Best Flowers for Hummingbirds
- By -Luis Magee
- Posted on
- Posted in Flowers and plants
When planning a garden that attracts wildlife, focusing on flowers for hummingbirds can create a vibrant and lively environment. Hummingbirds are not only fascinating to watch but also play a crucial role in pollination. By planting specific flowers that these birds love, you can enjoy their presence while supporting local ecosystems. In this guide, we explore the best flowers for hummingbirds, offering insights into their preferences and how to cultivate a garden that invites these tiny avian visitors.

Why Choose Flowers for Hummingbirds?
Selecting flowers specifically to attract hummingbirds benefits both the birds and your garden ecosystem. Hummingbirds rely on nectar as their primary food source, making nectar-rich flowers essential for their survival. Planting these flowers not only provides sustenance but also adds color and beauty to your outdoor space.
Characteristics of Flowers for Hummingbirds
Flowers that attract hummingbirds typically share several characteristics:
- Tubular Shape: Hummingbirds have long bills that can reach deep into tubular flowers to access nectar.
- Bright Colors: Red, orange, and pink flowers are especially attractive to hummingbirds.
- Continuous Blooms: Plants that flower throughout the season provide a reliable food source for these energetic birds.
Top Flowers for Hummingbirds
1. Trumpet Creeper (Campsis Radicans)
Known for its vibrant red, trumpet-shaped flowers, trumpet creeper is a favorite among hummingbirds. This vigorous vine blooms from mid-summer to fall, attracting hummingbirds with its abundant nectar supply.
2. Salvia
Various species of salvia, especially those with tubular flowers like Salvia guaranitica and Salvia elegans (pineapple sage), are excellent choices for hummingbird gardens. They bloom from spring to fall and come in shades of red, purple, and blue.
3. Bee Balm (Monarda)
Bee balm features clusters of red, pink, or purple flowers that hummingbirds adore. This perennial plant blooms from early to mid-summer and is also a favorite of bees and butterflies.
4. Honeysuckle (Lonicera)
Honeysuckle vines produce fragrant, tubular flowers that hummingbirds find irresistible. Varieties like Lonicera sempervirens (coral honeysuckle) bloom from spring to summer, providing a long-lasting nectar source.
5. Penstemon
Penstemons, also known as beardtongues, offer slender, tubular flowers in shades of red, pink, purple, and white. These hardy perennials bloom from spring to summer and attract hummingbirds with their abundant nectar.
Tips for Attracting Hummingbirds
Enhance your garden’s appeal to hummingbirds with these tips:
- Provide Water: A shallow bird bath or fountain can attract hummingbirds for bathing and drinking.
- Plant in Clumps: Grouping flowers together makes it easier for hummingbirds to find and feed.
- Avoid Pesticides: Opt for natural pest control methods to ensure the safety of hummingbirds and other wildlife.
- Maintenance: Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering throughout the season.
Conclusion
By choosing the best flowers for hummingbirds—such as trumpet creeper, salvia, bee balm, honeysuckle, and penstemon—you can create a garden that not only attracts these delightful birds but also enhances your outdoor space with vibrant colors and fragrances. Supporting hummingbirds with nectar-rich blooms is a rewarding way to contribute to local biodiversity and enjoy the beauty of nature up close. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, cultivating a hummingbird-friendly garden is a joyful endeavor that brings life and energy to your surroundings. Start planning your hummingbird garden today and prepare to be amazed by these tiny, iridescent visitors fluttering among your flowers.