorful, tri-toned beauties are perfect for warmer climates as they thrive in hot, sunny conditions, needing at least six hours of direct sunlight a day.

So, whether you’re looking to add a splash of color or attract some lovely hummingbirds, lantanas are a fantastic choice!

The attraction for the hummingbirds: Colorful red, yellow, hot pink, orange, or white flowers.

2. Delphinium

hummingbird flowers

Calling all hummingbird fans! Meet the Delphinium, also known as Larkspur, a true hummingbird magnet.

Why do hummingbirds love it so much?

Well, these towering beauties burst into a rainbow of colors with their tall flower spikes that are perfect for our little feathered friends who rely on sight to find their food. Imagine a 5-8 foot floral tower filled with delicious, nectar-packed blooms—no hummingbird can resist that!

Delphiniums love the limelight, so plant them where they’ll soak up plenty of sunshine to show off their vibrant colors. Space them about a foot apart to give them room to stretch their roots.

Keep the soil nicely moist, and if you notice the flowers starting to droop, pop a stake next to them to keep them standing tall and ready to charm every hummingbird in the neighborhood.

The attraction for the hummingbirds: Its flashy colors

3. Cardinal Flower

hummingbird plants

Meet the stunning cardinal flower, a hummingbird’s dream come true!

This show-stopper has spikes of brilliant red tubular flowers that are impossible for hummingbirds to ignore. Each flower is cleverly designed to make every hummingbird visit count. Here’s how it works: as the hummingbird dips in for some sweet nectar, the flower’s anther— that’s the part that holds the pollen—gently brushes against the bird’s head. Just like that, voila! The pollen sticks to the hummingbird.

When the visiting hummingbirds zip off to the next flower, they take the pollen along, helping to spread the love from bloom to bloom. It’s nature’s beautiful way of keeping the flowers thriving and the garden lively.

If you want to add some drama and hummingbird action to your garden, the cardinal flower is your go-to!

The attraction for the hummingbirds: Spiked red flowers

4. Sunflower

plants for hummingbirds

Sunflowers are a gardener’s delight and so easy to grow right from seeds! These cheerful giants come in a dazzling array of colors and sizes, with some varieties shooting up from just a foot tall all the way to towering 10 feet!

Not only do they add a burst of joy to any garden, but they also provide essential late-season food for hummingbirds and are a favorite among all pollinators.

To keep your garden buzzing and the hummingbirds fluttering, why not plant several different types of sunflowers?

This way, you’ll have a steady show of blooms throughout the season. So grab some sunflower seeds and start planting them where they get 6-8 hours of direct sunlight for perfect growth.

The attraction for the hummingbirds: Late-season nectar

5. Cardinal Climber

flowers to attract hummingbirds

Cardinal climber flowers are a real treat for any garden, starting their show in midsummer and keeping the blooms coming right up until the first frost. These special flowers tuck themselves in at night, closing up until the morning light.

They’re not just pretty to look at; they’re also nectar powerhouses, making them perfect for attracting hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies to your yard.

Planting some cardinal climbers is a fantastic way to keep your garden lively and buzzing with activity. Their abundant nectar will ensure your garden is a popular spot for these delightful visitors all season long.

Get ready to enjoy the vibrant dance of colors and wings that these nectar rich flowers bring to the scene!

The attraction for the hummingbirds: A great source of nectar

6. Fuchsia

flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies

Fuchsias are a hummingbird’s delight as they are stunning with two-tone colors. While you can plant fuchsias directly in your garden, they really shine when displayed in hanging baskets, adding a burst of vibrant color from above.

These plants thrive in temperature between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.So, if you want to keep those lovely blooms coming, make sure they’re cool and comfy!

With just a little care, your fuchsias will be the talk of the neighborhood—and a favorite stop for visiting hummingbirds!

The attraction for the hummingbirds: Vibrant colours

7. Butterfly Bush

plants that attract hummingbirds and butterflies

Meet the butterfly bush, a real showstopper in any garden that’s not only a magnet for butterflies but also a favorite among hummingbirds, thanks to its large, fragrant flowers.

This robust perennial can soar to heights between five and twelve feet and spread out four to fifteen feet, making a statement wherever it grows. The blossoms come in a beautiful array of colors, with pink, purple, red, and white being especially eye-catching.

From the warm days of June or July right through to fall, the butterfly bush delights with a long season of blooming.

The attraction for the hummingbirds: Stunning appearance

8. Rose of Sharon

hummingbirds favorite flowers

Despite its name, Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) isn’t actually a rose, but it’s just as captivating!

This plant is beloved for its large, flat blossoms which come in a palette of colors including white, pink, purple, and red. These vibrant flowers do more than just beautify your garden; they’re a magnet for hummingbirds thanks to their sweet nectar.

Plus, the tiny insects that these birds feast on are also drawn to the blooms, making it a perfect pit stop for your feathered friends.

As they are filled with nectar, they really turn into a magnet for the hummingbirds.

The attraction for the hummingbirds: A great source of food

9. Zinnia

hummingbird flower

Zinnias are a breeze to grow and are among the most delightful annual flowers you can add to your garden.

Their vivid, cheerful colors not only brighten up any space but also attract hummingbirds and a host of other pollinators.

These bright blooms are a surefire way to add a splash of color and life to your garden while inviting the charming sight of hummingbirds darting in and out.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, zinnias offer a low-maintenance and rewarding gardening experience.

The attraction for the hummingbirds: rich in nectar

10. Foxglove

hummingbird favorite flowers

Foxglove, with its elegant tubular flowers, is like a natural drinking fountain for hummingbirds! These flowers are not only beautiful but perfectly shaped for hummingbirds to sip their nectar.

Although foxglove is a biennial plant, meaning it completes its life cycle over two years and only flowers in the second year, it can self-seed, potentially providing continuous blooms in your garden over time.

Growing foxglove is straightforward, and these plants can reach impressive heights of up to 5 feet.

Just plant it, let it grow, and watch as it brings beauty and buzzing life to your outdoor space!

The attraction for the hummingbirds: A great food source

Conclusion 

And there you have it, a rainbow of options to transform your garden into a hummingbird paradise!

With everything from the sky-high sunflowers to the nectar-packed fuchsias, your garden is set to become the go-to spot for these delightful little flyers.

Imagine your yard alive with the fluttering of wings and the vibrant splash of colorful blooms – it’s like hosting a nature party right in your backyard! Not only will you enjoy the beautiful blooms, but you’ll also have the joy of watching hummingbirds dance from flower to flower.

Johan Perez
Johan Perez is an experienced agriculturalist with over twenty years in the field. He holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences and has contributed extensively to research on sustainable farming practices. Johan has also written for numerous agricultural periodicals, offering expert advice on farming technologies and methods. In his free time, he enjoys outdoor adventures, which often inform his professional insights into ecological agriculture.

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