The Best Annuals to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Garden

Are you looking to add some color and life to your garden while also attracting hummingbirds? Look no further than annuals! These vibrant flowers not only provide a visual feast for the eyes but also serve as a tasty treat for hummingbirds. From brightly colored zinnias to delicate petunias, there are plenty of options to choose from. In this blog post, we'll explore the best annuals to attract hummingbirds to your garden.

Why Annuals?

While perennials may seem like the obvious choice for attracting hummingbirds, annuals actually have several advantages. For one, they tend to bloom longer and more consistently than perennials, providing a steady source of nectar throughout the season. Additionally, many annuals have bright, bold colors that are especially attractive to hummingbirds. And because annuals are often cheaper and easier to grow than perennials, they can be a great option for beginners or those on a tight budget.

Section 1: Zinnias

When it comes to attracting hummingbirds, zinnias are a surefire winner. These hardy annuals come in a variety of colors, including red, pink, orange, yellow, and white, making them an eye-catching addition to any garden. They also bloom continuously throughout the summer and fall, providing a steady source of nectar for hummingbirds. To make your zinnias even more attractive to these little birds, try planting them in clusters or drifts.

How to Grow Zinnias

Zinnias are easy to grow from seed and can be ed indoors or directly sown in your garden. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil, and should be watered regularly. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage new growth and prolong the blooming season.

Section 2: Petunias

Petunias may be delicate in appearance, but they're actually quite hardy and can withstand hot, dry conditions. Their trumpet-shaped blooms come in a range of colors, including pink, purple, red, and white, and are especially attractive to hummingbirds. Because petunias bloom continuously throughout the summer, they make a great addition to any hummingbird-friendly garden.

How to Grow Petunias

Petunias can be grown from seed or purchased as er plants. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil, and should be watered regularly. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage new growth and prolong the blooming season.

Section 3: Salvia

Salvia, also known as sage, is a popular herb that also happens to be a hummingbird magnet. Its spiky flowers come in shades of blue, purple, pink, and red, and bloom from early summer through fall. Salvia is also drought-tolerant, making it an ideal choice for hot, dry climates.

How to Grow Salvia

Salvia prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It can be ed from seed or purchased as er plants. Water regularly, but avoid over-watering, as this can cause root rot. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage new growth and prolong the blooming season.

Section 4: Lantana

Lantana is a versatile plant that comes in a variety of colors, including red, pink, orange, yellow, and white. Its clusters of tiny flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds, as well as butterflies and bees. Lantana blooms continuously from early summer through fall, making it a great choice for attracting hummingbirds to your garden.

How to Grow Lantana

Lantana prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It can be propagated from cuttings or ed from seed. Water regularly, but avoid over-watering, as this can cause root rot. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage new growth and prolong the blooming season.

Section 5: Fuchsia

Fuchsia is a stunning plant with delicate, pendulous flowers that come in shades of pink, purple, and red. Hummingbirds are especially drawn to fuchsia's long, tubular blooms, which provide a perfect place to feed. Fuchsia typically blooms from mid-summer through fall.

How to Grow Fuchsia

Fuchsia prefers partial shade and well-draining soil. It can be grown from cuttings or purchased as er plants. Water regularly, but avoid over-watering, as this can cause root rot. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage new growth and prolong the blooming season.

Section 6: Impatiens

Impatiens, also known as busy lizzies, are a popular annual that come in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, red, and white. Their colorful, flat-faced blooms provide an excellent landing pad for hummingbirds, who love to perch while they feed. Impatiens bloom continuously throughout the growing season.

How to Grow Impatiens

Impatiens prefer partial shade and well-draining soil. They can be ed from seed or purchased as er plants. Water regularly, but avoid over-watering, as this can cause root rot. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage new growth and prolong the blooming season.

Section 7: Cuphea

Cuphea is a lesser-known annual with small, tubular flowers that come in shades of red, pink, and purple. While cuphea may not be as showy as some other annuals, it's a favorite of hummingbirds, who love to feed on its nectar-rich blooms. Cuphea typically blooms from mid-summer through fall.

How to Grow Cuphea

Cuphea prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It can be ed from seed or purchased as er plants. Water regularly, but avoid over-watering, as this can cause root rot. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage new growth and prolong the blooming season.

Section 8: Bee Balm

Bee balm, also known as monarda, is a hardy perennial that attracts not only bees but also hummingbirds. Its brightly colored, tubular flowers come in shades of red, pink, and purple, and bloom from mid-summer through early fall. While bee balm isn't technically an annual, it's worth including on this list because of its ability to attract hummingbirds.

How to Grow Bee Balm

Bee balm prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. It can be propagated from cuttings or purchased as er plants. Water regularly, but avoid over-watering, as this can cause root rot. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage new growth and prolong the blooming season.

Section 9: Nicotiana

Nicotiana, also known as flowering tobacco, is a fragrant annual that produces trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of pink, white, and lavender. Its nectar-rich blooms are a favorite of hummingbirds, who love to feed on them during the evening hours. Nicotiana typically blooms from mid-summer through fall.

How to Grow Nicotiana

Nicotiana prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. It can be ed from seed or purchased as er plants. Water regularly, but avoid over-watering, as this can cause root rot. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage new growth and prolong the blooming season.

Section 10: Cosmos

Cosmos is a cheerful annual that comes in shades of pink, white, and orange. Its daisy-like flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds, who love to feed on their nectar-rich centers. Cosmos bloom continuously throughout the summer and fall.

How to Grow Cosmos

Cosmos prefer full sun and well-draining soil. They can be ed from seed or purchased as er plants. Water regularly, but avoid over-watering, as this can cause root rot. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage new growth and prolong the blooming season.

Section 11: Lobelia

Lobelia is a low-growing annual with delicate, bell-shaped flowers in shades of blue, purple, and red. Its nectar-rich blooms are a favorite of hummingbirds, who love to feed on them from mid-summer through fall.

How to Grow Lobelia

Lobelia prefers partial shade and well-draining soil. It can be ed from seed or purchased as er plants. Water regularly, but avoid over-watering, as this can cause root rot. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage new growth and prolong the blooming season.

Section 12: Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are a popular annual with bright, cheerful blooms in shades of yellow, orange, and red. Their nectar-rich flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds, who love to feed on them throughout the summer.

How to Grow Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums prefer full sun and well-draining soil. They can be ed from seed or purchased as er plants. Water regularly, but avoid over-watering, as this can cause root rot. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage new growth and prolong the blooming season.

Section 13: Marigolds

Marigolds are a classic annual with bright, cheerful blooms in shades of yellow, orange, and red. Their nectar-rich flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds, who love to feed on them throughout the summer.

How to Grow Marigolds

Marigolds prefer full sun and well-draining soil. They can be ed from seed or purchased as er plants. Water regularly, but avoid over-watering, as this can cause root rot. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage new growth and prolong the blooming season.

Section 14: Verbena

Verbena is a hardy annual with small, delicate flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white. Its nectar-rich blooms are a favorite of hummingbirds, who love to feed on them throughout the summer.

How to Grow Verbena

Verbena prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It can be ed from seed or purchased as er plants. Water regularly, but avoid over-watering, as this can cause root rot. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage new growth and prolong the blooming season.

Section 15: Black-Eyed Susan

Black-eyed Susan is a beloved perennial with daisy-like blooms in shades of yellow and orange. While it's not technically an annual, it's worth including on this list because of its ability to attract hummingbirds.

How to Grow Black-Eyed Susan

Black-eyed Susan prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It can be propagated from seed or purchased as er plants. Water regularly, but avoid over-watering, as this can cause root rot. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage new growth and prolong the blooming season.


There you have it - 15 beautiful annuals that are sure to attract hummingbirds to your garden! Whether you prefer bold and showy blooms or delicate and fragrant flowers, there's an annual on this list that's perfect for you. By planting these hummingbird-friendly flowers, you'll be able to enjoy the sight of these beautiful birds up close all season long.

FAQs

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

Hummingbirds are most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours. However, they can be seen throughout the day, especially if there are plenty of flowers to feed on.

2. What other plants besides annuals can I plant to attract hummingbirds?

In addition to annuals, perennials such as bee balm, coneflower, and cardinal flower are also great options for attracting hummingbirds.

3. Do I need a special feeder to attract hummingbirds?

While hummingbird feeders can be a great way to supplement the nectar in your garden, they're not strictly necessary. Planting a variety of hummingbird-friendly flowers is usually enough to attract these little birds.

4. Can I plant annuals in containers?

Yes, many annuals can be grown in containers. Just be sure to choose a container that's large enough for the plant's root system and provide plenty of water and nutrients.

5. Can I attract hummingbirds to my garden if I live in a cold climate?

While it may be more challenging to attract hummingbirds in colder climates, there are still several options available. Consider planting cold-hardy annuals such as pansies, snapdragons, and violas, or perennials such as columbine and bleeding heart.