Potted Plants That Attract Hummingbirds

Do you love seeing hummingbirds fluttering around your garden? If so, you might be interested in planting some potted plants that are known to attract these beautiful birds. Not only will you enjoy the colorful blooms and foliage of these plants, but you'll also have the opportunity to observe these tiny creatures up close.

In this blog post, we'll discuss 15 different potted plants that are popular among hummingbirds. Each plant has its own unique characteristics, so you're sure to find one that suits your taste and growing conditions.

The Top 15 Potted Plants for Hummingbirds

1. Salvia

Salvia, also known as sage, is a perennial herb that produces tall spikes of flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, and red. Hummingbirds are drawn to the tubular shape of the blooms, which provide easy access to nectar. Salvia is easy to grow in pots and prefers full sun to partial shade.

Caring for Salvia

Salvia thrives in well-draining soil and requires regular watering. Be sure to cut back the stems after blooming to encourage new growth.

2. Fuchsia

Fuchsia is a popular choice for hanging baskets and containers due to its trailing habit and brightly colored flowers. The tubular blooms are a favorite of hummingbirds, who love to hover near the plant and sip nectar. Fuchsia does well in partial shade and prefers moist soil.

Caring for Fuchsia

Fuchsia requires frequent watering and benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. Be sure to pinch back the tips of the stems to encourage bushier growth.

3. Bee Balm

Bee balm, also known as Monarda, is a perennial plant with colorful blooms in shades of pink, purple, and red. The tubular flowers are irresistible to hummingbirds, who love to hover near the plant and sip nectar. Bee balm prefers full sun to partial shade and moist soil.

Caring for Bee Balm

Bee balm requires regular watering and benefits from deadheading after blooming to encourage new growth. It's also prone to mildew, so be sure to provide good air circulation around the plant.

4. Cardinal Flower

The bright red flowers of the Cardinal flower are a favorite of hummingbirds, who are attracted to the tube-shaped blooms. This native perennial does well in pots and prefers moist soil and partial shade.

Caring for Cardinal Flower

Cardinal flower requires frequent watering and benefits from fertilization during the growing season. Be sure to cut back the stems after blooming to encourage new growth.

5. Petunia

Petunias are popular annuals that produce a profusion of colorful blooms throughout the summer. Hummingbirds are attracted to the trumpet-shaped flowers, which provide easy access to nectar. Petunias prefer full sun and well-draining soil.

Caring for Petunia

Petunias require regular watering and benefit from deadheading to encourage continuous blooming. Fertilize every two weeks during the growing season.

6. Lobelia

Lobelia is a low-growing annual or perennial with delicate blue, white, or pink flowers. Hummingbirds are drawn to the tubular shape of the blooms, which provide easy access to nectar. Lobelia prefers partial shade and moist soil.

Caring for Lobelia

Lobelia requires frequent watering and benefits from deadheading after blooming to encourage new growth. It's also prone to root rot, so be sure not to overwater.

7. Lantana

Lantana is a colorful shrub that produces clusters of small flowers in shades of yellow, orange, pink, and red. Hummingbirds are drawn to the sweet nectar of the blooms, which have a pleasant fragrance. Lantana prefers full sun and well-draining soil.

Caring for Lantana

Lantana requires regular watering and benefits from pruning to maintain its shape. It's also important to note that some species of Lantana can be toxic to pets, so be sure to choose a non-toxic variety.

8. Penstemon

Penstemon is a perennial plant with tall spikes of tubular flowers in shades of purple, pink, and red. Hummingbirds are attracted to the nectar-rich blooms, which provide a good source of food. Penstemon prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.

Caring for Penstemon

Penstemon requires regular watering and benefits from deadheading after blooming to encourage new growth. Cut back the stems in the fall to prepare for winter.

9. Trumpet Vine

Trumpet vine is a vigorous climber with bright orange or red trumpet-shaped flowers. Hummingbirds love to feed on the nectar inside the blooms, which are produced in abundance throughout the summer. Trumpet vine prefers full sun and well-draining soil.

Caring for Trumpet Vine

Trumpet vine requires frequent watering and benefits from pruning to control its growth. It's also important to note that trumpet vine can be invasive in some areas, so be sure to check for local regulations before planting.

10. Cuphea

Cuphea, also known as cigar plant, is a small shrub with tubular flowers in shades of red, pink, and purple. Hummingbirds are attracted to the nectar-rich blooms, which have a pleasant fragrance. Cuphea prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.

Caring for Cuphea

Cuphea requires regular watering and benefits from deadheading after blooming to encourage new growth. Fertilize every two weeks during the growing season.

11. Verbena

Verbena is an annual or perennial plant with clusters of small flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white. Hummingbirds are drawn to the sweet nectar of the blooms, which provide a good source of food. Verbena prefers full sun and well-draining soil.

Caring for Verbena

Verbena requires regular watering and benefits from deadheading to encourage continuous blooming. Fertilize every two weeks during the growing season.

12. Zinnia

Zinnias are popular annuals that produce large, colorful blooms throughout the summer. Hummingbirds are attracted to the flat, daisy-like flowers, which provide easy access to nectar. Zinnias prefer full sun and well-draining soil.

Caring for Zinnia

Zinnias require regular watering and benefit from deadheading to encourage continuous blooming. Fertilize every two weeks during the growing season.

13. Impatiens

Impatiens is a popular annual that produces colorful blooms in shades of pink, red, and white. Hummingbirds are attracted to the tubular flowers, which provide easy access to nectar. Impatiens prefers partial shade and well-draining soil.

Caring for Impatiens

Impatiens requires frequent watering and benefits from deadheading to encourage continuous blooming. Fertilize every two weeks during the growing season.

14. Mandevilla

Mandevilla is a tropical vine that produces large, showy blooms in shades of pink, red, and white. Hummingbirds are attracted to the nectar-rich flowers, which have a pleasant fragrance. Mandevilla prefers full sun and well-draining soil.

Caring for Mandevilla

Mandevilla requires frequent watering and benefits from pruning to control its growth. It's also important to note that mandevilla is not cold-hardy and should be brought indoors during the winter.

15. Geranium

Geraniums are popular annuals that produce clusters of colorful blooms throughout the summer. Hummingbirds are drawn to the trumpet-shaped flowers, which provide easy access to nectar. Geraniums prefer full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.

Caring for Geranium

Geraniums require regular watering and benefit from deadheading to encourage continuous blooming. Fertilize every two weeks during the growing season.

By planting potted plants that attract hummingbirds, you can create a beautiful, bird-friendly garden that provides hours of enjoyment. Whether you prefer vibrant annuals or low-maintenance perennials, there's sure to be a plant on this list that meets your needs.

FAQs

1. What is the best time of day to attract hummingbirds?

Hummingbirds are most active during the early morning and late afternoon, so try to plant your potted plants in an area that receives plenty of sunlight during these times.

2. How do I keep my potted plants healthy?

Be sure to water your potted plants regularly and provide them with the appropriate amount of fertilizer. You should also monitor for pests and diseases and take action if necessary.

3. Can I plant multiple types of potted plants together?

Yes, you can mix and match different types of potted plants to create a diverse and colorful garden. Just be sure to choose plants that have similar growing requirements.

4. Do I need to deadhead my plants?

Deadheading is recommended for many of the plants on this list, as it encourages new growth and continuous blooming. However, not all plants require deadheading, so be sure to research the specific needs of each plant.

5. What should I do if I see a sick or injured hummingbird?

If you encounter a sick or injured hummingbird, contact your local wildlife rehabilitation center for assistance. Do not attempt to handle the bird yourself.