Turning your garden into a hummingbird haven is easier than you think. By planting a selection of vibrant, nectar-rich flowers, you can attract these fascinating birds to your yard.
Nectar is the primary food source for hummingbirds. It provides them with the high-energy carbohydrates they need to fuel their fast metabolism and constant hovering flight. Flowers that produce abundant nectar are therefore highly attractive to hummingbirds ¹.
Let’s explore the list of flowers that are beloved by hummingbirds. Noting their size and the zones they thrive in, to help you create the perfect habitat.
1. Salvia
Salvia shines bright in any garden. Its colorful and nectar-rich flowers are a hummingbird’s dream. Most varieties of Salvia can grow anywhere from 18 inches to 5 feet tall, making them versatile for any garden space.
Salvia plants are suitable for zones 3-10, depending on the variety. They provide long-lasting blooms that are sure to keep hummingbirds returning to your garden.
2. Honeysuckle
The sweet scent of Honeysuckle is irresistible to hummingbirds. Its tubular flowers are perfect for the birds to dip their beaks into, enjoying the rich nectar within. These plants can climb 10 to 20 feet high, depending on the species.
They thrive in zones 4-9, offering a sweet-smelling addition to your garden that both you and the hummingbirds can enjoy.
3. Trumpet Vine
The Trumpet Vine is like a beacon for hummingbirds. Its large, trumpet-shaped flowers are full of nectar. The bright colors call out to the birds, inviting them to feast. It can grow up to 40 feet in height, making a bold statement in any garden.
This robust climber does well in zones 4-9. It’s a fantastic choice for vertical garden space, attracting hummingbirds with abundant nectar.
4. Cardinal Flower
The Cardinal Flower stands out with its brilliant red tubular flowers. It’s almost as if these flowers were designed with hummingbirds in mind. These birds can’t resist the color red, and the Cardinal Flower’s nectar is just as enticing. These flowers can grow 2 to 4 feet tall.
Thriving in zones 3-9, the Cardinal Flower adds a splash of color to garden spaces, drawing in hummingbirds with its vivid hues.
5. Lantana
Lantana is tough but beautiful, with clusters of tubular flowers that hummingbirds love. It’s a mix of colors that can brighten up any garden space. Lantanas can grow to be 1 to 6 feet tall, depending on whether they are grown as annuals or perennials.
Suitable for zones 2-11, Lantana is a strong choice, because it offers drought resistance.
6. Delphinium
Delphiniums are known for their tall spikes of colorful flowers, reaching heights of 4 to 6 feet. Its range of colors looks almost like a rainbow, attracting hummingbirds far and wide.
Ideal for zones 3-8, these plants add vertical interest to your garden and are beloved by hummingbirds for their height and nectar.
7. Butterfly Bush
The Butterfly Bush does more than attract butterflies. Its purple blooms are full of nectar, making it a favorite for hummingbirds too. Butterfly Bushes can grow quite large, from 6 to 12 feet tall, depending on the variety.
They are hardy in zones 5-9, providing a lush, flowering shrub that attracts both butterflies and hummingbirds with vibrant blooms.
8. Cigar Plant
The Cigar Plant has unique, red tubular flowers that resemble a lit cigar. It’s not just a visual treat; it’s also a hummingbird magnet. It grows to about 1 to 3 feet in height, making it suitable for smaller garden spaces or containers.
Thriving in zones 9-11, this perennial shrub adds whimsy and color, attracting visitors like hummingbirds and butterflies.
9. Lobelia
Lobelia’s cobalt blue flowers are stunning. They’re perfect for potted gardens, making them a versatile choice for attracting hummingbirds. Growing about 3 to 5 feet tall, that is perfect for potted arrangements.
Suitable for zones 2-9, Lobelia is a must-have for those looking to create accommodating spots for hummingbirds in smaller spaces or on patios.
10. Canna Lilies
Canna Lilies stand out with their large, bright blooms. These flowers not only attract the eye but also hummingbirds looking for their next nectar fix. They can reach heights of 2 to 6 feet, providing a tropical flair to any garden.
They prosper in zones 7-11, attracting hummingbirds with their bold colors and offering a dramatic backdrop or focal point in the garden space.
By choosing these colorful, nectar-rich flowers, you’re not just gardening; you’re crafting a haven for hummingbirds. Watching these agile birds dart and hover in your garden is a reward in itself. So, plant generously, and enjoy the delightful sight of hummingbirds visiting your floral sanctuary.
Sources:
- https://www.science.gov/topicpages/h/hummingbird%2Bflower%2Bmites.html
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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.