Top 15 Plants for Attracting Hummingbirds to Your Garden

Why Attracting Hummingbirds is Important

Hummingbirds are one of nature's most fascinating creatures. They're tiny, quick, and incredibly beautiful. But did you know that they also play an important role in our ecosystem? Hummingbirds are pollinators that help to spread pollen from flower to flower, which is essential for many plant species to reproduce.

If you want to attract hummingbirds to your garden, one of the best ways to do so is by planting the right kind of flowers. In this blog post, we'll explore the top 15 plants that are known to attract hummingbirds. We'll also discuss why these plants are so effective, and how you can care for them to ensure they thrive in your garden.

The Top 15 Plants for Attracting Hummingbirds

1. Bee Balm (Monarda)

Bee balm is a popular choice for attracting hummingbirds because it produces bright red or pink flowers that are rich in nectar. In addition to being attractive to hummingbirds, bee balm is also a favorite of bees and butterflies. This plant prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

How to Grow Bee Balm

To grow bee balm, by choosing a site that receives plenty of sunlight. The soil should be well-draining, as this plant doesn't like to sit in soggy soil. Plant bee balm in the spring or fall, and water it regularly until it's established. In the summer, be sure to deadhead the spent flowers to encourage more blooms.

2. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

The cardinal flower is a stunning plant that produces bright red flowers that are irresistible to hummingbirds. This plant prefers moist soil and partial shade, making it an ideal choice for gardens with damp or shady spots.

How to Grow Cardinal Flower

To grow cardinal flower, choose a spot in your garden that receives partial shade and has moist soil. Plant the seeds in the spring, and water regularly until the plant is established. Be sure to provide support for the tall stems, as they can easily flop over without it.

3. Coral Bells (Heuchera sanguinea)

Coral bells are a low-growing plant that produces delicate, bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. These flowers are rich in nectar, making them a favorite of hummingbirds. Coral bells prefer partial shade and well-drained soil.

How to Grow Coral Bells

To grow coral bells, choose a site in your garden that receives partial shade and has well-draining soil. Plant the seeds in the spring or fall, and water regularly until the plant is established. Be sure to deadhead the spent flowers to encourage more blooms.

4. Firecracker Plant (Russelia equisetiformis)

The firecracker plant is a unique-looking plant that produces long, tubular flowers in shades of red, orange, and yellow. These flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds, who love to sip nectar from their long tubes. The firecracker plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

How to Grow Firecracker Plant

To grow firecracker plant, choose a site in your garden that receives full sun and has well-draining soil. Plant the seeds in the spring, and water regularly until the plant is established. Be sure to provide support for the long stems, as they can easily flop over without it.

5. Fuchsia (Fuchsia x hybrida)

Fuchsia is a popular choice for attracting hummingbirds because it produces bright, showy flowers in shades of pink, red, and purple. These flowers are rich in nectar and have a unique, bell-like shape that hummingbirds find irresistible. Fuchsia prefers partial shade and moist soil.

How to Grow Fuchsia

To grow fuchsia, choose a site in your garden that receives partial shade and has moist soil. Plant the seeds in the spring or fall, and water regularly until the plant is established. Be sure to deadhead the spent flowers to encourage more blooms.

6. Hollyhock (Alcea rosea)

Hollyhocks are tall, stately plants that produce large, showy flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. These flowers are rich in nectar and attract a variety of pollinators, including hummingbirds. Hollyhocks prefer full sun and well-drained soil.

How to Grow Hollyhock

To grow hollyhock, choose a site in your garden that receives full sun and has well-draining soil. Plant the seeds in the spring, and water regularly until the plant is established. Be sure to provide support for the tall stems, as they can easily flop over without it.

7. Impatiens (Impatiens walleriana)

Impatiens are a popular choice for attracting hummingbirds because they produce bright, showy flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. These flowers are rich in nectar and bloom all summer long. Impatiens prefer partial shade and moist soil.

How to Grow Impatiens

To grow impatiens, choose a site in your garden that receives partial shade and has moist soil. Plant the seeds in the spring or fall, and water regularly until the plant is established. Be sure to deadhead the spent flowers to encourage more blooms.

8. Lantana (Lantana camara)

Lantana is a hardy plant that produces clusters of small, brightly colored flowers in shades of red, orange, yellow, and pink. These flowers are rich in nectar and attract a variety of pollinators, including hummingbirds. Lantana prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

How to Grow Lantana

To grow lantana, choose a site in your garden that receives full sun and has well-draining soil. Plant the seeds in the spring or fall, and water regularly until the plant is established. Be sure to deadhead the spent flowers to encourage more blooms.

9. Penstemon (Penstemon spp.)

Penstemon is a group of plants that produce tubular flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, and red. These flowers are rich in nectar and attract hummingbirds and other pollinators. Penstemon prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

How to Grow Penstemon

To grow penstemon, choose a site in your garden that receives full sun and has well-draining soil. Plant the seeds in the spring or fall, and water regularly until the plant is established. Be sure to deadhead the spent flowers to encourage more blooms.

10. Petunia (Petunia x hybrida)

Petunias are a popular choice for attracting hummingbirds because they produce bright, showy flowers in shades of pink, red, and purple. These flowers are rich in nectar and bloom all summer long. Petunias prefer full sun and well-drained soil.

How to Grow Petunia

To grow petunia, choose a site in your garden that receives full sun and has well-draining soil. Plant the seeds in the spring or fall, and water regularly until the plant is established. Be sure to deadhead the spent flowers to encourage more blooms.

11. Salvia (Salvia spp.)

Salvia is a group of plants that produce spiky flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white. These flowers are rich in nectar and attract hummingbirds and other pollinators. Salvia prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

How to Grow Salvia

To grow salvia, choose a site in your garden that receives full sun and has well-draining soil. Plant the seeds in the spring or fall, and water regularly until the plant is established. Be sure to deadhead the spent flowers to encourage more blooms.

12. Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)

Trumpet vine is a fast-growing plant that produces large, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of orange and red. These flowers are rich in nectar and attract hummingbirds and other pollinators. Trumpet vine prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

How to Grow Trumpet Vine

To grow trumpet vine, choose a site in your garden that receives full sun and has well-draining soil. Plant the seeds in the spring or fall, and water regularly until the plant is established. Be sure to provide support for the long stems, as they can easily flop over without it.

13. Verbena (Verbena spp.)

Verbena is a group of plants that produce small, brightly colored flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white. These flowers are rich in nectar and attract hummingbirds and other pollinators. Verbena prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

How to Grow Verbena

To grow verbena, choose a site in your garden that receives full sun and has well-draining soil. Plant the seeds in the spring or fall, and water regularly until the plant is established. Be sure to deadhead the spent flowers to encourage more blooms.

14. Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)

Zinnias are a popular choice for attracting hummingbirds because they produce bright, showy flowers in shades of pink, red, orange, yellow, and white. These flowers are rich in nectar and bloom all summer long. Zinnias prefer full sun and well-drained soil.

How to Grow Zinnia

To grow zinnia, choose a site in your garden that receives full sun and has well-draining soil. Plant the seeds in the spring or fall, and water regularly until the plant is established. Be sure to deadhead the spent flowers to encourage more blooms.

15. Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii)

Butterfly bush is a large shrub that produces long, cone-shaped clusters of small, fragrant flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white. These flowers are rich in nectar and attract a variety of pollinators, including hummingbirds. Butterfly bush prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

How to Grow Butterfly Bush

To grow butterfly bush, choose a site in your garden that receives full sun and has well-draining soil. Plant the seeds in the spring or fall, and water regularly until the plant is established. Be sure to prune the shrub back in the winter to encourage new growth in the spring.

Attracting Hummingbirds to Your Garden

If you want to attract hummingbirds to your garden, planting the right kind of flowers is essential. By choosing plants that are rich in nectar and have brightly colored blooms, you can create a space that's irresistible to these beautiful birds. Remember to provide plenty of water and shelter, and to avoid using pesticides or other chemicals that could harm your feathered friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know if a plant is good for attracting hummingbirds?

A: Look for plants with bright, showy flowers in shades of red, pink, and purple. These colors are known to attract hummingbirds, as they resemble the color of their favorite food - nectar.

Q: Do I need to have a lot of space to attract hummingbirds to my garden?

A: Not necessarily. You can attract hummingbirds even if you only have a small balcony or patio. Just be sure to choose plants that are appropriate for your space, and to provide plenty of water and shelter.

Q: Can I use artificial nectar to attract hummingbirds?

A: While it's possible to use artificial nectar to attract hummingbirds, it's not recommended. Artificial nectar may contain harmful additives or preservatives, and it doesn't provide the same nutritional value as natural nectar.

Q: What should I do if I see a hummingbird in my garden?

A: Enjoy the sight! Hummingbirds are fascinating creatures, and watching them feed on nectar can be a real treat. Just remember to give them plenty of space and avoid disturbing them.

Q: How often should I water my hummingbird-friendly plants?

A: It depends on the plant and your climate. In general, most hummingbird-friendly plants prefer moist soil but don't like to sit in standing water. Water deeply once or twice a week, or as needed to keep the soil evenly moist.