Hummingbirds, with their colorful plumage and dazzling aerial acrobatics, are a joy to behold. Of the more than 360 species, six are currently listed as Birds of Conservation Concern, making attracting these tiny birds to our gardens more important than ever.1
While these feathered jewels grace the Western Hemisphere exclusively, from Alaska’s northern reaches to the southern tip of South America, you can entice them to your own backyard with the right plants.
And what better way to showcase these hummingbird favorites than in eye-catching hanging baskets?
1. Fuchsia (Fuchsia spp.)
Fuchsia is a vibrant and elegant flower with dangling, bell-shaped blooms in various shades of pink, purple, and red. These nectar-rich flowers are irresistible to hummingbirds, who love to hover and sip from the tubular flowers.
Fuchsia prefers partial shade and well-draining soil, making it a perfect low-maintenance hanging basket plant.
2. Calibrachoa (Calibrachoa spp.)
Also known as “Million Bells,” Calibrachoa is a prolific bloomer with tiny, petunia-like flowers covering the plant in a cascade of colors.
The abundance of small flowers provides a continuous source of nectar for hummingbirds throughout the growing season. Calibrachoa is drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun, requiring minimal care.
3. Lantana (Lantana camara)
Lantana is a colorful and hardy plant with clusters of small, tubular flowers in a variety of bright colors, including red, orange, yellow, and pink.
These flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies alike, creating a lively and colorful display in hanging baskets. Lantana is heat and drought-tolerant, making it a low-maintenance choice for sunny locations.
4. Salvia (Salvia spp.)
Salvia is a diverse genus of flowering plants with numerous species that attract hummingbirds. Some popular varieties include Salvia greggii (Autumn Sage) and Salvia microphylla (Hot Lips Sage).
These plants produce spikes of tubular flowers in various shades of red, pink, purple, and white. Salvia is low-maintenance and thrives in full sun with well-draining soil.
5. Zinnia (Zinnia spp.)
Zinnia is a cheerful and easy-to-grow annual with large, daisy-like flowers in a wide range of colors. The open flower heads with abundant nectar and pollen are a favorite among hummingbirds.
Zinnia is drought-tolerant and prefers full sun, making it a low-maintenance and vibrant addition to hanging baskets.
6. Penstemon (Penstemon spp.)
Penstemon, also known as Beardtongue, boasts an array of tubular flowers in various colors, including red, pink, purple, and white.
These flowers are a magnet for hummingbirds, who enjoy sipping nectar from the elongated blooms. Penstemon is drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun, making it a low-maintenance choice for hanging baskets.
7. Petunia (Petunia spp.)
Petunia is a classic flowering plant with trumpet-shaped blooms in a wide range of colors. These prolific bloomers provide a continuous source of nectar throughout the growing season, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies.
It is easy to care for and prefers full sun, making it an ideal low-maintenance hanging basket plant.
8. Mandevilla (Mandevilla spp.)
Mandevilla is a vining plant with large, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. These showy blooms are rich in nectar and attract hummingbirds with their cheerful colors.
This plant prefers full sun and well-draining soil, and its vining habit adds a touch of elegance to hanging baskets.
9. Cuphea (Cuphea spp.)
Cuphea, also known as the Cigar Plant, features unique tubular flowers that resemble tiny cigars. These nectar-rich flowers come in various colors, including red, orange, and purple, attracting hummingbirds with their unusual shape and sweet nectar.
It is low-maintenance and thrives in full sun, making it a unique addition to hanging baskets.
10. Abutilon (Abutilon spp.)
Abutilon, also known as Flowering Maple, produces bell-shaped flowers in various colors, including yellow, orange, red, and pink. These pendant flowers are a favorite among hummingbirds, who appreciate their abundance of nectar.
It is easy to care for and prefers full sun, making it a colorful and low-maintenance choice for hanging baskets.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.