Few sights are as enchanting as a hummingbird darting through a garden, wings beating faster than the eye can see, shimmering in a burst of jewel-like colour. These tiny wonders bring a touch of magic to any outdoor space, but if you want to see more of them, it’s all about planting the right flowers.
According to wildlife experts, hummingbirds are drawn to specific colours, shapes, and scents that make feeding effortless and safe. With a few smart planting choices, your garden can become a hummingbird haven that hums with life from spring through autumn.
This article is for general information only and draws on guidance from wildlife experts and conservation sources. Availability of plant species and hummingbird activity may vary by region and season.
Scarlet Sage
With fiery red blooms that catch sunlight like tiny flames, scarlet sage becomes an instant beacon for hungry hummingbirds. This North American native produces flowers continuously from late spring until the first frost arrives, offering reliable nectar when other sources fade.
Gardeners appreciate how little maintenance this plant requires once established. It tolerates heat beautifully and thrives in both full sun and partial shade, making it adaptable to various garden conditions across different climates.
Plant several clumps together for maximum visual impact and increased hummingbird visits throughout the growing season.
Bee Balm
Native peoples once used this fragrant perennial for medicinal teas, but today it’s cherished primarily for attracting wildlife. Bee balm’s shaggy, crown-like flowers come in shades ranging from soft pink to deep crimson, creating layers of colour that hummingbirds find irresistible.
Beyond nectar, this plant draws countless insects that provide essential protein in hummingbird diets. The blooms appear mid-summer when many birds are raising young and need abundant food sources nearby.
Choose mildew-resistant varieties if your region experiences humid summers for healthier, longer-lasting displays.
Trumpet Vine
Few plants create such dramatic feeding displays as trumpet vine when multiple hummingbirds compete for its abundant nectar. Those large, flared orange-red blooms dangle in clusters, each one perfectly shaped for a hummingbird’s slender beak to reach deep inside.
This vigorous climber needs sturdy support because it grows enthusiastically, sometimes covering entire arbours or fences within a single season. Prune regularly to keep growth manageable and encourage more flower production.
Late summer blooms provide critical fuel for hummingbirds preparing for their long migration journeys southward.
Cardinal Flower
Standing tall on upright stalks, cardinal flower earns its name from blooms so intensely red they rival a cardinal’s plumage. Late summer brings these spectacular flowers when many gardens start looking tired, providing fresh energy and abundant nectar for migrating hummingbirds passing through.
Moisture-loving by nature, this native thrives near ponds, streams, or rain gardens where soil stays consistently damp. Don’t worry if your garden lacks water features though; regular watering in ordinary beds works fine.
Butterflies also adore these blooms, adding even more winged visitors to your landscape.
California Fuchsia
Drought conditions don’t faze this Western native, which actually thrives with minimal water once established. Brilliant orange-red tubular flowers appear in late summer and autumn, precisely when migrating hummingbirds need energy-rich fuel for their southward journeys.
Gardeners in arid climates find California fuchsia invaluable because it delivers colour and wildlife value without demanding precious water resources. The silvery-green foliage provides year-round interest even when flowers aren’t present.
Combine it with other drought-tolerant natives for a low-maintenance hummingbird habitat that conserves water while supporting local ecosystems.
Penstemon
With over 250 species native to North America, penstemon offers incredible variety in colour, size, and bloom time. Those tubular flowers come in nearly every shade except true yellow, allowing gardeners to create rainbow displays that attract hummingbirds throughout the growing season.
Most species prefer full sun and well-drained soil, thriving in conditions that challenge other perennials. Their vertical flower spikes add architectural interest while providing easy landing spots for tired hummingbirds.
Choose species native to your region for best performance and maximum support for local wildlife populations.
Salvia
Gardeners worldwide have discovered what hummingbirds already knew: salvias represent some of the finest nectar sources available. This diverse genus includes hundreds of species with tubular flowers in virtually every colour, though reds, purples, and blues prove most popular.
Many salvias bloom continuously from spring until frost, requiring only occasional deadheading to keep flowers coming. Their aromatic foliage deters deer and rabbits while attracting beneficial insects alongside hummingbirds.
Both annual and perennial varieties exist, allowing gardeners in any climate to enjoy these reliable hummingbird magnets throughout the season.
Agastache
Sometimes called hummingbird mint, agastache lives up to its name by drawing these tiny birds like few other plants can. Tall flower spikes covered in tubular blooms rise above aromatic foliage that smells faintly of anise or mint when brushed.
Heat and drought don’t diminish this tough perennial’s performance, making it perfect for sunny borders where other plants might struggle. Blooms appear mid-summer and continue until frost, overlapping with peak hummingbird activity.
Butterflies and bees also frequent these flowers, creating a pollinator paradise that buzzes with life from dawn until dusk.
Fuchsia
Dangling like jewelled earrings, fuchsia flowers combine vivid colours with irresistible nectar that hummingbirds find hard to ignore. Those pendant blooms in combinations of pink, purple, red, and white create stunning displays in hanging baskets, containers, or shaded garden beds.
While some varieties grow as hardy perennials in mild climates, many gardeners treat fuchsias as annuals, replanting each spring. They prefer cooler temperatures and partial shade, thriving where afternoon sun might scorch other flowering plants.
Regular watering and feeding keep blooms coming abundantly throughout summer and into autumn months.
