Hummingbirds are some of the most delightful visitors a yard can have. These tiny, colorful birds dart from flower to flower, feeding on nectar with their long, slender beaks. While hummingbirds are found across much of the Americas, you can make your yard even more attractive to them by landscaping with plants that provide their preferred foods.
When planning a garden to draw hummingbirds, keep in mind their preferences. Hummingbirds seek out tubular blooms with ample nectar, and prefer red, orange and pink blossoms that are easy to see and access. They also appreciate a habitat that provides safe perches and nesting spots. By incorporating their favorite flowers, trees and shrubs into your landscape, you can create an enticing oasis for these energetic, beautiful birds.
Here are 19 of the best plants for luring hummingbirds to your yard:
Annuals
Petunias – A popular annual, petunias produce masses of trumpet-shaped blooms ideal for hummingbird feeding. Red and fuchsia varieties are particularly attractive. Hang baskets overflowing with petunias are a great way to draw hummingbirds close to porches and patios.
Nasturtiums – An old-fashioned annual with colorful, funnel-shaped blossoms full of nectar. Nasturtiums thrive in poor soil and full sun. Plant them around trellises, along fences and in containers for a bold splash of color.
Zinnias – From tiny thumbelina zinnias to giant dahlia-flowered cultivars, these cheery annuals produce abundant single and double blooms on bushy plants. Red and orange hues are hummingbird magnets. Plant en masse for best effect.
Scarlet Sage – Also known as salvia, this summer-blooming annual has dense spikes of rich red tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds all season long. Scarlet sage flourishes in heat and full sun. Combine with blue or purple flowers for a stunning contrast.
Fuchsia – The drooping, bell-like blooms on this shade-loving annual appeal to hummingbirds, as does the nonstop nectar production. Fuchsia thrives in hanging baskets and flower boxes. Look for heat-tolerant varieties.
Lantana – A low-growing annual with clusters of small, bright flowers that bloom constantly in hot weather. Lantana does best in full sun and poor soil. Both the flowers and berries draw in hummingbirds.
Marigolds – Hummingbirds visit marigolds for their nectar, but these cheery annuals also attract insects that the birds prey on. Marigolds bloom reliably all season in full sun and a range of soil types.
Petunia
Perennials
Bee Balm – Also known as monarda, bee balm produces dense, globular flower heads atop minty foliage. The edible blooms attract hummingbirds with their red, pink, purple and white colors and high nectar content. Plant in full sun to part shade.
Butterfly Bush – As its name suggests, butterfly bush draws in butterflies and hummingbirds with its long tapered flower clusters. These large, fast-growing shrubs thrive in full sun and heat. Cut back in spring to promote flowering.
Cardinal Flower – A shade garden favorite, cardinal flower sends up spikes of brilliant red tubular blooms in late summer that hummingbirds flock to. Plant this moisture-loving perennial near water features or in rain gardens.
Columbine – Columbine produces delicate, downward-facing blooms with upright spurs that provide an irresistible nectar banquet for hummingbirds. Plant this perennial in partial shade in rich, well-drained soil.
Coral Bells – Grown mainly for its showy foliage, coral bells also produces spikes of bell-shaped blooms that attract hummingbirds. Plant in shady spots with well-drained soil. Apply mulch to keep roots cool.
Delphinium – Also known as larkspur, delphinium produces tall spikes densely packed with irregular blooms in shades of blue, purple, pink and white. The tubular flowers provide hummingbirds with plenty of nectar.
Foxglove – The nodding, bell-shaped blooms of this stately perennial offer a rich nectar source for hummingbirds. Though toxic to humans, foxglove poses no harm to birds. Plant in part shade in average soil.
Hollyhock – An old-fashioned favorite, hollyhocks send up 6-8 foot spires lined with abundant blooms perfect for hummingbird sipping. These biennial or short-lived perennials prefer full sun and regular water.
Lupine – Bold spires packed with pea-like blooms make lupine a prime hummingbird plant. This perennial thrives in cool climates and does best in full sun or light shade. Provide ample water and well-drained soil.
Penstemon – Also called beardtongue, penstemon produces abundant tubular flowers on upright plants. Hummingbirds feast on the nectar-rich blooms in shades of red, pink, purple and white. Plant in full sun.
Salvia – With its spikes of intense color and tubular flower shape, this heat-loving perennial is a surefire way to invite hummingbirds into your garden. Red and fuchsia varieties draw the most winged visitors.
Weigela – Though prized mostly for its spring foliage, weigela also produces clusters of trumpet-shaped blooms that appeal to hummingbirds. Grow this fast-growing shrub in full sun to part shade and prune annually.
Yucca – Known for its sword-like foliage and tall flower stalks, yucca is a drought-tolerant perennial that thrives in full sun and dry soil. Hummingbirds are drawn to its dangling white blooms.
Bee Balm
Vines
Trumpet Vine – As its name indicates, this rambling vine produces clusters of vivid orange and red trumpet-shaped blooms that attract hummingbirds. Once established, trumpet vine is quite aggressive, so site carefully.
Scarlet Runner Bean – Grown mainly for its edible beans and ability to quickly cover trellises and arbors, scarlet runner bean also produces spikes of brilliant red blooms that bring in hummingbirds. Site in full sun.
Cypress Vine – A tender annual vine with fern-like foliage and starry red and white blossoms that hummingbirds love. For fastest growth and maximum blooms, site cypress vine in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil.
Cardinal Climber – Unlike many annual vines, cardinal climber thrives in shade and blooms continually if given ample moisture. The bright tubular flowers bring hummingbirds to covered porches and pergolas.
Hyacinth Bean Vine – Another fast-growing annual vine, hyacinth bean has lush foliage and dangling spikes of purple to white flowers followed by shiny magenta seed pods. Site in full sun for best flowering.
Mandevilla – This tropical South American native comes in both vine and shrub forms. Showy pink, red or white flowers bloom all summer on this heat-loving plant, attracting hummingbirds. Grow mandevilla in part shade as an annual.
Passion Flower – An aggressive perennial vine, passion flower bears unique blooms with prominent stamens and nectaries that perfectly suit hummingbirds. Passion flower thrives in poor soil and can cover large areas.
Trumpet Vine
Shrubs
Abelia – This semi-evergreen shrub produces an abundance of tubular flowers loved by hummingbirds. Prune abelia after flowering to maintain its neat shape and promote next season’s blooms. Grow in full sun to part shade.
Azalea – Native azaleas support wild hummingbird populations with their showy spring blooms in shades of pink, orange, red and yellow. Plant these moisture-loving shrubs in acidic soil in partial shade.
Bottlebrush – As the name implies, bottlebrush flowers resemble colorful bottlebrushes. Hummingbirds enjoy probing the nectar-rich blooms. Choose compact varieties for small spaces. Provide well-drained soil and full sun.
Camellia – Blooming in late winter and early spring, camellias supply nectar for hummingbirds when little else is flowering. The showy blossoms come in white, pinks and reds. Grow camellias in part shade with shelter from winter wind.
Forsythia – Prized mainly for its early yellow blossoms, forsythia provides some of the first flower nectar in spring. After flowering, prune this fast-growing shrub to maintain shape. Provide full sun to part shade.
Hibiscus – Tropical hibiscus shrubs produce some of the biggest, showiest blooms that attract hummingbirds. Plant in full sun to part shade. Move container plants indoors before first frost.
Rose of Sharon – Also known as althea, rose of Sharon is a tough, adaptable shrub that pumps out blooms from midsummer into fall. The large flowers come in white, purple, red and pink shades irresistible to hummingbirds.
Weigela – This spring-blooming shrub has bell-like flowers perfectly designed for hummingbird sipping. Compact varieties fit beautifully in foundation plantings. Grow weigela in full sun to part shade.
Azalea
Trees
Bottlebrush – In its tree form, bottlebrush grows over 20 feet tall but just 15 feet wide, making it ideal for small yards. Red flower spikes draw hummingbirds while providing a tropical look. Needs well-drained soil and full sun.
Crabapple – Crabapple trees supply both food and shelter for hummingbirds with their dense branching structure and abundant spring blooms. Plant near windows where you can watch the birds feed on the nectar-rich flowers.
Mimosa – Graceful mimosa trees produce fluffy pink flower puffs that hummingbirds find irresistible. Give this fast-growing tree plenty of room to develop and site where messy seed pods won’t be a problem.
Tulip Tree – A towering tree that produces yellow and orange tulip-like blooms loved by hummingbirds. The unique flowers have copious nectar. Plant this specimen tree where it has room to spread.
Red Buckeye – An ideal small tree for yards, red buckeye produces showy upright clusters of tubular red flowers that attract hummingbirds. Plant in part shade with shelter from hot afternoon sun.
Royal Paulownia – Extensively branched with large, exotic-looking leaves, royal paulownia bears abundant upright panicles of lavender blooms. The spring flowers draw in hummingbirds with their heavy nectar content.
Texas Redbud – A small native tree suited to tough urban conditions, Texas redbud has magenta flowers in very early spring that provide an important early nectar source for hummingbirds. Plant in full sun for best blooms.
Tulip Tree
Hanging Plants
Don’t overlook hanging baskets and window boxes when planning your hummingbird habitat. Hanging plants allow you to place flowers right in the birds’ flight paths and prime viewing areas. Good choices include:
- Fuchsia
- Petunia
- Begonia
- Lantana
- Ivy geranium
- Million bells
- Nasturtium
- Verbena
- Calibrachoa
- Portulaca
Aim for a mix of red, orange, pink and purple flowers and combine with trailing foliage plants like ivy. Water and feed potted plants regularly for the best bloom. With a diverse range of flowering plants installed in your yard’s beds, borders and containers, you’re sure to have hummingbirds zooming around all season long!
Designing a Hummingbird-Friendly Yard
Merely planting hummingbird favorites is not enough to create an appealing habitat. You also need to consider key elements of design and maintenance. Here are some tips:
Provide shelter – Hummingbirds not only feed in gardens, but often nest there as well. Include trees and shrubs that offer protected sites for nest building. Evergreen shrubs and bamboo stands also provide shelter from wind and storms.
Add water features – Hummingbirds bathe and drink frequently, so incorporate water into your landscape. A mister or drip over a rock will do, but even a simple bird bath attracts these lively birds. Move water features close to your viewing windows.
Use strategic planting – Place the most hummingbird-enticing plants, like bee balm and trumpet vine, right next to patios and porches where you can easily observe activity. Repeat key plants throughout the garden for a cohesive look.
Use bold colors – Hummingbirds see the color red extremely well. Use dramatic reds and oranges from flowers, containers and garden art to get their attention. Accent with cooler hues like purple, pink and white.
Deadhead spent blooms – To keep plants flowering continuously, pinch off faded blooms regularly. This neat appearance also appeals to humans and birds alike.
Avoid pesticides – Hummingbirds consume enormous quantities of small insects along with nectar. Avoid pesticides that reduce their food supply and can harm the birds. Practice natural gardening methods instead.
Provide fresh nectar – To supplement natural nectar sources, set up feeders and keep them filled with fresh sugar-water solution. Clean feeders thoroughly every few days to prevent dangerous mold growth.
Include perching spots – Hummingbirds often perch briefly between feeding bouts. Include a range of perches from trellises and arbors to individual plant stakes and garden art.
Mulch beds – Mulching around plants helps maintain soil moisture and temperature, supporting vigorous growth and maximum blooms. Organic mulches like bark and pine straw appeal to humans as well as birds.
Use drip irrigation – Drip and micro-spray watering systems deliver water right to plant roots. This efficient method keeps flowers blooming despite heat and drought. Hummingbirds appreciate the results!
Hummingbird feeder
Attracting Hummingbirds with Feeders
While specially selected flowering plants provide a natural, chemical-free way to attract hummingbirds, well-maintained feeders can also supplement their diet. Follow these tips for success:
Use a simple nectar formula – Hummingbirds thrive on just sugar and water. Boil 1 cup of white sugar per 4 cups of water, then cool before filling feeders. Don’t add red dye, honey or artificial sweeteners.
Select quality feeders – Look for sturdy, well-constructed feeders with perches and feeding ports that accommodate hummingbird anatomy. Glass and ceramic are easier to clean than plastic.
Clean regularly – Every 2-3 days, take feeders apart and wash thoroughly with hot water and vinegar to destroy dangerous mold. Rinse all parts well before refilling.
Use several smaller feeders – Multiple ports allow more hummingbirds to feed at once. Spread feeders throughout your yard to reduce territoriality. Hang at different heights to suit various species.
Place carefully – Set up feeders in the shade near flower beds or blooming plants. Placing feeders near windows lets you enjoy the show as hummingbirds buzz in to sip nectar.
Supplement feeders – As convenient as feeders are, nothing beats the nutrition and enjoyment of watching hummingbirds feed on live flowers. Always plant a variety of nectar sources.
Avoid leaving feeders up – To prevent dependence, take down feeders by mid-autumn so hummingbirds transition to natural foods before migrating south.
Try different styles – Along with standard feeders, consider unusual options like fountains and cups to see what your local hummingbirds like best. Offer a variety of locations and models.
Troubleshoot problems – Leaking, tipping, bee invasions and fighting birds are common feeder issues corrected by a variety of specialized feeder designs. Be willing to experiment!
Hummingbird hovering at feeder
Common Hummingbird Species in the U.S.
With a range extending from Alaska to Chile, over 300 hummingbird species exist. Here are some of the most widespread and colorful hummingbirds you may see visiting your yard in the United States:
Ruby-Throated – The lone breeding hummingbird in eastern North America. The brilliant red throat of the male gives this green-backed species its name. Nests in woodlands and gardens.
Rufous – The feisty Rufous hummingbird migrates north along the Pacific coast, wintering in Mexico. The male’s bright orange throat and belly contrast with its green back.
Allen’s – A small green and orange hummingbird found along the California coast. The male Allen’s has an orange face patch and narrow rusty tail feathers.
Anna’s – Once limited to California and Mexico, Anna’s hummingbird has expanded its range and now thrives across the Southwest. Both male and female have an iridescent rose-pink throat patch.
Black-chinned – Among the most widespread western hummingbirds, the Black-chinned male boasts a stunning purple throat patch. Look for this adaptable species in city gardens as well as mountain meadows.
Broad-tailed – Easily recognized by its loud buzzing wings, the Broad-tailed hummingbird migrates between mountain forests of the inland West and Mexico. The male has an iridescent reddish pink throat.
Buff-bellied – One of the few hummingbird species that does not breed in the U.S. This aptly named bird winters along the Gulf coast, flashing a buff belly, green back and purple throat.
Calliope – The tiny Calliope hummingbird makes an epic migration for its small size, breeding in the northwestern mountains and wintering in