Hummingbirds, nature’s tiny acrobats, are uniquely attracted to colors beyond what humans can perceive. While red is often their go-to, purple blooms captivate them just as much.
With over 325 species worldwide, creating a garden filled with their favorite flowers is an invitation for these remarkable birds to visit.
Here are 11 beautiful purple flowers guaranteed to bring hummingbirds flocking to your yard.
1. Salvia: The Pollinator’s Paradise
Salvia, with its long spikes of purple flowers, is a hummingbird magnet. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in well-draining soil and full sun.
Gardeners can choose from nearly a thousand species, ensuring an ideal variety for every climate. The ‘Rockin’ Deep Purple’ and ‘Playin’ the Blues’ cultivars are particularly stunning options that will keep your garden humming with activity.
2. Cardinal Flower: A Native Showstopper
Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) produces striking spikes of deep red or purple blooms that are perfectly shaped for hummingbird feeding. This native perennial thrives in moist conditions and can tolerate partial shade, making it perfect for rain gardens or pond edges.
Its late summer blooming period helps support hummingbirds during their migration season.
3. Beardtongue: A Native Beauty
Beardtongue, or penstemon, boasts tall spires loaded with nectar-rich blooms that hummingbirds find irresistible. Native to North America, this hardy plant prefers dry or well-draining soil and full sun.
With numerous species available, gardeners can easily find a variety suited to their specific region.
4. Foxglove: Regal Spikes of Purple
Foxglove’s impressive spires can reach up to 5 feet tall, creating a dramatic backdrop for hummingbird feeding stations. These biennial plants thrive in consistently moist, well-draining soil.
While beautiful, it’s important to note that all parts of foxglove are poisonous, so caution is advised around children and pets.
5. Columbine: A Woodland Wonder
Columbine flowers offer a unique, bell-shaped blossom with nectar-filled spurs that hummingbirds adore. These spring bloomers prefer partial shade, making them ideal for woodland gardens.
Their ability to thrive in cooler, shadier spots provides hummingbirds with food sources in areas where other nectar plants might struggle.
6. Petunia: Hanging Baskets of Delight
Petunias are a summer garden staple, available in a wide range of purple hues. For best results, place petunia baskets in full sun and trim them back if they become leggy to encourage more blooms.
7. Catmint: A Fragrant Favorite
Catmint’s lacy, aromatic foliage is topped with spikes of purple flowers that bloom repeatedly throughout the summer. Its sprawling growth habit makes it an excellent ground cover or border plant that will keep hummingbirds returning for more.
8. Phlox: A Fragrant Classic
Tall phlox varieties come in various shades of purple and bloom throughout the summer. New varieties offer improved resistance to powdery mildew, ensuring your garden stays beautiful all season long.
9. Butterfly Bush: A Shrub for All Pollinators
Despite its name, the butterfly bush is equally appealing to hummingbirds. Its spikes of purple flowers bloom from spring until frost, providing a long-lasting food source.
10. Wishbone Flower: Delicate Beauty
Also known as torenia, the wishbone flower produces delicate purple blooms with white throats that hummingbirds find irresistible. This annual flowers continuously until the first hard frost, making it an excellent choice for late-season nectar.
11. Agastache: A Drought-Tolerant Delight
Agastache, or hummingbird mint, produces spikes of purple flowers that bloom all summer long. This perennial is drought-tolerant once established and isn’t fussy about soil conditions.
Its ability to thrive in challenging environments makes it an excellent choice for gardeners in drier regions looking to attract hummingbirds.
12. Delphinium: Towering Spires of Colors
Delphinium creates dramatic vertical interest with its tall stalks of purple-blue flowers that can reach heights of 6 feet or more. These stately perennials prefer rich, well-draining soil and full sun conditions.
While they require some staking for support, their magnificent blooms make them worth the extra effort, providing hummingbirds with a feast at eye level.
Source:
1. Princeton University
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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.