Hummingbirds are a joy to watch, and having them visit your garden feels like nature’s own little reward. These tiny birds are not only charming but also play a helpful role in pollination.
If you want to see them fluttering around your yard, planting flowers they love is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to do it.
The good news? Many of their favorite blooms are also beautiful additions to your outdoor space. With the right mix of color, shape, and nectar, your garden can become a hummingbird hotspot all season long.
#1 Salvia
Source: Gardendesign
Salvia adds a bold splash of color with its spikes of purple, blue, or red flowers that hummingbirds find hard to resist. These blooms appear from mid-summer through fall, offering plenty of nectar while brightening up garden beds.
This plant thrives in sunny spots with well-draining soil. You might notice more hummingbird activity during the early morning when the flowers are freshest.
Adding a few mulch layers around the base can help keep moisture in. It’s a low-maintenance pick that gives back in beauty and life.
#2 Butterfly Bush
Source: Backyardgardenlover
With clusters of sweet-smelling flowers in purple, pink, or white, Butterfly Bush draws in both butterflies and hummingbirds with ease. It blooms generously from midsummer into fall, filling your garden with color and motion.
This shrub prefers full sun and handles drought once established. Trimming back spent flowers helps it keep blooming longer.
You can plant it near seating areas to enjoy close-up visits. The blooms create a peaceful, lively corner that birds adore.
Read More: 29 Beautiful Plants That Attract Bees and Butterflies for a Thriving Garden Ecosystem
#3 Zinnia
Zinnias are cheerful flowers in rich shades of red, yellow, pink, and orange that hummingbirds love to explore. These annuals are easygoing and grow well in containers or garden beds with full sunlight.
They bloom repeatedly through the season and provide both nectar and later seeds for birds. Keeping the soil slightly moist and removing faded blooms helps them thrive.
Their bright colors and layered petals add instant charm to any space. Watching hummingbirds dart from one to another is a treat.
#4 Columbine
Columbine features delicate, spurred flowers in colors like pink, purple, and white that dangle gracefully from slender stems. The unusual shape of its blooms makes them ideal for hummingbirds, who can easily reach the nectar inside.
These flowers do best in partial shade with soil that drains well. In cooler months, they’ll come back from seed or roots if left undisturbed.
Their soft colors and light fragrance bring a calming feel to shaded corners. It’s a quiet beauty that brings life in fluttering flashes.
#5 Bleeding Hearts
Bleeding Hearts are known for their heart-shaped blooms that hang in rows, usually in soft pink or white. These elegant flowers bloom in spring and early summer and create a peaceful, romantic touch in shaded spots.
The shape naturally invites hummingbirds in for a drink of nectar. They grow well in moist, rich soil and need a bit of protection from hot afternoon sun.
As temperatures rise, the plant may rest until fall. Still, it leaves a lasting impression while it’s blooming.
#6 Lupine
Lupines grow in tall spires covered in blue, purple, pink, or white flowers, offering both visual drama and nectar for hummingbirds. These plants bloom in late spring and early summer and can make a bold statement when grouped together.
They enjoy full sun and cooler climates, with well-draining soil that isn’t overly rich. Letting some flowers go to seed can help them return year after year.
Their structure makes them easy for hummingbirds to navigate. It’s a showy plant that feels wild and wonderful.
#7 Cardinal Flower
Cardinal Flower glows in shades of brilliant red, a color that hummingbirds are especially drawn to. The tall stalks hold multiple blooms that are packed with nectar.
It grows well in moist soil and can even handle swampy areas. Partial sun keeps the plant healthy, especially in hot climates.
These flowers bloom in late summer when fewer others do, so they’re a great way to keep the hummingbirds coming. Their striking color is impossible to miss.
#8 Petunia
Petunias burst into bloom with rich shades of pink, red, purple, and white that invite hummingbirds for a visit. Their trumpet-shaped flowers hold nectar deep inside, making them a favorite among the birds.
These easy-to-grow plants do well in containers, hanging baskets, or garden beds. They prefer sunny locations and benefit from regular watering and deadheading.
With the right care, they bloom nonstop through summer. The mix of scent and color creates an inviting spot for both people and birds.
#9 Trumpet Creeper
Trumpet Creeper vines are full of bold, tubular flowers in fiery shades of red, orange, and yellow that hummingbirds can’t resist. These fast-growing climbers love full sun and need a sturdy trellis or fence to support them.
Once established, they bloom heavily through summer and even into early fall. Regular pruning helps control their size and shape. Their vivid blooms hang like little lanterns and fill vertical spaces with life. The hummingbirds flock in for a reason.
#10 Bee Balm
Bee Balm stands tall with shaggy blooms in red, pink, and purple that bring a lively, informal look to the garden. The flowers are rich in nectar, making them a top pick for hummingbirds and other pollinators.
It thrives in sunny spots with slightly moist soil and enjoys good air circulation. Removing faded blooms can encourage even more to grow. The scent of the leaves adds another layer of garden charm. It’s both practical and beautiful all at once.