25 Best Hummingbird Flowers: Trumpet Vine, Beardtongue, Lantana and More

Imagine a garden that buzzes with bees and butterflies and glows with flying jewels, aka, the hummingbirds! Very few sights in the garden can be as magical as this for a gardener.

A hummingbird migrates towards the South during the winter and back to the North in the spring. Thus, these flying jewels are hungry birds and visit up to 2,000 flowers every day to satiate their hunger. 

This makes hummingbirds one of the most important pollinators in a garden and helps with plant biodiversity. You can allure these birds to your garden by planting the hummingbird flowers to provide food and shelter.

Let’s look at the flowers that attract hummingbirds and how you can design a hummingbird-friendly garden. 

What Flowers do Hummingbirds Like? 

Hummingbirds love flowers that have bright colours, have a tubular shape, and hold a lot of nectar. They also feed on insects, and so avoid spraying insecticides to get rid of them. 

However, not every flower will tempt them. There are a few flowers that draw hummingbirds consistently, year after year. In the next section, we will explore the 25 flowers that attract hummingbirds. 

List of 25 Flowers That Attract Hummingbirds 

Below, we have mentioned the best hummingbird flowers that you can plant in your garden. These flowers have bright blossoms and high nectar content. Hummingbirds have long beaks and prefer flowers that are tubular or funnel-shaped for easy suction. 

Amongst the listed flowers below, we have also mentioned flowers that thrive with little care for beginners. 

1. Trumpet Vine

This perennial hummingbird plant features long, tubular flowers in a range of bright shades. However, these flowers can grow aggressively, and you need to prune them to keep their growth in check. You can plant these flowers near trees or shrubs. 

Feature	Details
Scientific Name	Campsis radicans
Why do hummingbirds love Trumpet Vines?	Bright and tubular-shaped flowers with high nectar content. The shape of the blooms fits their long beaks perfectly.
Bloom Season	Summer
Light Requirement	Full sun
Hardiness Zone	USDA Zones 4 to 9

2. Beardtongue 

Also known as Penstemon, this perennial flower is easy to take care of. The flowers are drought-tolerant once established and need lots of sunlight for proper growth. These factors make the Beardtongue one of the best flowers for hummingbirds. Plant this flower near a window so that you can see a hummingbird from close by.

Feature	Details
Scientific Name	Penstemon digitalis
Why do hummingbirds love Beardtongue?	The flowers have a tubular shape and high nectar content.
Bloom Season	Mid-spring to early summer
Light Requirement	Full sun
Hardiness Zone	USDA Zones 3 to 8

3. Vermillionaire Cuphea 

Vermillionaire Cuphea, sometimes referred to as cigar plant or firecracker plant, is a low-maintenance flower. They are highly drought-tolerant once established and thrive best in the heat. The plant grows well in a container, and you can place it in the borders. It is one of the best hummingbird plants that you can grow in your garden. 

Feature	Details
Scientific Name	Cuphea hybrid ‘Vermillionaire’
Why do hummingbirds love Vermillionaire Cuphea?	Tubular blooms and high nectar content.
Bloom Season	From spring through fall.
Light Requirement	Full sun
Hardiness Zone	USDA Zones 3 to 8

4. Lantana 

These tubular-shaped hummingbird flowers come in various bright shades such as red, orange, yellow, etc. The plant is drought-tolerant once established, easy to care for, and the bloom lasts for a long time. Always plant the lantana seed in the open where the sunshine is visible throughout the day. 

Feature	Details
Scientific Name	Lantana camara
Why do hummingbirds love lantana flowers?	Tubular flowers, vibrant colours, long blooming season, and lots of nectar.
Bloom Season	Late spring until frost
Light Requirement	Full sun
Hardiness Zone	USDA Zones 7 to 11

5. Coral Honeysuckle

A coral honeysuckle vine is a native plant with vibrant red coloured flowers. This vine requires minimal pruning, even moisture, and grows best in neutral or slightly acidic soil. Provide a rigid structure, such as a fence, trellis, or an arbour, as support for the vine. 

Feature	Details
Scientific Name	Lonicera sempervirens
Why do hummingbirds love coral honeysuckle?	Bright and tubular-shaped flowers, and high nectar content.
Bloom Season	Mid to late spring
Light Requirement	Full sun or partial shade
Hardiness Zone	USDA Zones 4 to 9

6. Swamp Milkweed

Swamp milkweed is a perennial plant with ethereal pink flowers. This hummingbird flower thrives best when provided with consistent moisture, nutrient-abundant soil, and regular pruning. While planting a swamp milkweed in your garden, space the plants properly to prevent overcrowding. 

Feature	Details
Scientific Name	Asclepias incarnata
Why do hummingbirds love swamp milkweed?	High nectar content.
Bloom Season	Mid to late summer
Light Requirement	Full sun, but can adapt to partial shade.
Hardiness Zone	USDA Zones 3 to 9

7. Hardy Fuchsia

Fuchsia petals come in diverse colours such as red, pink, purple, magenta, etc. This hummingbird flower has tubular blossoms and needs a rich, well-drained soil, regular moisture, and fertilisers for proper growth. 

You can plant the fuchsia in hanging baskets and avoid harsh sunlight spots. A long blooming period, bright colours, and tubular flowers make fuchsia one of the best flowers that attract hummingbirds. 

Feature	Details
Scientific Name	Fuchsia magellanica
Why do hummingbirds love hardy fuchsia?	Rich source of nectar.
Bloom Season	From summer until frost
Light Requirement	Shade or partial shade
Hardiness Zone	USDA Zones 7 to 11, but hardy in zone 6

8. Red Columbine 

Columbines have long, bell-shaped blossoms that are bright red. These hummingbird plants are amazingly low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and thrive in a well-drained soil that is neutral or slightly acidic. If you have a rocky garden, then columbines are ideal plants. 

Feature	Details
Scientific Name	Aquilegia canadensis
Why do hummingbirds love red columbines?	Bright red and bell-shaped blossoms, high nectar content, and blooms early in spring.
Bloom Season	Early to mid-spring.
Light Requirement	Partial shade or shade
Hardiness Zone	USDA Zones 3 to 8

9. Scarlet Beebalm 

Beebalm, or the wild bergamot, is a native plant and comes in vibrant colours such as red, pink, purple, and white. These plants are easy to care for, and the oil from the leaves repels mosquitoes. Beebalms thrive in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil and need moisture during dry periods. 

Feature	Details
Scientific Name	Monarda Didyma
Why do hummingbirds love beebalm?	Bright shade and rich in nectar,
Bloom Season	From late spring to the middle of summer.
Light Requirement	Full sun
Hardiness Zone	USDA Zones 4 to 9

10. Catmint 

Catmint has flower spikes in various shades, such as bluish lavender, pink, or white. These plants are extremely low-maintenance, super drought-tolerant, and will even thrive upon neglect. You can plant catnip in huge numbers at the border of your garden. If you are a beginner, then the catmint is one of the best hummingbird flowers that you can start with. 

Feature	Details
Scientific Name	Nepeta hybrid ‘Faassenii’
Why do hummingbirds love catmint?	Tubular blossoms, rich nectar content, and long-lasting blooms.
Bloom Season	From the middle of spring through fall.
Light Requirement	Full sun, partial shade.
Hardiness Zone	USDA Zones 3 to 8

11. Red Hot Poker 

As the name suggests, red hot pokers have a bright red or orange appearance at the top and yellow or gold near the stalk. These hummingbird plants thrive in rich, well-drained soil and become drought-tolerant once established. While planting, ensure there is ample space between each plant and place them on raised beds near the borders.

Feature	Details
Scientific Name	Kniphofia uvaria
Why do hummingbirds love the red hot poker?	Bright red blossom, fine visibility, high nectar content, and tubular shape.
Bloom Season	Late spring through summer
Light Requirement	Full sun
Hardiness Zone	USDA Zones 3 to 8

12. Coral Bell 

Coral Bells come in multiple colours and tolerate heat, drought, and humidity exceptionally well. The plant needs humus-rich, well-drained soil and regular water during dry spells. You can place the plant in a container and partial shade for the best growth. The shape of the flowers makes the coral bell one of the best flowers for hummingbirds to feed on nectar from. 

Feature	Details
Scientific Name	Heuchera sanguinea
Why do hummingbirds love coral bells?	Bell-shaped flowers for easy sucking, rich in nectar, and bright colour provide easy visibility.
Bloom Season	Late spring to mid-summer
Light Requirement	Partial shade
Hardiness Zone	USDA Zones 3 to 8

13. Cardinal Flower 

Cardinal Flower comes in bright red, pink, and white. These hummingbird flowers only thrive in consistent moist conditions. So, if you have a pond in your garden, you can plant them along the edges of the pond. Alternatively, you can also place them in an area that collects rainwater or where water naturally accumulates. 

Feature	Details
Scientific Name	Lobelia cardinalis
Why do hummingbirds love cardinal flowers?	Bright colours, tall stalk, and good nectar content.
Bloom Season	Late summer to early fall.
Light Requirement	Full sun or partial shade.
Hardiness Zone	USDA Zones 2 to 9

14. Zinnia 

If you are a beginner, then zinnias are the best flowers to attract hummingbirds. These plants are very durable and require minimal care. Zinnia occurs in various shades such as orange, red, purple, yellow, pink and many more varieties. You can plant zinnias in an area where the soil is well-drained and receives plenty of sunlight. 

Feature	Details
Scientific Name	Zinnia elegans
Why do hummingbirds love zinnia?	Vibrant colours, a rich source of nectar, a long blooming period, and the flower structure features as a good resting spot.
Bloom Season	Late spring to early fall frost.
Light Requirement	Full sun.
Hardiness Zone	USDA Zones 2 to 11

15. Salvia 

Salvia plants are low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and come in multiple varieties and colours. They need well-drained soil and minimal water to thrive. Salvias are well-known for their ability to grow without any additional nutrients in the soil. You can place salvias at the border of your garden bed or in a container with good drainage. This is another beginner-friendly hummingbird plant that you can grow. 

Feature	Details
Scientific Name	Salvia officinalis
Why do hummingbirds love salvia?	Bright colours, a rich source of nectar, and a tubular-shaped flower.
Bloom Season	From summer through fall.
Light Requirement	Full sun.
Hardiness Zone	USDA Zones 5 to 9

16. Agastache 

Also known as hummingbird mint, Agastache comes in a wide range of colours and is low-maintenance. This hummingbird plant is drought-tolerant and thrives in poor soil as well. However, the Agastache plant prefers dry soil conditions with occasional moisture. You must place the plant somewhere it can receive a good amount of sunlight.

Feature	Details
Scientific Name	Agastache foeniculum
Why do hummingbirds love Agastache?	Tubular-shaped blossoms, abundant nectar, and bright colours.
Bloom Season	From mid-summer through autumn.
Light Requirement	Full sun.
Hardiness Zone	USDA Zones 3 to 8

17. Hosta 

There are more than 200 varieties of hosta plants, and they have a wide range of sizes. To thrive, hostas need well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and water just enough to hold moisture. You can plant hostas in a pot as well. The hosta is one of the best hummingbird flowers that you can plant in your garden. 

Feature	Details
Scientific Name	Hosta asparagaceae
Why do hummingbirds love hosta plants?	Tubular-shaped flower, bright colours, plentiful nectar, and long blooming season.
Bloom Season	Late spring to early fall.
Light Requirement	Shade, partial sun
Hardiness Zone	USDA Zones 3 to 9

18. Rose of Sharon 

A long blooming season, minimal needs, and regular watering make the Rose of Sharon one of the most popular garden plants. This plant prefers well-drained and moist soil conditions for good growth. The Rose of Sharon is one of the best hummingbird flowers for your garden because it will provide the birds with food for a long time. 

Feature	Details
Scientific Name	Hibiscus syriacus
Why do hummingbirds love the Rose of Sharon?	Bright colour, trumpet-shaped flower, and high nectar content.
Bloom Season	From mid-summer through fall.
Light Requirement	Full sun
Hardiness Zone	USDA Zones 5 to 8

19. Foxglove 

A foxglove has tubular blooms and comes in various colours such as pink, red, purple, yellow, and white. This hummingbird plant thrives in well-drained and moist soil conditions. 

However, refrain from overwatering as it may damage the plant. A foxglove plant is extremely toxic for humans and animals, and therefore, also wears gloves while handling them. 

Feature	Details
Scientific Name	Digitalis purpurea
Why do hummingbirds love the foxglove flower?	Bright colour, tubular flowers, and high nectar content.
Bloom Season	From late spring to early summer
Light Requirement	Full sun or partial exposure
Hardiness Zone	USDA Zones 4 to 10

20. Petunia 

Petunia flowers come in multiple colours such as pink, purple, yellow, red, orange, etc. Plant them in soil that is well-drained and slightly acidic. Petunias need moist conditions to thrive; however, avoid over-watering. 

Deadheading the petunias will prevent them from developing leggy stems. No doubt, the petunias are one of the most charming flowers that attract hummingbirds. 

Feature	Details
Scientific Name	Petunia hybrid ‘Atkinsiana’
Why do hummingbirds love petunias?	Bright colour, tubular flowers, and high nectar content.
Bloom Season	From late spring to early summer
Light Requirement	Full sun or partial exposure
Hardiness Zone	USDA Zones 10 to 11

21. Royal Catchfly

Royal catchfly is a herbaceous perennial with dark red blooms that will attract a lot of hummingbirds to your garden. These hummingbird plants are drought-tolerant and grow properly in well-drained soil and an infrequently moist environment. 

This plant is quite hardy once established and does not require much maintenance. 

Feature	Details
Scientific Name	Silene regia
Why do hummingbirds love royal catchflies?	Bright red colour, funnel-shaped flowers, and high nectar content
Bloom Season	From mid to late summer.
Light Requirement	Full sun, partial shade.
Hardiness Zone	USDA Zones 5 to 8

22. Blazing Star

Blazing Star or the Liatris flower comes in two colours, that is, bright purple and sober white. Liatris plant needs soils that can drain quickly and require a small amount of water every week once they are established. 

You can grow this plant in a container that has a proper drainage system. The blazing star is surely one of the best plants that attract hummingbirds. 

Feature	Details
Scientific Name	Liatris spicata
Why do hummingbirds love blazing stars?	High nectar content
Bloom Season	From mid to late summer.
Light Requirement	Full sun
Hardiness Zone	USDA Zones 3 to 9

23. Garden Phlox 

The garden phlox plant blossoms in attractive colours such as lavender, pink, lilac, purple, etc. This hummingbird plant is quite easy to care for and requires well-drained, moist soil. 

If you want to place the plant in a pot, use potting mix for proper drainage and provide support for proper growth. Hummingbirds love the garden phlox, and this is one of the best plants to attract hummingbirds. 

Feature	Details
Scientific Name	Phlox paniculata
Why do hummingbirds love garden phlox?	Long bloom period, attractive foliage, and high nectar content.
Bloom Season	From mid to late summer.
Light Requirement	Full sun, partial shade
Hardiness Zone	USDA Zones 4 to 8

24. Butterfly Bush 

This deciduous shrub is available in colours such as purple, pink, blue, white, and yellow. These hummingbird flowers are easy to grow and require minimal care. To thrive, the plant needs well-drained soil with good moisture content. To allow continuous blooming, it is advisable to prune the flower spikes after flowering. 

Feature	Details
Scientific Name	Buddleja davidii
Why do hummingbirds love the butterfly bush?	Tubular flowers and high nectar content.
Bloom Season	From early to mid-summer.
Light Requirement	Full sun
Hardiness Zone	USDA Zones 5 to 9

25. Delphinium 

The delphinium genus has more than 300 species, with Delphinium elatum as the most popular one. This hummingbird plant comes in various colours such as pastel, blue, pink, purple, and white. 

For the best growth, delphiniums need well-drained loamy soil and regular watering without waterlogging the soil. However, delphinium is toxic to humans and pets, so handle it with care. 

Feature	Details
Scientific Name	Delphinium elatum
Why do hummingbirds love delphinium?	High nectar content, good visibility, and tubular-shaped flowers.
Bloom Season	From early spring through summer
Light Requirement	Full sun to partial shade
Hardiness Zone	USDA Zones 3 to 7

How to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Garden? 

To attract hummingbirds to your garden, you have to plant the ideal hummingbird flowers, provide water, and place perches for the flying jewels to rest on. Here are some useful tips to attract hummingbirds to your garden. 

• Flowers: Plant bright red coloured native plants, shrubs, and vines because they provide nectar, which is an important source of food for these birds. However, do not spray insecticides, since hummingbirds will also feed on the insects in your garden. 

• Perches: Place enough perches in your garden so that the hummingbirds can put your garden on their migratory itinerary. You can place perches, or even small branches, for these birds to rest and sleep on. 

• Water: Hummingbirds often like to take a dip in water to clean their feathers. You can place a bird bath, a missing device, or a drip fountain in your garden. 

• Nectar Feeders: Place nectar feeders throughout your garden to provide birds with the energy they need for flight. You can fill the feeders with sugar water and hang them in a shaded area to prevent the sugar from going bad. 

Conclusion 

Hummingbirds are the smallest birds on this planet, with more than 350 varieties. Regardless of their size, these birds have a huge impact on our ecosystem. They are the primary pollinators for some plants, thereby ensuring plant biodiversity. This further helps humans with fruits and seeds that are essential for survival. 

However, like many other species, hummingbirds also face a threat to their existence. Habitat loss, climate change, scarcity of food, and competition with invasive species are some of the challenges that these birds face. To help conserve the birds, you can do your bit. 

Plant native hummingbird flowers that are bright, have a tubular or funnel shape, or have a high nectar content. You can plant the flowers we have mentioned above, and bring all the hummingbirds to your yard! 

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