Many plants that attract hummingbirds can be grown in a garden to make it pollinator-friendly. Most hummingbird-attracting plants are flowering plants that produce sweet nectar, an important part of a hummingbird’s diet.
Hummingbirds can feed from nearly 2,000 flowers in a day to fulfill their daily food needs. These pollinators travel long distances during their migration, and growing plants that attract hummingbirds can aid their journey.
Although hummingbirds are attracted to nectar-producing plants, they are also drawn to plants with vibrant colors and tube-shaped flowers into which they can dip their long beaks. Moreover, red is their favorite color.
By growing these hummingbird-attracting plants mentioned in this complete guide, you can also create a visually pleasing garden. Moreover, these plants are easy to grow and require minimal care. Also, make sure to space the plants apart as hummingbirds are very territorial.
Plants That Attract Hummingbirds
1. Fuchsia
These shade-loving flowers are perfect for dark areas in your garden. However, Fuchsia needs morning sunlight to produce its beautiful blooms that come in shades of purple, pink, lavender, white, and red. Fuchsia are low-maintenance plants that attract hummingbirds, You can grow different varieties of these plants to create a beautiful display in your garden.
2. Sunflower
A great late-season plant that attracts hummingbirds, sunflowers come in many varieties and colors that you can choose from. These sun-loving plants can be grown easily and can grow up to 10 feet tall creating a staple impression in gardens. You can also grow sunflowers in containers, moreover, sunflower seeds can be used as a snack or to feed birds other than hummingbirds.
3. Trumpet Vine
The long tubular blooms of these flowering vines are loved by hummingbirds. However, Trumpet vines are aggressive growers and need support to grow but other than that these plants are very easy to care for. These hummingbird-attracting plants bloom all summer and provide food for these pollinators for the whole season.
4. Phlox
Garden phlox are beautiful fragrant plants that attract hummingbirds. The beautiful cluster of these perennial flowers comes in a variety of vibrant colors such as lavender, pink, red, and white. These hummingbird-attracting plants are ideal for cottage gardens, and some dwarf varieties can be grown as potted plants in containers.
5. Red-Hot Poker
With their long spikes filled with clusters of tubular white, orange, yellow, and red flowers, these hummingbird-attracting plants have a unique appearance. The red-hot poker plant care is easy, and these plants go well as individuals or as groups in the back of a perennial border. Moreover, the fountain-like, rough-textured foliage of these plants that attract hummingbirds also creates an appealing display.
6. Lantana
These hummingbird-attracting plants are extremely drought-tolerant and also love plenty of heat. Therefore, Lantana is very easy to grow, moreover, the beautiful cluster of tiny flowers of these plants comes in a variety of colors, mostly yellow and purple. The vibrant blooms of Lantana contrast well with the dark foliage and create a beautiful display in your garden.
7. Honeysuckle
The long tubular flowers of these hummingbird-attracting plants are loved by these pollinators. Honeysuckle are climbing plants that require training to climb over various structures. Depending on the variety, these plants that attract hummingbirds can be deciduous, evergreen, or semi-evergreen. The red, white, pink, or blue flowers of honeysuckle also attract butterflies.
8. Butterfly Bush
As the name suggests, these flowering shrubs are loved by butterflies. However, Butterfly bushes also draw hummingbirds with their beautiful cluster of flowers that come in a variety of colors such as pink, yellow, white, and more. Butterfly bushes are fast-growing plants that attract hummingbirds and have lilac-like blooms. You can also grow smaller varieties of these plants in containers.
9. Hollyhock
Hollyhocks are sun-loving plants that attract hummingbirds. These are biennial plants but due to their self-seeding ability, Hollyhocks are treated as perennials. The tall stalks of these plants are filled with beautiful blooms that come in shades of red, yellow, white, pink, or reddish-black. The buds of these hummingbird-attracting plants cover most of the stalks and bloom from the bottom to the top of the stems creating a beautiful display.
10. Cardinal Flower
The bright red blooms of these hummingbird-attracting plants create an appealing display in gardens. These late-summer flowers are native to North America and produce stalks of tubular flowers. Cardinal flowers are resistant to deer and rabbits so they get left exclusively for hummingbirds and butterflies. These plants love wet conditions making them perfect for bog gardens.
11. Beardtongue
These perennial plants that attract hummingbirds are great for different types of gardens due to their availability in a variety of shapes and sizes. Beardtongue belongs to the Penstemon genus, which contains over 250 species of these hummingbird-attracting plants. The pollen-free stamen that sticks out from the flower has a tongue-like appearance that gives this plant its name.
12. Lupine
Another cottage garden plant, Lupines is native to North America and features vibrant spikes filled with colorful blooms. Moreover, the hand-shaped foliage of these plants that attract hummingbirds can be enjoyed when they are not flowering. Some varieties of Lupine are sensitive to heat so opt for hybrids if your local climate is hot.
13. Columbine
The downward-hanging flowers of these plants attract hummingbirds. Columbines can be grown easily and these perennial plants are native to the woodland and rocky areas of North America. The reddish-yellow blooms of these plants create an attractive display in gardens. Columbine prefers partial shade, so make sure to not grow these hummingbird-attracting plants in a sunny spot.
How To Design A Hummingbird Garden?
Creating a safe and beneficial haven for hummingbirds requires planning and the right plant selection. Here are the steps you should follow to do so –
- Sketch out your yard and select the areas where you can grow plants that attract hummingbirds.
- Select the right plants that have a vibrant appearance and are a good source of nectar for hummingbirds and other pollinators.
- Think vertically and incorporate climbing plants over various garden structures.
- Adding water fountains can also attract hummingbirds, as they like to bathe frequently.
- Hummingbirds like to nest near a source of water and nectar, therefore, add shrubs and deciduous trees for nesting.
- These pollinators also feed on small insects to fulfill their nutrient needs. So, avoid using pesticides and use overripe fruits and banana peels to attract insects to your yard.
Conclusion
Creating a safe garden with plants that attract hummingbirds can be beneficial for these pollinators and can also create a beautiful garden filled with vibrant flowers and wildlife. Moreover, by incorporating hummingbird-attracting plants into your garden, you can contribute more to the environment. These plants are easy to grow and come in a lot of varieties for you to choose from.
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