21 Flowers That Attract Hummingbirds (to Transform Your Garden Into a Paradise)

Have you ever watched a hummingbird dart through your garden and wished you could convince more of these magical little creatures to stick around? There’s something absolutely mesmerizing about their iridescent feathers catching the sunlight as they hover effortlessly from bloom to bloom. The good news is, creating a hummingbird haven in your own backyard is easier than you might think!

Hummingbirds are drawn to specific types of flowers like magnets to metal. They’re particularly fond of tubular-shaped blooms in vibrant reds, oranges, and pinks – colors that practically shout “nectar here!” from across the garden. These tiny dynamos have incredibly fast metabolisms and need to feed every 10-15 minutes, so having the right flowers can transform your outdoor space into their favorite all-day buffet.

Whether you’re working with a sprawling backyard or a cozy balcony, the right flower choices can make all the difference. From classic favorites like bee balm to surprising picks like cardinal flower, each bloom on this list has been tested and approved by countless hummingbirds. Ready to roll out the red carpet for these feathered acrobats? Let’s dive into 21 show-stopping flowers that will have hummingbirds choosing your garden as their go-to dining destination!

1. Bee Balm (Monarda)

Bee balm is like the five-star restaurant of the hummingbird world. This native North American wildflower produces clusters of tubular flowers that are perfectly designed for hummingbird beaks and tongues.

Step by Step:

• Plant bee balm in full sun to partial shade with well-draining soil
• Space plants 12-18 inches apart to allow for good air circulation
• Water regularly during dry spells, but avoid overwatering
• Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming throughout summer
• Divide clumps every 2-3 years in early spring to prevent overcrowding

Picture this: A sea of scarlet-red, spiky flowers swaying gently in your garden while tiny hummingbirds hover and dart between the blooms. The sweet, minty fragrance fills the air as these energetic birds perform their aerial ballet, their wings beating so fast they’re just a blur. Your bee balm patch becomes the neighborhood’s hummingbird hotspot, with multiple visitors throughout the day creating a living, breathing show right outside your window.

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2. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

The cardinal flower is nature’s way of rolling out the red carpet for hummingbirds. Its brilliant scarlet spikes are virtually irresistible to these tiny birds, and the long blooming season means extended entertainment for you.

Step by Step:

• Choose a location with partial shade and consistently moist soil
• Plant seeds in fall or start seedlings indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost
• Keep soil evenly moist – this flower loves wet feet
• Apply a thin layer of mulch to retain moisture and keep roots cool
• Allow some flowers to go to seed for natural reseeding

Picture this: Towering spikes of the most vibrant red flowers you’ve ever seen creating dramatic vertical interest in your garden. Ruby-throated hummingbirds work their way up each flower spike methodically, their tiny bodies perfectly matched to the flower’s intense color. Near a water feature or in a rain garden, these flowers create a stunning focal point that looks like nature’s own fireworks display, especially when backlit by morning or evening sun.

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3. Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)

Talk about making a statement! Trumpet vine is the bold, climbing showstopper that creates vertical drama while serving up an endless buffet for hummingbirds.

Step by Step:

• Install a strong support structure like a pergola or sturdy fence
• Plant in full sun for maximum flowering potential
• Water deeply but infrequently once established – this vine is drought tolerant
• Prune heavily in late winter to control growth and encourage flowering
• Be patient – it may take 2-3 years to establish and bloom prolifically

Picture this: A living wall of orange and red trumpet-shaped flowers cascading down your fence or climbing up an arbor. Hummingbirds zip in and out of this floral curtain all day long, their movements creating flashes of emerald and ruby against the vibrant blooms. The vine transforms any ordinary structure into a spectacular focal point that neighbors will stop to admire, while providing you with front-row seats to non-stop hummingbird action.

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4. Salvia (Salvia species)

Salvia is like the reliable friend who never lets you down – it blooms consistently, requires minimal care, and hummingbirds absolutely adore its nectar-rich flowers.

Step by Step:

• Plant in well-draining soil with full sun exposure
• Water deeply once a week rather than frequent shallow watering
• Pinch back growing tips when plants reach 6 inches to encourage bushiness
• Deadhead regularly to promote continuous blooming
• Cut back by one-third in late fall for perennial varieties

Picture this: Waves of purple, red, or pink flower spikes creating a cottage garden feel in your landscape. Hummingbirds move from spike to spike in a rhythmic dance, their preferences clear as they return again and again to their favorite plants. The flowers seem to glow in the evening light, and you’ll find yourself timing your outdoor activities to coincide with the hummingbirds’ dinner hour, drawn by the peaceful yet energetic atmosphere these plants create.

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5. Fuchsia

Fuchsias are like living jewelry for your garden – their exotic, pendulous flowers in vibrant colors make hummingbirds feel like they’ve discovered hidden treasure.

Step by Step:

• Choose a location with morning sun and afternoon shade
• Plant in rich, well-draining potting mix if using containers
• Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist but not soggy
• Feed weekly with diluted liquid fertilizer during growing season
• Pinch growing tips regularly to encourage bushy growth and more flowers

Picture this: Hanging baskets overflowing with fuchsia’s distinctive flowers in shades of purple, pink, and white, each bloom looking like a tiny ballerina’s tutu. Hummingbirds hover beneath the baskets, perfectly positioned to access the dangling flowers, creating a magical scene that feels like something from a fairy tale. The combination of the graceful, pendulous flowers and the acrobatic birds creates endless moments of wonder, especially when placed where you can watch from a comfortable seating area.

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6. Lantana

Lantana is the party flower of the hummingbird world – its clusters of tiny flowers in mixed colors create a festive atmosphere that birds simply can’t resist.

Step by Step:

• Plant in full sun for best flowering and heat tolerance
• Choose well-draining soil – lantana hates wet feet
• Water deeply but allow soil to dry between waterings
• Deadhead spent flower clusters to encourage new blooms
• In colder climates, treat as an annual or bring containers indoors

Picture this: Mounds of multicolored flower clusters creating a rainbow effect in your garden borders. Hummingbirds work methodically through each cluster, sampling the tiny individual flowers while butterflies dance around them, creating a bustling wildlife hub. The plants bloom relentlessly from spring until frost, providing a reliable food source that keeps hummingbirds coming back day after day, turning your garden into the neighborhood’s wildlife watching destination.

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7. Petunias

Don’t underestimate the humble petunia! These cheerful annuals are hummingbird magnets, especially the single-flowered varieties that provide easy access to nectar.

Step by Step:

• Plant after all danger of frost has passed in your area
• Choose a sunny location with good air circulation
• Water at soil level to prevent fungal issues on leaves
• Apply slow-release fertilizer at planting, then feed monthly
• Pinch back leggy growth mid-season to encourage fresh blooms

Picture this: Cascading waves of colorful petunias spilling from window boxes and containers, their trumpet-shaped flowers catching the light like tiny beacons. Hummingbirds dart between the flowers with practiced ease, their ruby throats catching the sun as they feed. The sweet fragrance of petunias fills the evening air while these tiny birds perform their feeding routine, creating a peaceful end-of-day ritual that you’ll look forward to watching from your porch or patio.

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8. Zinnia

Zinnias are like the dependable workhorses of the flower garden – easy to grow, long-blooming, and incredibly attractive to hummingbirds when you choose the right varieties.

Step by Step:

• Direct sow seeds in warm soil after last frost date
• Plant in full sun with good air circulation between plants
• Water at soil level to prevent powdery mildew on leaves
• Choose single-flowered varieties over doubles for better nectar access
• Harvest flowers regularly to encourage continuous production

Picture this: A cutting garden filled with zinnias in every color imaginable, from soft pastels to bold, saturated hues. Hummingbirds show a clear preference for the red and orange varieties, hovering over the flat flower faces with their wings beating furiously. The garden buzzes with activity as both birds and beneficial insects work the flowers, and you’ll have armloads of cut flowers for indoor arrangements while still leaving plenty for your feathered visitors.

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9. Butterfly Bush (Buddleia)

The butterfly bush is aptly named, but hummingbirds love it just as much as butterflies do. Its long, cone-shaped flower clusters are perfect landing strips for tiny birds.

Step by Step:

• Plant in full sun with well-draining soil
• Space plants 4-6 feet apart to allow for mature size
• Water deeply once a week during dry periods
• Prune hard in late winter to encourage vigorous new growth
• Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming season

Picture this: Arching branches loaded with fragrant flower spikes in shades of purple, pink, white, and yellow, creating a fountain-like effect in your landscape. Hummingbirds work their way along each flower cluster while butterflies flutter nearby, creating a scene of constant, gentle motion. The sweet honey fragrance draws you outside to enjoy the show, and the continuous blooms from summer through fall provide reliable entertainment during the garden’s peak season.

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10. Honeysuckle (Lonicera)

Honeysuckle brings childhood memories flooding back with its sweet fragrance and nectar-rich flowers that hummingbirds find absolutely irresistible.

Step by Step:

• Choose native varieties over invasive species
• Plant in partial shade to full sun locations
• Provide sturdy support for this vigorous climbing vine
• Water regularly during establishment, then reduce frequency
• Prune after flowering to control growth and shape

Picture this: A romantic vine-covered trellis or fence where tubular flowers in creamy white and soft yellow release their intoxicating fragrance into the evening air. Hummingbirds hover delicately at each flower, their movements synchronized with the gentle swaying of the vine in the breeze. The combination of visual beauty and sweet scent creates an enchanting corner of your garden that feels like a secret retreat, especially magical during dawn and dusk when both the fragrance and hummingbird activity are at their peak.

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11. Impatiens

Impatiens are the shade garden’s answer to hummingbird attraction, providing consistent nectar sources in those darker corners where other flowers struggle.

Step by Step:

• Plant in partial to full shade locations
• Keep soil consistently moist but well-draining
• Apply balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks
• Space plants according to variety – some spread more than others
• Pinch flowers regularly to prevent early seed setting

Picture this: Drifts of jewel-toned flowers carpeting the ground beneath trees and shrubs, their faces turned upward to catch filtered sunlight. Hummingbirds dart in and out of the dappled shade, their iridescent feathers catching light as they feed from the abundant flowers. The impatiens create pools of color in otherwise dim areas, transforming shady spots into vibrant hummingbird feeding stations that extend the garden’s appeal beyond the sunny borders.

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12. Cardinal Climber (Ipomoea sloteri)

This vigorous annual vine combines the best of morning glories and cypress vine, creating a fast-growing screen of star-shaped red flowers that hummingbirds adore.

Step by Step:

• Soak seeds overnight before planting to improve germination
• Plant in full sun after soil has warmed thoroughly
• Provide trellis or support structure before vines get large
• Water regularly but avoid overwatering which reduces flowering
• Allow some flowers to set seed for next year’s garden

Picture this: A living privacy screen of heart-shaped leaves studded with brilliant red star flowers that seem to glow against the green foliage. Hummingbirds appear throughout the day to sample the nectar, their visits creating flashes of movement and color against the vine’s dense coverage. By midsummer, the vine has transformed an ordinary fence or trellis into a spectacular backdrop that provides both beauty and function while serving as a hummingbird highway through your garden.

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13. Flowering Quince (Chaenomeles)

Early-blooming flowering quince provides crucial nectar when hummingbirds return from migration and other flowers are still weeks away from blooming.

Step by Step:

• Plant in full sun to partial shade with well-draining soil
• Prune immediately after flowering to avoid removing next year’s buds
• Water deeply during dry spells, especially in first few years
• Apply compost around base each spring for best flowering
• Be patient – young plants may take 2-3 years to bloom well

Picture this: Bare branches suddenly erupting with clusters of coral, pink, or white flowers in early spring, creating a stunning display when the rest of the garden is still dormant. Early-arriving hummingbirds discover this unexpected feast, their presence adding life and movement to the sparse spring landscape. The thorny branches also provide nesting sites and protection, making your garden a complete hummingbird habitat that supports them through multiple seasons.

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14. Weigela

Weigela’s funnel-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, and white create perfect landing platforms for hummingbirds while adding graceful structure to the garden.

Step by Step:

• Plant in full sun to partial shade with average garden soil
• Water regularly during first growing season to establish roots
• Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and size
• Apply slow-release fertilizer in early spring
• Choose compact varieties for smaller spaces

Picture this: A gracefully arching shrub covered in tubular flowers that seem custom-made for hummingbird beaks, with dark green or burgundy foliage providing the perfect backdrop. Hummingbirds work systematically through the flower clusters, often returning to the same branch day after day. The shrub’s elegant form adds structure to perennial borders while the reliable spring bloom time makes it a dependable early-season nectar source that helps establish your garden as hummingbird territory.

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15. Penstemon (Beardtongue)

Native penstemon species are like having a direct line to hummingbird central – these wildflowers have co-evolved with hummingbirds and provide exactly what they need.

Step by Step:

• Choose species native to your region for best results
• Plant in well-draining soil – most penstemons hate wet conditions
• Provide full sun to light shade depending on species
• Avoid overwatering and overfertilizing which can reduce flowering
• Allow some seed heads to remain for self-seeding

Picture this: Spikes of tubular flowers in shades of red, purple, pink, and white rising from low rosettes of leaves, creating a naturalistic meadow effect in your garden. Native hummingbirds recognize these flowers instantly, diving and hovering with obvious familiarity and preference. The flowers bloom in succession over several weeks, providing extended nectar availability while attracting other native pollinators, creating a buzzing ecosystem that feels authentically wild yet carefully planned.

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16. Azalea

Early-blooming azaleas provide essential nectar when hummingbirds are establishing territories, and their abundant flowers can fuel multiple birds throughout the blooming period.

Step by Step:

• Plant in partial shade with acidic, well-draining soil
• Mulch heavily to keep roots cool and moist
• Water with rainwater or distilled water if your tap water is alkaline
• Fertilize with acid-loving plant food in early spring
• Prune immediately after flowering if shaping is needed

Picture this: Clouds of vibrant flowers in shades of pink, red, coral, and white transforming your spring landscape into a hummingbird paradise. The shrubs become living bouquets that attract multiple birds at once, creating territorial displays and aerial chases that are endlessly entertaining. Planted in drifts or as foundation plants, azaleas provide both stunning spring color and crucial early-season fuel for hummingbirds when other nectar sources are scarce.

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17. Columbine (Aquilegia)

Columbine’s unique spurred flowers are perfectly designed for hummingbird beaks, and their cottage garden charm adds whimsical beauty to any landscape.

Step by Step:

• Plant in partial shade with rich, well-draining soil
• Start from seed in fall for spring germination
• Keep soil consistently moist during growing season
• Allow plants to self-seed for naturalized colonies
• Divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor

Picture this: Delicate, dancing flowers in an artist’s palette of colors nodding on thin stems above ferny foliage, creating an almost fairy-tale atmosphere in your garden. Hummingbirds hover and probe deep into each flower’s spurs, their acrobatic feeding style perfectly matched to the flower’s architecture. The plants self-seed readily, creating natural drifts that look effortlessly beautiful while providing reliable nectar sources that hummingbirds return to year after year.

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18. Catmint (Nepeta)

Catmint offers the bonus of being deer resistant while providing abundant nectar for hummingbirds, plus its long blooming season means consistent food availability.

Step by Step:

• Plant in full sun with well-draining soil
• Shear back by half after first flush of blooms for repeat flowering
• Divide clumps every 3-4 years in spring or fall
• Water deeply but infrequently once established
• Deadhead regularly for continuous blooms

Picture this: Billowing mounds of lavender-blue flowers creating a soft, romantic border that seems to shimmer in the breeze. Hummingbirds dart in and out of the flower spikes while the plant’s aromatic foliage releases its pleasant fragrance with every touch. The continuous blooms from late spring through fall provide a reliable nectar source that helps support resident hummingbird populations throughout the entire growing season, making your garden an essential stop on their daily rounds.

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19. Four O’Clock (Mirabilis jalapa)

Four o’clocks live up to their name by opening their flowers in late afternoon, perfectly timed for evening hummingbird feeding when activity often peaks.

Step by Step:

• Direct sow large seeds in warm soil after frost danger passes
• Plant in full sun to partial shade with average soil
• Water regularly during dry spells but avoid overwatering
• Allow plants to self-seed for next year’s display
• Dig and store tubers in cold climates for overwintering

Picture this: As evening approaches, trumpet-shaped flowers in bright colors begin opening just as hummingbirds become most active, creating a daily synchronized dance between plant and bird. The sweet fragrance draws you outside to witness this natural timing, while the reliable late-day nectar source means consistent hummingbird visits during the golden hour when garden watching is most pleasant. The plants’ bushy growth creates substantial nectar resources that can support multiple birds throughout the summer.

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20. Beebalm Monarda (Wild Bergamot)

Wild bergamot extends the beebalm family’s appeal with its unique flower form and exceptional attractiveness to both hummingbirds and native bees.

Step by Step:

• Plant in full sun to partial shade with well-draining soil
• Space plants for good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew
• Water at soil level rather than overhead watering
• Divide every 2-3 years to maintain vigor and prevent spreading
• Cut back after flowering or leave seed heads for winter interest

Picture this: Crowns of pale lavender to white flowers creating a prairie-like atmosphere in your garden, with their distinctive shaggy appearance adding textural interest. Hummingbirds probe each tiny flower within the large flower head, often spending several minutes working a single plant thoroughly. The flowers’ extended blooming period and the plant’s tendency to form colonies mean reliable, substantial nectar sources that can support multiple hummingbird territories within your garden space.

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21. Rhododendron

Large rhododendrons provide substantial nectar resources that can fuel multiple hummingbirds, while their evergreen foliage offers year-round shelter and nesting sites.

Step by Step:

• Plant in partial shade with acidic, well-draining soil
• Mulch heavily with organic matter to keep roots cool
• Water deeply but infrequently, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
• Remove spent flower heads to encourage next year’s blooms
• Protect from harsh winter winds in cold climates

Picture this: Massive flower trusses in spectacular colors creating a woodland paradise where hummingbirds can feed, nest, and find shelter all in one location. The shrubs’ substantial size means they can support territorial birds while providing enough nectar for multiple visitors during peak blooming. Their evergreen nature makes them valuable year-round habitat elements, while the spring flower display creates a stunning focal point that announces your garden as serious hummingbird territory to migrating birds.

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Your hummingbird garden adventure starts with choosing just a few of these incredible flowers and watching the magic unfold. Remember, consistency is key – having blooms available from spring through fall will establish your garden as a reliable food source that hummingbirds will return to year after year. Start small, observe what works best in your conditions, and gradually expand your hummingbird paradise. Before you know it, you’ll be the proud host of your very own aerial circus, complete with the most entertaining and grateful audience you could ask for!