Hummingbird's Paradise: 12 Hottest Flowers for Your Yard
Cultivate Blossoms for Hummingbirds: 12 Spectacular Garden Options to Attract Hummers!
Welcome to the thriving, pollinator-friendly haven! If you're an avid hummingbird enthusiast, you're in luck—we've got the lowdown on the best flowers and plants guaranteed to lure these mesmerizing creatures into your very own backyard. From annuals and perennials to native species, we've got the ultimate mix that will make your garden their go-to spot for nectar!
This guide will spill all the juicy details on just how to draw these aerial acrobats to your yard, by growing their favorite nectar sources, including native and non-native plants, trees, and shrubs.
How to Invite Hummingbirds to Your Yard
Ready to feed the hummingbirds and witness their dazzling antics? The trick is to plant nectar-rich plants specific to their tastes. These tiny birds prefer tubular, red flowers, but will visit any color, especially bright pink, orange, and yellow. Here's some insider info on how to entice these charming creatures:
- Native species: Choosing native plants is crucial, as they will provide the most abundant nectar source for hummingbirds.
- Single flowers over double: Single, tubular flowers will ensure easy access to nectar.
- Sun and shade supporters: Whether you're searching for full sun hummingbird plants or shade lovers, select a diverse mix of plantings that will supply nectar in spring, summer, and fall.
- Insects and spiders: In addition to nectar, hummers are omnivores; so plant shrubs near their favorite flowers for an insect protein buffet!
Now, buckle up and explore our list of the 12 hottest flowers and plants that hummingbirds simply can't resist!
1. Fuchsia
When it comes to hanging plants that hummingbirds adore, fuchsias take the cake! These compact, colorful delights come in both perennial and annual varieties, offering spectacular cascades of blooms from late spring through fall.
Whether you plant them in hanging baskets or containers, be sure to locate them in spotty shade or indirect, filtered sunlight for optimal growth. Remember, these stunning nectar-producing plants thrive best in USDA zones 9-10!
2. Impatiens
Tuck these annual bedding or container plants alongside your existing garden lineup—their paired mounds of bright, vibrant flowers will captivate any hummingbird passing by. Impatiens are capable of growing up to 2ft tall and wide, and flourish in partial shade to full shade. Fun fact: the native impatiens, such as Impatiens capensis, can easily be grown from seed and thrive in USDA zones 10-11!
3. Mexican Sunflower
Get ready for a pop of color with the Mexican sunflower's striking orange-red flowers that bloom from midsummer until frost. These plants, which are easy to grow from seeds, make for stunning shrubs that can reach up to 4-6ft tall. Plant these beauties in average, well-drained soil in your garden.
4. Zinnia
Versatile zinnias are a great choice for newbies, as they easily grow from seed and return year after year. Available in an array of colors, these pretty annuals produce daisy-like flowers that hummingbirds simply can't resist. Be sure to plant them in fertile, well-draining soil in full sun for optimal blooming and hummingbird-attraction.
5. Agastache
Enhance your garden's charm with the agastache's tall, colorful floral spikes, which are available in striking shades of purple, pink, and blue. This tender perennial, which prefers full sun and well-drained soil, makes for an excellent choice for shrubby borders or backdrops. It's hardy in USDA zones 5-9. For even more eye-catching goodness, be sure to check out our exclusive "Black Licorice" Agastache from Green Promise Farms, available in our shop!
6. Salvia 'Black and Blue'
Also known as "Dale Klienenberg's Black and Blue," Salvia guaranitica 'Black and Blue' is an ever-blooming perennial that boasts eye-catching tubular, deep blue spires of flowers. Unlike many of the best salvias, this beauty forms shrubs that are 3ft tall and wide, making it the perfect addition to any sun or partial shade spot. Plant it in average soil and watch hummingbirds flock to these long-blooming, nectar-rich flowers!
7. Cardinal Flower
With habitat-friendly perennials like the cardinal flower, it's easy to create a pollinator-friendly paradise in your own yard! Named after the bright red color of its tubular flowers, this stunning native perennial grows up to 2-4ft tall and sports lovely, slender, green foliage. Pair it with complementary plants, like red buckeye or butterfly weed, to lure in an even wider array of hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.
8. Lantana
Add a touch of vibrant color to your garden with lantana flowers! With numerous color combinations to choose from—think delicate shades of pink, red, yellow, and white—there's sure to be a lantana variety that matches your aesthetic. These versatile, sterile plants can be grown as groundcover, shrubs, or hangers and thrive best in well-drained soil in USDA zones 7-11! Here's a quick tip: because lantana plants originated in tropical climates, consider placing them near a south- or west-facing shade structure to shield them from too much sun.
9. Coral Trumpet Honeysuckle (Coral Vine)
Add some visual delight to your garden with the coral trumpet honeysuckle vine! This vibrant bloomer comes to life starting in early spring and continues to wow hummingbirds, butterflies, and even bees until the first frost. Its orange-red tubular flowers cling to long, thin stems and make for an ideal climbing plant, especially when paired with a sturdy trellis. This sun-loving perennial is hardy in USDA zones 4-9 and can be found at our shop in the delightful 'Major Wheeler' variety.
10. Firecracker Plant (aka Coral Plant)
This tropical stunner, also known as the Coral Plant, is the hot new, must-have plant for gardeners looking to really spice up their hummingbird-friendly ecosystem. Covered in electric-orange, tubular blooms, the Firecracker Plant adds show-stopping drama to any hanging basket or sunny garden nook. With abundant nectar and slender, spindly stems, this bold and bright beauty thrives in USDA zones 9-11.
11. Garden Phlox
Say goodbye to plain, boring gardens and hello to the Garden Phlox! Clustering delicate, petal-packed flowers on arching stems, this classic garden staple comes in a variety of enchanting hues, including white, pink, purple, and even coral. Depending on the variety, Garden Phlox can reach anywhere from 2-3ft tall, making it a charming addition to mixed displays, borders, and compact gardens.
12. Red Buckeye
The Red Buckeye plant, or Aesculus pavia, is a truly stunning addition to your hummingbird paradise. Reaching heights of up to 25ft tall, this deciduous native stunningly displays its vibrant scarlet tubular flowers in spring. Red Buckeye's tall stature and attractive foliage make it perfect for creating privacy or shielding an area of your garden from harsh winds. Note: All parts of the Red Buckeye plant are highly toxic to humans and animals alike, so be sure to keep it out of reach of curious pets and children.
From bee cups to bird feeders, our shop has everything you need to create a warm, welcoming oasis for your new hummingbird friends, so be sure to check it out! With stunning, nectar-rich plants and a little love, we can create the ultimate hummingbird-friendly garden, drawing in these brilliant, iridescent creatures year after year. Happy gardening!
Enrichment Data:
If you're eager to create a thriving pollinator garden that hummingbirds won't be able to resist, diversifying your plant selection is key. Focus on nectar-rich flowers, shrubs, and trees that appeal to their eyes and tastes.
The optimal hummingbird garden should include a mix of native and non-native plants, such as the ones listed in the main article. When selecting plants, be on the lookout for those with tubular, brightly colored flowers, high nectar production, and continuous blooms from spring through fall. Native plants, like the Cardinal Flower or the Red Buckeye, provide essential nectar for hummingbirds and support overall ecosystem health.
Furthermore, when designing your hummingbird-friendly garden, remember to incorporate shelter and perching opportunities for these tiny birds. Shrubs or trees, especially those with dense foliage, will provide protection and resting spots for hummers to nest or hide between feedings.
By strategically arranging your plants, offering a diverse range of nectar sources, and creating welcoming shelter, you'll create a haven that won't soon be forgotten by your hummingbird visitors. Enjoy watching your backyard garden transform into a buzzing, colorful hummingbird paradise!
- To further attract hummingbirds to your yard, consider planting trees and shrubs from the home-and-garden category, such as those typical in a garden setting.
- While focusing on hummingbird flowers, don't forget to incorporate beautiful and nectar-rich home-and-garden plants into your lifestyle, as they will benefit not only your hummingbird visitors but also the overall aesthetic of your garden.
