Hummingbirds are some of the most fascinating birds to observe in your garden or backyard. Their rapid wing beats, hovering flight, and lightning-fast movements from flower to flower make them a delight to watch.
Attracting hummingbirds to your outdoor space is relatively easy if you landscape with the right kinds of flowering trees. The bright blooms of certain trees will act like a magnet, drawing hummingbirds in to sip the sweet nectar.
If you want to make your yard or garden as hummingbird-friendly as possible, consider adding some of these top 10 trees that attract hummingbirds.
Redbud
The Eastern Redbud is a gorgeous spring-blooming tree, producing a profusion of vivid pink-purple flowers along its branches in early spring.
Hummingbirds are highly attracted to these nectar-rich blooms, visiting redbuds as early as February in some regions. Redbuds continue blooming for 2-3 weeks, providing an important early season food source for hummingbirds returning from migration.
Beyond its ornamental flowers, the redbud tree has an attractive rounded form with heart-shaped leaves that emerge with a reddish tint. Their multi-season interest makes redbuds excellent landscape choices.
Redbuds thrive in full sun to part shade and tolerate a wide range of soil conditions. Some popular redbud tree varieties include:
- ‘Forest Pansy’ – deep reddish-purple foliage
- ‘Texas White’ – white blooms
- ‘Alba’ – white blooms, green foliage
- ‘Flame’ – double pink blooms
Mimosa
Mimosa, or silk trees, produce an abundance of fluffy pink flowers in mid to late summer when many other trees have finished blooming.
The profuse flowers have an open shape and sweet fragrance that attracts hummingbirds by the dozens. Blooming for 2-3 weeks, mimosas will have hummingbirds visiting daily for their plentiful nectar.
A fast-growing small tree, mimosas have fern-like leaves that close up at night. The delicate foliage provides dappled shade under the tree. Aside from the summer bloom period, mimosa is not very ornamental but makes up for it with the hummingbird bonanza it produces.
Mimosa thrives in full sun and is tolerant of most soil types, including poor or compacted soil. It also does well in coastal areas. ‘Ishii Weeping’ is a popular weeping variety with an umbrella form.
Trumpet Vine
Trumpet vines are vigorous flowering vines that produce colorful tubular flowers in shades of orange, yellow, or red during summer.
The trumpet shape makes it easy for hummingbirds to access the nectar as they hover at the flower openings. Blooms last about a week, with the overall flowering period lasting from early summer into fall.
Once established, trumpet vines grow quickly and may reach 30 feet or more in length. The vines climb by aerial rootlets and readily cover trellises, arbors, and fences. Pruning is needed to keep trumpet vines under control.
Trumpet vine flourishes in full sun and tolerates a wide range of soil conditions. It is hardy in USDA zones 4-9. Some popular varieties include:
- ‘Apricot’ – apricot-orange blooms
- ‘Madame Galen’ – large red and orange blooms
- ‘Pink Champagne’ – pale pink blooms
Pineapple Guava
Pineapple guava is an attractive evergreen shrub or small tree that produces edible fruit. But it’s the flowers that make it so popular for attracting hummingbirds.
From late spring into fall, this plant is covered in vibrant red and pink tubular flowers filled with sweet nectar. Pineapple guava flowers have a curving shape perfectly adapted for hummingbird beaks.
Multiple birds often visit the flowers simultaneously, chasing each other around the plant. It flowers abundantly for months on end, providing a consistent nectar source.
Pineapple guava grows 10-15 feet tall in full sun to partial shade. It does best in zones 9-11 but can be grown in large containers and overwintered indoors in cooler climates.
Citrus Trees
Citrus trees like lemon, lime, grapefruit, and orange make excellent hummingbird trees thanks to their deliciously fragrant blossoms which bloom at various times of the year depending on the variety.
The nectar-rich citrus blooms attract hummingbirds to sip while also attracting pollinating insects which hummingbirds eat as a food source. Blooms can happen sporadically year-round or in spring, lasting for 2-3 weeks at a time.
Citrus trees are evergreen, with glossy leaves and showy fruits in addition to the fabulous flowers. Dwarf citrus varieties can be grown in containers where they reach 6-10 feet high. Standard trees may attain 20 feet tall at maturity.
Grow citrus trees in full sun and provide regular water for best growth and flowering. Protect them from freezing weather.
Coral Honeysuckle
Coral honeysuckle is a popular hummingbird plant with scarlet tubular blooms that flare open at the ends. It blooms sporadically spring through fall, providing nectar for months as the vines rapidly expand to 10 feet or more in length.
Able to thrive even in shade, coral honeysuckle handles a wide range of climates from USDA zones 4-11. It also does well in containers. While not notoriously fragrant, the bright red blooms attract hummingbird interest anyway.
Coral honeysuckle can be trellised along a fence or arbor or allowed to wander as a dense groundcover. It grows quickly and benefits from regular pruning to control size and encourage new blooms.
Firethorn
Also known as pyracantha, firethorn is an evergreen shrub grown for its colorful summer berries. But the white spring blooms are a fantastic nectar source for hummingbirds.
Firethorns bloom for 2-3 weeks in spring, with the flowers held in dense clusters along the branches. In addition to drawing in hummingbirds, firethorns attract bees and other pollinators.
The blueberry-like fruits ripen in fall and often persist through winter if not eaten by birds. Their dense growth makes firethorns excellent hedging plants. Varieties are available with yellow, orange, or red berries.
Grow firethorn in full sun to partial shade. It tolerates a variety of soil conditions. Prune regularly to maintain its natural shape and improve fruiting.
Weigela
Weigela has a nice rounded, multi-stemmed form with an abundance of colorful spring flowers in shades of white, pink, and red. The trumpet-shaped blooms attract hummingbirds to feed on the nectar for about 3 weeks as the flowers open fully from bottom to top along the stems.
Weigela blooms on old wood so pruning should be done immediately after flowering is finished. These carefree shrubs tolerate most soils and prefer full sun. Regular watering will encourage the best flowering.
Some popular varieties include ‘Wine and Roses’ (burgundy foliage and pink flowers), ‘Fine Wine’ (dark foliage and pink flowers), and ‘Spilled Wine’ (weeping burgundy foliage with pink blooms).
Bottlebrush
Bottlebrush refers to several related tree and shrub species in the Callistemon genus. They get their common name from the flower spikes which resemble a bottle brush.
The flowers have a soft, brushy texture and bright colors of red, pink, purple, yellow, or orange. Their nectar attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. Blooming occurs in spring and summer for 4-6 weeks at a time.
Bottlebrushes vary in size from 3 feet to 30 feet tall depending on the variety. Dwarf cultivars are excellent choices for small spaces. Pruning is recommended after flowering to keep plants compact.
Bottlebrushes tolerate extremes of heat, cold, drought, humidity, and poor soil. Best flowering occurs in full sun. Evergreen in mild climates, they lose their leaves after frost in colder zones.
Penstemon
Also known as beardtongue, penstemon produces numerous tubular flowers on tall spiky stalks in late spring to early summer. The blossoms typically occur in shades of pink, purple, blue, or white.
Penstemons bloom for 3-4 weeks, providing an excellent source of nectar for hummingbirds. Interestingly, the flowers have small hairs inside that act as a wild pollinator deterrent, reserving the nectar for hummingbirds which lack those hairs on their beaks.
These perennials handle a wide range of conditions including heat, cold, drought, humidity, and poor soils. Full sun encourages the best flowering. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage reblooming. Plants often self-seed for more free plants each year!
Columbine
Columbine produces delicate, colorful blooms in spring and early summer held high above attractive foliage. Spurred flowers in shades of red, yellow, pink, purple, or white give columbines a unique appearance.
The nectar-filled flowers attract hummingbirds which can easily access the spur openings. Columbine flowers in the garden for 2-3 weeks. The foliage remains attractive after blooms fade.
These old-fashioned perennials thrive in cooler climates and provide some of the first food sources for hummingbirds returning from migration. Columbines readily self-seed to make more plants over time. They perform best in partial shade in hot summer climates.
Planting Trees to Attract Hummingbirds
If you want to design your landscape specifically to attract more hummingbirds, consider adding a variety of these top trees and shrubs known to draw in these beloved birds.
Aim for a succession of bloom times from early spring through late summer to provide nectar through multiple seasons. Mix in more traditional nectar plants like petunias, fuchsias, and bee balm as companion plantings around your new trees.
Most hummingbird trees thrive with basic care – full sun exposure, well-draining soil, moderate watering, and minimal use of pesticides. Proper planting and initial establishment care helps trees get off on the right foot.
- Dig each planting hole only as deep as the root ball and 2-3 times wider. The hole sides should slope outward.
- Carefully place each tree in the center of its hole and position straight. The top of the root ball should be level with the soil surface.
- Backfill with the excavated soil, gently tamping down to remove air pockets.
- Water deeply after planting and as needed until established (typically 1-2 years).
- Apply 2-4 inches of organic mulch around the base out to the tree’s drip line to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Avoid mounding mulch against the trunk.
- Stake the tree for at least one year if necessary to prevent shifting or topping over in wind. Use wide nylon or cotton strapping so as not to cut into the bark.
- Prune only lightly at planting time – remove dead or broken branches and correct anything that is crossing or rubbing.
With the right trees planted in optimal conditions, you’ll soon enjoy the aerial antics of hummingbirds visiting your garden regularly to enjoy the flower nectar buffet!
Common Questions About Trees That Attract Hummingbirds
Do hummingbirds drink anything besides nectar from flowers?
While nectar is their main food source, hummingbirds also drink water and catch small insects for essential proteins. They regularly drink plain water from bird baths, water features, dripping irrigation, and other open fresh water sources. Hummingbirds also eat small spiders and insects they find on plants or catch in mid-air.
What time of day are hummingbirds most active at flowers?
Hummingbirds start visiting flowers early in the morning and have periods of active feeding all day long. Activity tends to peak in the mornings and evenings but they may feed at any time of day. Having a diversity of plants with different bloom times ensures nectar is available whenever they fly through your garden.
When is the best time to trim trees that attract hummingbirds?
The ideal time to prune most flowering trees is right after they finish blooming. This avoids removing any flower buds and gives them time to set new buds for the following season. Light selective pruning can be done as needed to maintain shape. Extensive pruning should wait for the dormant season when the tree is not actively growing.
Do hummingbirds sleep in trees?
At night, hummingbirds go into a hibernation-like state called torpor. During torpor, their metabolic rate slows down dramatically and body temperature drops to conserve energy. They prefer to sleep perched in trees, shrubs, or vines so they can conceal themselves from predators.
Can you attract hummingbirds without flowers?
While flowers with nectar are the most reliable method to attract hummingbirds, they will also come to other sugary food sources. You can make homemade nectar using refined white sugar and water. It should be changed frequently to avoid mold. Avoid honey, which can promote dangerous fungal growth. Hummingbirds also need plain fresh water for bathing and drinking.
Do hummingbirds eat tree sap?
Hummingbirds obtain their nutrients from flower nectar and tiny insects, not tree sap. They do not have the specialized tongues to consume sap like species such as sapsuckers. While sap itself does not attract them, hummingbirds will feed on tree flowers that produce sap, accessing just the nectar.
Are there hummingbird-friendly trees for shade?
Some excellent options for hummingbird trees that also provide shade include mimosa, citrus trees, bottlebrush, pine guava, and redbud. Choosing varieties with an open branching habit allows you to plant flowers and shrubs underneath to create a diverse habitat. Avoid dense shade which will prevent good flowering on underplantings.
Can you attract hummingbirds without planting red flowers?
Hummingbirds are drawn to any bright tubular flowers that offer nectar, not just red ones. Flower colors that attract them include orange, yellow, pink, purple, and white. Focus more on a flower’s shape and nectar production than its color. A diverse range of hues in your garden helps attract more hummingbird species.
Do hummingbird trees need full sun?
Most trees that attract hummingbirds thrive best in full sun which fuels growth and ample flowering. However, a few like redbud and coral honeysuckle tolerate partial shade. Having some areas of sun and shade allows you to expand the range of plants in your hummingbird garden.
Conclusion
Trees play an important foundational role in creating an inviting habitat for hummingbirds in any landscape. Choose a selection of trees and shrubs that produce an abundance of nectar-filled blooms at different times throughout the growing season.
By planting some of these top trees that attract hummingbirds, along with companion plants like flowering vines, herbs, and annuals, you’ll enjoy a steady stream of these energetic birds all season long.
Aside from their bright flowers, many of these trees also contribute to the landscape through attractive forms, foliage, fruits, or fall color. Careful placement can provide cooling shade or privacy while also drawing in hummingbird activity.
Turn your garden into a hummingbird paradise by incorporating trees that provide essential food sources from spring through fall. The variety of beautiful trees that hummingbirds love makes it easy to find attractive candidates for nearly any garden.