“What flowers attract hummingbirds?”
Trying to sort through hundreds of potential flowers that hummingbirds (might) like can get frustrating and time-consuming. So after many hours and hours of research, I thought it would be worthwhile to share some of the best flowers that I use or have come across that attract hummingbirds.
In general, here are some traits that make a great hummingbird flower:
- LOTS of nectar for the hummingbirds to eat.
- Tubular-shaped flowers, which don’t allow other pollinators, like bees and butterflies, to access the nectar.
- The color of RED. Hummingbirds are most attracted to red flowers.
- NATIVE to North America.
You will notice a USDA Hardiness Zone listed for each hummingbird flower in the article. This refers to areas of the United States where plants do best, based on temperature.
Making sure your hummingbird flowers are appropriate for YOUR hardiness zones is extremely important! And it’s the reason that a hummingbird garden in Alabama or California will look completely different than the hummingbird habitat I have created in my backyard in Ohio.
32 Kinds of Hummingbird Flowers:
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#1. Trumpet Vine (Also called Trumpet Creeper)
- Campsisradicans
Growing Information:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Size: Vines can climb up to 40 feet high
- Bloom Time: July-September
- Light Requirements: Full to partial sun
Trumpet Vine is a perfect hummingbird flower (it’s even commonly referred to as “hummingbird vine”), as it features long, tubular, bright flowers with lots of nectar.
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It’s native to the southeast United States but is easy to grow in most of the country. And I do mean GROW. It has a reputation for growing like crazy, and I can second that with my first-hand experience. It needs to be trimmed regularly, or it will take over an entire area. The vine gets so big that many birds will even nest in its dense foliage!
It is widely available, and I can always find Trumpet Vine at my local garden centers. Typically, it takes a year or two after planting to get bright and beautiful flowers.
#2. Trumpet Honeysuckle
- Lonicera sempervirens
Growing Information:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Size: 15 feet tall x 6 feet wide (climbing)
- Bloom Time: May-June
- Light Requirements: Full to partial sun
Native to the eastern United States, Trumpet Honeysuckle is a favorite of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. These birds love the bright clusters of red and orange tubular flowers.
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It has similar features to the Trumpet Vine, and many people get the two mixed up. However, abenefit of the Trumpet Honeysuckle is that it’s not as aggressive and does not get as big as the Trumpet Vine. Because of this, Trumpet Honeysuckle may fit better in your hummingbird garden.
#3. Red Cardinal Flower
- Lobelia cardinalis
Growing Information:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Size: ~ 3 feet tall
- Bloom Time: July-September
- Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
The Red Cardinal Flower is an excellent addition to any backyard hummingbird flower garden. I love that it’s native to almost the entire lower 48 states and eastern Canada.
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It’s gorgeous when in bloom, providing vibrant red tubular flowers. The flowers are too long for most insects, and the Red Cardinal Flower relies on attracting hummingbirds for pollination.
It grows best when not in full sun and likes moisture. Inthe wild, you’re most likely to see Red Cardinal Flowers on shady stream banks in late summer!
#4. Bee Balm
- Monarda
Growing Information:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Size: 3-4 feet tall, up to 3 feet wide (depends on which cultivar selected)
- Bloom Time: July-September
- Light Requirements: Full Sun, but also does well with a bit of shade
Bee Balm is a smaller perennial flower. Hummingbirds, along with bees and butterflies, love visiting these plants to get nectar. There are Bee Balm species native to nearly every part of North America.
There are over 50 cultivars commercially available, representing many different colors. Some are mildew resistant, and certain ones will be better for your region than others, so please check the hardiness zone and do your research.
Other common names for Bee Balm include monarda, horsemint, oswego tea, and bergamot.
This plant is easy to grow, deer resistant, and drought-resistant! And as a bonus, Bee Balm is also great for attracting butterflies!
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#5. Sage (Salvia)
- Salvia spp.
Growing Information:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 10 (varies by species)
- Life Cycle: Most are perennial, but annual varieties are also available.
- Approximate Mature Size: Wide size range between different species; from 6 inches to 3 feet tall.
- Bloom Time: April-September
- Light Requirements: Full Sun
Sage has it all; it’s easy to grow, looks great in your garden, attracts hummingbirds, and the leaves can even be eaten!
Sage is the common name of any plant under the genus Salvia. So, unfortunately, it’s going to be hard to give a lot of specific details about which Sage flower would do best in your backyard because there are hundreds of different species, along with many more cultivars that grow well in hummingbird gardens all across the country.
Sage comes in all different sizes and colors. Some are annual, some perennial. Many are native to the Americas, but the most common,Salvia officinalis (Common Sage), originates from the Mediterranean. It’s so common that it’s considered naturalized in North America.
One thing most variations of Sage have in common is they have spikes of tubular flowers. And these flowers are great for attracting hummingbirds, along with other pollinator insects, bees, moths, and butterflies.
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My advice is to do some more research or speak to your local nursery and find a variety that will do well where you live. Luckily, Salvia is VERY COMMON at garden centers.
#6. Rhododendron
- Rhodendron spp.
Growing Information:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-8
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Size: Up to 10 feet tall and 10 feet wide if not pruned.
- Bloom Time: April-June
- Light Requirements: Part Shade. Typically the more moisture provided, the more sun it can handle.
If you have ever seen a Rhododendron in full bloom at the end of May, you will agree that its display is stunning. You can’t blame hummingbirds for being attracted to their vibrant pink flowers.
Over a thousand different species of Rhododendron have been identified, with the majority of them originating from Asia. These plants are very common at garden centers and decorate many lawns across North America.
If possible, try to find a Rhododendron species that is native to North America.
The Catawba Rhododendron (Rhododendron catawbiense) is native to the eastern United States, and is commonly referred to as Catawba rosebay,Catawba rhododendron,mountain rosebay,purple ivy, purple laurel, purple Rhododendron,red laurel,rosebay, orrosebay laurel.
It has beautiful, dark green foliage all year, and hummingbirds will love the gorgeous pink flowers each May. It’s also incredibly hardy and can survive cold winters.
#7. Lupine
- Lupinus
Growing Information:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9
- Life Cycle: Perennial (some Annual)
- Approximate Mature Size: Too many variations to list, but the average is 3 feet tall and wide.
- Bloom Time: Depends on zone and variety, but typically May-July.
- Light Requirements: Sun to Part Shade
Lupine features beautiful, long spikes of flowers. There are many different species and cultivars available, and hummingbirds like them all.
They come in all sizes, so there should be some sort of Lupine that fits your hummingbird flower garden perfectly. The most common colors of Lupine blooms are blue, purple, pink, and white.
Lupine makes an excellent neighbor to other plants that require nitrogen-rich soil. It increases the nitrogen in the ground, making the soil a better environment for other plants!
In the US, the species that tend to grow best are wild lupine, garden lupine, silvery lupine, and Texas Bluebonnet. Check with your local nursery to find out which one is easiest to grow in your area!
#8. Columbine
- Aquilegia
Growing Information:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Size: ~3 feet tall
- Bloom Time: May
- Light Requirements: Grows well in the shade. If full sun, provide lots of moisture.
Columbine flowers refer to any species from the genus Aquilegia, many of which are native to North America.
I love the unique look of Columbine, and luckily so do hummingbirds! Its pretty flowers typically bloom in May, right when hummingbirds are making their way back north, so this may be the first plant that you see hummers visiting each spring.
It’s interesting to note that insects have difficulty accessing the nectar, so hummingbirds should have this flower all to themselves.
There are many species and hybrids of Columbine available. Make sure to choose a species that’s native to your area for the best results!
#9. Lily
- Hemerocallis spp.
Growing Information:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 5b to 9
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Size: 3 to 8 feet tall
- Bloom Time: June-August, depending on species and location
- Light Requirements: Full sun
Lilies are show stoppers in your backyard garden, and it’s just a bonus that hummingbirds are also attracted to their flowers.
There are too many species of lilies to count, but true lilies (Genus Lilium) are typically defined by large, beautiful flowers that grow from bulbs. The most common species of Lily in the eastern United States is Canada Lily, and in the western United States, you’re most likely to see the Columbia Lily.
Typically, Canada Lilies have pinkish-orange blooms that droop downward. Plants can have as many as 20 blooms apiece, making them a perfect choice if you like a lot of color in your garden!
Columbia Lilies are also called tiger lilies, and they have bright orange flowers with spotted petals. As the flowers open, their petals curl back toward the base of the flower, giving the appearance of a gift bow.
In addition to hummingbirds, you can expect to see large butterflies and pollinator bees visiting your lily plants.
#10. Indian Pink (aka Woodland Pinkroot)
- Spigelia marilandica
Growing Information:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 5b to 9
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Size: 1 to 2 feet tall
- Bloom Time: June
- Light Requirements: Partial to Full Shade
Indian Pink has beautiful deep red buds that open to bright yellow, 5-pointed flowers. They’re perfect for areas with partial shade and moist soil.
This gorgeous species is definitely one of the BEST hummingbird flowers you can plant.
#11. Fireweed
- Chamerion angustifolium
Growing Information:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 2-7
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Size: 4-6 feet tall, up to 9 feet occasionally
- Bloom Time: June-September
- Light Requirements: Partial to Full Sun
The pinkish-purple flowers of the Fireweed plant make a welcome addition to any hummingbird garden!
This species can quickly take over a garden without regular trimming since it spreads by seed and underground rhizomes. One plant can produce up to 80,000 seeds in a single season!
#12. Larkspur
- Delphinium exaltatum
- Delphinium glaucum
Growing Information:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Size: Up to 8 feet tall
- Bloom Time: March-August, depending on species and location.
- Light Requirements: Partial to Full Shade
Larkspur’s large blue flowers make an attractive addition to your hummingbird garden. However, use caution if you have animals or children since Larkspur is toxic to humans and livestock. It can cause skin irritation and stomach upset in humans and is a common cause of cattle poisoning.
#13. Manzanita
- Arctostaphylos
Growing Information:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 8-10
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Size: 5-15 feet tall
- Bloom Time: December-March
- Light Requirements: Partial shade to full sun
Anna’s hummingbirds congregate at Manzanita bushes to drink nectar from their flowers, and they also use the branches of this shrub as a nesting site.
This ornamental plant has distinctive red bark, small green leaves, and red berries. There are over 95 distinct species of Manzanita plant native to the US! To choose one that’s right for your area, check with your local nursery and purchase a native species.
#14. Azalea
- Azalea
Growing Information:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Size: Typically 4-6 feet tall; some varieties are much smaller, and some can grow up to 20 feet!
- Bloom Time: February-September
- Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Azaleas are members of the Rhododendron family. Their bright pink blooms and relatively low-maintenance growing requirements make them attractive to many home gardeners.
They’re so popular that over 10,000 cultivars with different colors, sizes, and growth patterns have been bred! Since there are so many different varieties, it’s best to talk with your local nursery to find a cultivar to fit your needs.
As an addition to your hummingbird garden, Azaleas grow best with lots of sunlight in well-drained soil.
#15. Hummingbird Trumpet
- Zauschneria arizonica
Growing Information:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Size: 18-24 inches tall
- Bloom Time: July-October
- Light Requirements: Full Sun
Hummingbird Trumpet is a hardy, drought-tolerant plant in the Fuschia family.
Once established, Hummingbird Trumpet is basically maintenance-free and doesn’t require any pruning or special care. However,Hummingbird Trumpet does best in full sun and well-drained soil.
#16. Red Buckeye
- Aesculus pavia
Growing Information:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-8
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Size: 15-20 feet tall
- Bloom Time: April-May
- Light Requirements: Shade to full sun
In addition to hummingbirds, the bright red flowers on the Red Buckeye Tree also attract butterflies. This ornamental tree is a great option if you have a sunny spot in your yard.
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If you choose a Red Buckeye Tree, keep in mind that the seeds are poisonous to humans and livestock. So make sure your Red Buckeye is planted out of the way of animals and children.
#17. Golden Currant
- Ribes aureum
Growing Information:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-8
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Size: 4-5 feet tall
- Bloom Time: March-May
- Light Requirements: Full sun
Golden Currant shrubs have beautiful bright yellow blooms that turn orange to violet late in the season, making them an excellent addition to your hummingbird garden.
Their berries are deep yellow-orange. This plant is easy to grow in many soil types, but check your local regulations before planting. Some states have outlawed planting Golden Currant because it can introduce a fungus that kills white pine trees.
#18. Scarlet Trumpet
- Distictis buccinatoria
Growing Information:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Size: 30-40 feet tall (climbing)
- Bloom Time: July-September
- Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Red Trumpet Vine is one of the more labor-intensive hummingbird flowers on this list. Because it’s a climbing vine, it requires regular pruning to keep it from taking over neighboring plants. Two hard cuttings and monthly maintenance pruning are recommended!
But, if you have the time to dedicate, you’ll be rewarded with lots of bright red trumpet-shaped flowers that attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators.
#19. Mountain Laurel
- Kalmia latifolia
Growing Information:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Size: 7-15 feet tall; dwarf variety grows only 4 feet tall
- Bloom Time: April-June
- Light Requirements: Partial sun to partial shade
Mountain Laurel is an exceptionally beautiful shrub with striking blooms!
The petals are fused, making each blossom look like a tiny bowl. It comes in a variety of colors ranging from white to dark rose.
You can grow Mountain Laurel in partial shade, which is helpful for smaller hummingbird gardens that are close to your house. Use caution, however, since Mountain Laurel is poisonous to pets and humans.
#20. Coral Bells
- Heuchera sanguinea
Growing Information:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Size: 6-16 inches tall
- Bloom Time: May-July
- Light Requirements: Partial shade
Also called Alumroot, Coral Bells is a small flowering shrub that grows in varied climates and soil conditions. There are countless species and cultivars, so finding one for your hummingbird garden shouldn’t be hard!
The coloring varies by species, with pink, purple, or white blooms. Coral Bells’ leaves are also striking and can range from deep purple to light green and even golden!
#21. Beard Tongues
- Penstemon
Growing Information:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Size: 2-4 feet tall
- Bloom Time: April-June
- Light Requirements: Full sun
Beardtongue, or Penstemon, is a perennial that does well in full sun. Its many flowers grow on tall, thin stalks that shoot straight up from the plant, giving it the appearance of a firework!
Beardtongue’s tubular blossoms make it a perfect flower for hummingbirds to find nectar and even water that collects inside.
Different species of Beardtongue grow best in different areas of the US, so the best way to find the right one for you is to talk with someone knowledgeable at your local nursery.
#22. New Jersey Tea
- Ceanothus americanus
Growing Information:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-8
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Size: 3-4 feet tall
- Bloom Time: July-August
- Light Requirements: Full to partial sun
New Jersey Tea is an excellent choice for gardeners to create a border or hedge in their hummingbird garden.
The plants are low to the ground and grow moderately slow, which means they won’t take over a garden even if they’re left to grow naturally. They tolerate drought well and don’t require pruning. As long as your garden gets adequate sunlight, New Jersey Tea should grow well for you!
#23. Anise Hyssop (aka Hummingbird Mint)
- Agastache foeniculum
Growing Information:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-10
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Size: 4-5 feet tall
- Bloom Time: June-September
- Light Requirements: Full sun
If you want to attract hummingbirds and other pollinators to your garden but have some uninvited guests like rabbits and deer, Hummingbird Mint is perfect for you!
Its leaves and stems give off a mild, minty licorice scent that tends to keep mammals away. However, hummingbirds, butterflies, and pollinating bees won’t be able to resist the colorful, tubular blossoms! Look for a spot with well-drained soil, and make sure you pick a variety that grows well in your hardiness zone.
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#24. Dense Blazing Star
- Liatris spicata
Growing Information:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Size: 2-4 feet tall
- Bloom Time: July-August
- Light Requirements: Full sun
If your ideal hummingbird flower does best when it’s ignored, look no further than the Dense Blazing Star. =)
Its bright purple blooms are a perfect centerpiece for any hummingbird garden. This plant requires almost no maintenance after it’s established and grows in any type of soil. It just needs full sun, and occasionally larger plants may need to be staked to keep them upright.
Bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies all love Dense Blazing Star, so your garden will come alive in summer with buzzing and fluttering visitors!
#25. Phlox
Growing Information:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-8
- Life Cycle: Both perennial and annual varieties
- Approximate Mature Size: Varies significantly from a few inches off the ground up to 6 feet tall.
- Bloom Time: April-August, depending on variety
- Light Requirements: Full to partial sun
There are dozens of species of Phlox that range in size, color, and growing condition. This means that no matter what type of hummingbird garden you have, you can probably find a type of Phlox that will work for you!
Varieties like Tall Garden Phlox make a great backdrop, and low-growing Moss Phlox works as ground cover or to fill in between other plants. You can even plant a few different varieties to fill out your garden and bring more color to your blooms. Check with your local nursery to pick a species that will fit your needs.
Many pollinators, especially hummingbirds, are drawn to this versatile plant.
#26. Zinnia
- Zinnia elegans
Growing Information:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 2-8
- Life Cycle: Annual
- Approximate Mature Size: 1-3 feet tall
- Bloom Time: May-October
- Light Requirements: Full sun
Zinnia, a member of the sunflower family, produces bright, round blooms with many petals. They’re a favorite of pollinator insects because of their large landing area and plentiful pollen. Hummingbirds are also known to visit Zinnias for nectar and to take a rest from flying.
They make a beautiful annual addition to any garden! Plant Zinnias in full sun areas with well-drained soil.
#27. Petunia
- Petunia
Growing Information:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 2-8
- Life Cycle: Annual
- Approximate Mature Size: 6-24 inches tall, up to 24 inches wide
- Bloom Time: April-October
- Light Requirements: Full to partial sun
Petunias are an easy-to-grow annual with plenty of varieties of different sizes and colors.
If you have a garden that gets at least 5 hours of sun per day, plant Petunias to be rewarded with many blooms! To pick a specific variety, ask your local nursery what type they recommend.
Hummingbirds enjoy their deep, tube-shaped flowers for drinking nectar and water. You can also expect butterflies and bees to visit your Petunia plants.
#28. Impatiens
- Impatiens
Growing Information:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 2-9
- Life Cycle: Annual
- Approximate Mature Size: 10-16 inches tall
- Bloom Time: April-June
- Light Requirements: Full shade
If you like Petunias, but your hummingbird garden gets more shade, you might want to try planting Impatiens instead.
They’re available in similar colors and have many of the same qualities as Petunias, like plentiful blooms. But, unlike Petunias, they prefer shady areas and will do best in only partial or low sun. Hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies all enjoy visiting Impatiens.
There are hundreds of varieties of impatiens to choose from, so the best way to pick is to talk to someone at your local nursery and find a cultivar that grows well in your area.
#29. Orange Jewelweed
- Impatiens capensis
Growing Information:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 2-11
- Life Cycle: Annual
- Approximate Mature Size: 2-5 feet tall
- Bloom Time: May-September
- Light Requirements: Full shade
Orange Jewelweed is one of the few NATIVE Impatiens species.
Their bright orange flowers bloom from late spring to early fall, giving your hummingbird garden a pop of warm color.
It’s a perfect plant if you have a shady spot, especially if you prefer native flowers. Hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies will all visit Orange Jewelweed.
#30. Scarlet Creeper
- Ipomoea hederifolia
Growing Information:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 4a-10b
- Life Cycle: Annual
- Approximate Mature Size: 10-15 feet tall (climbing)
- Bloom Time: August-October
- Light Requirements: Full sun
Scarlet Creeper has long, tubular flowers that end in a flat-petaled bloom. It’s a climbing vine that does best in full sun and well-drained soil.
This plant is an annual in most temperate climates. Scarlet Creeper makes a perfect trellis flower for edges of gardens that get a lot of sunlight.
Plant Scarlet Creeper from seeds in areas protected from the wind. You’ll be rewarded for your effort with plenty of pollinating visitors like hummingbirds and butterflies!
#31. Flowering Tobacco
- Nicotiana alata
Growing Information:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
- Life Cycle: Annual
- Approximate Mature Size: 3-5 feet tall
- Bloom Time: July-September
- Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Flowering Tobacco has been cultivated into several ornamental varieties. Since they’re unpalatable to many mammal species, they’re a great option if you have rabbits, deer, or other herbivores in your area.
Even though it isn’t a native plant, flowering tobacco has flowers that are very attractive to hummingbirds and gardeners alike.
The five-petaled blooms come in many shades and can lend a bright pop of color to your hummingbird garden. This annual plant also attracts butterflies and pollinating bees.
#32. Rose of Sharon
- Hibiscus syriacus
Growing Information:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Size: 8-12 feet tall and 6-10 feet wide
- Bloom Time: July-October
- Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Rose of Sharon is a hardy perennial and isn’t a rose at all, but a member of the hibiscus family.
It’s been cultivated into many different sizes and colors, and its blooms range from white to pale pink, purple, and even deep blue.
Hummingbirds love Rose of Sharon because of its plentiful blooms and dense foliage. Since Rose of Sharon blooms later than most other hummingbird flowers, it’s sure to get a lot of visitors late in the season as they prepare to head south.
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What is your favorite hummingbird flower?
Tell us about it in the comments!
