Hummingbirds are nature’s tiny acrobats, darting and hovering like little jewels in the air. Want to see them buzzing around your garden all year long? The secret isn’t just in the flowers—it’s in the plants you choose.
Perennial plants are the key to attracting these breathtaking creatures. They come back every year, just like the hummingbirds, ensuring a steady nectar supply.
These 24 perennial favorites are a hummingbird’s dream come true, offering vibrant colors and a steady feast. With the right blooms, your garden could become a go-to pit stop for these magnificent winged wonders.
Get ready to transform your garden into a buzzing haven—because once you plant these, the hummingbirds won’t be able to resist coming back for more!
Bee Balm
Bee Balm, with its striking red, pink, or purple flowers, is a magnet for hummingbirds. These bright blossoms stand tall on square stems, surrounded by aromatic leaves that release a minty fragrance when crushed. Plant them in a sunny spot with well-drained soil to ensure they thrive. Bee Balm can spread rapidly, so it’s wise to divide clumps every few years. This not only controls their growth but also rejuvenates the plants, encouraging more blooms. Additionally, deadheading spent flowers promotes continuous blooming, offering a consistent food source for hummingbirds throughout the season.
Cardinal Flower
The Cardinal Flower’s vivid red spikes are irresistible to hummingbirds. These perennials thrive in moist, rich soil and can often be found growing along streambanks or in rain gardens. Plant them in partial shade to protect them from the intense afternoon sun. Although they are short-lived perennials, they readily self-seed, ensuring their presence in your garden for years. Regular watering and mulching help maintain soil moisture, supporting healthy growth. When planting, consider grouping them for a stunning visual impact and an enticing buffet for visiting hummingbirds.
Salvia
Salvia, known for its tall spikes of tubular flowers, comes in a variety of colors, from deep blue to bright red. These perennials thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Their long-blooming habits make them a reliable source of nectar. To encourage repeat flowering, prune them back after the first bloom. Salvias are drought-tolerant once established, adding ease to garden maintenance. Plant them in masses for a bold color display that attracts hummingbirds and other pollinators. Their aromatic foliage also adds another sensory layer to your garden landscape.
Columbine
Columbine’s unique, spurred flowers in shades of blue, pink, and yellow are a favorite among hummingbirds. These perennials prefer partial shade and well-drained soil, making them ideal for woodland gardens. They bloom in late spring to early summer, providing an early-season nectar source. After flowering, allow some seed heads to mature for self-seeding. This will help the plant naturalize over time, ensuring a continuous presence in your garden. Columbine’s delicate foliage adds texture, while its flowers offer an inviting stop for hungry hummingbirds.
Lupine
Lupines showcase tall spikes of pea-like flowers in a rainbow of colors, attracting hummingbirds with their abundant nectar. These perennials prefer well-drained, sandy soil and full sun. They are nitrogen-fixers, enriching the soil for nearby plants. Lupines bloom in late spring to early summer and can be encouraged to flower again by deadheading spent blooms. Their striking appearance makes them a focal point in any garden. Consider pairing them with other early bloomers to extend the nectar season, providing a continuous feast for visiting hummingbirds.
Trumpet Vine
Trumpet Vines are renowned for their vigorous growth and stunning trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of orange and red. These climbers thrive in full sun and average soil, quickly covering fences and trellises. Their blooms offer a nectar-rich source for hummingbirds throughout summer and into early fall. Regular pruning helps control their spread, as they can become invasive. However, with proper management, they provide a spectacular floral display. Plant Trumpet Vines in strategic locations to create natural arbors and walls, transforming your garden into a hummingbird haven.
Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle’s fragrant flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds. These vines produce clusters of tubular blooms in vivid hues, providing a long-lasting nectar source. Plant them in full sun to partial shade, ensuring well-drained soil for optimal growth. Honeysuckles are versatile, suitable for trellises, fences, or as ground covers. Regular pruning encourages bushy growth and continuous flowering. When selecting varieties, opt for non-invasive species to prevent uncontrolled spreading. By integrating Honeysuckle into your garden, you create a fragrant and colorful environment that hummingbirds will frequent all season long.
Fuchsia
Fuchsia’s pendulous blooms, resembling delicate lanterns, captivate both gardeners and hummingbirds alike. These perennials prefer partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Ideal for hanging baskets, Fuchsias add vertical interest to garden spaces. Regular watering and fertilization support abundant flowering. Prune back in early spring to encourage new growth and bushier plants. The vibrant colors and unique flower shape make Fuchsias a standout choice for hummingbird gardens. Consider planting them where their beauty can be appreciated up close, like near patios or windows, enhancing your outdoor experience.
Penstemon
Penstemon, with its tubular flowers and tall, slender stems, is a hummingbird favorite. These perennials thrive in well-drained soil and full sun, making them ideal for rock gardens or borders. Their blooms range from pinks to purples and reds, offering a vibrant nectar source. To promote longer blooming, deadhead spent flowers regularly. Penstemons are drought-tolerant once established, providing a low-maintenance option for gardeners. Consider mixing them with other sun-loving perennials to create a diverse and colorful habitat. Their elegant form and nectar-rich flowers make them irresistible to hummingbirds.
Agastache
Agastache, known for its tall spikes and aromatic foliage, offers a feast for the senses and a bounty of nectar for hummingbirds. These perennials thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, blooming from midsummer to fall. Their lavender to orange flowers add a spicy fragrance to the garden, attracting pollinators. Agastache is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, making it perfect for xeriscaping. To encourage bushier plants, pinch back young shoots in spring. Incorporate Agastache into mixed borders or herb gardens to create a lively and fragrant space that hummingbirds will frequent.
Coral Bells
Coral Bells are admired for their vibrant foliage and delicate, bell-shaped flowers, which are particularly attractive to hummingbirds. These perennials prefer partial shade and well-drained soil, thriving in woodland or shaded garden settings. Their flowers, although small, produce ample nectar. Coral Bells bloom from late spring to early summer, adding color when many plants are still developing. Regular deadheading encourages more blooms and prevents self-seeding. Consider using them as ground cover or along shaded pathways, where their foliage can provide visual interest even after flowering has ended.
Butterfly Bush
Butterfly Bush, with its long, cone-shaped clusters of fragrant flowers, is not only a favorite for butterflies but also for hummingbirds. These shrubs thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, offering blooms from summer through fall. Regular deadheading promotes continuous flowering, extending the feeding period for hummingbirds. Prune them back in early spring to encourage vigorous growth and abundant blooms. While butterfly bushes can become invasive, choosing sterile varieties helps prevent unwanted spreading. These shrubs add height and color to garden landscapes, making them a dynamic addition to hummingbird-friendly spaces.
Red Hot Poker
Red Hot Poker, known for its vibrant, torch-like flowers, adds a dramatic flair to gardens. These perennials thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, offering a reliable nectar source for hummingbirds. Blooming from late spring to early fall, their fiery red, orange, and yellow blooms stand out in any landscape. Regular watering during dry spells ensures healthy growth and prolonged flowering. Consider planting them in groups for a bold visual statement. Their striking appearance and abundant nectar make Red Hot Poker a must-have for gardeners looking to attract hummingbirds.
Bleeding Heart
Bleeding Heart’s delicate, heart-shaped flowers dangle from arching stems, providing a romantic allure to shaded gardens. These perennials thrive in rich, well-drained soil and partial to full shade. They bloom in spring, offering early nectar for hummingbirds. After flowering, the foliage may die back, which is natural. Consider planting them with later-blooming perennials to fill the gap. Bleeding Hearts add texture and elegance to garden spaces, especially when layered with ferns and other shade-loving plants. Their unique flower shape and graceful presence make them a favorite stop for hummingbirds.
Foxglove
Foxglove, with its towering spikes of tubular flowers, creates a dramatic vertical element in gardens. These biennials or short-lived perennials thrive in partial shade and well-drained soil. Their blooms range from pastel pinks to deep purples, offering a rich nectar source. While foxgloves are beautiful, they are also toxic, so handle with care. To encourage self-seeding, allow some flowers to go to seed. Foxgloves add a touch of the wild to garden spaces, attracting hummingbirds with their inviting blooms. They pair well with other cottage garden favorites for a classic look.
Lantana
Lantana’s colorful clusters of small flowers provide a constant source of nectar for hummingbirds. These perennials thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them ideal for hot, sunny gardens. They bloom from spring to frost, ensuring a continuous food supply. Lantanas are drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, perfect for busy gardeners. Regular pruning encourages bushy growth and more flowers. Their bright colors and resilience make them a standout choice for attracting hummingbirds. Plant them in borders or containers to enjoy their cheerful presence and the lively activity of visiting pollinators.
Spiderwort
Spiderwort’s unique, three-petaled flowers open in the morning and close by afternoon, providing a brief but rewarding nectar source. These perennials thrive in moist, well-drained soil and partial to full sun. Their grass-like foliage adds texture, while the blue to purple blooms offer a splash of color. Regular deadheading promotes more blooms throughout the season, extending the feeding period for hummingbirds. Spiderworts are resilient, adapting to various soil conditions. Consider planting them in masses for an eye-catching display that draws hummingbirds in for a visit, even if just for a morning snack.
Snapdragon
Snapdragons, with their colorful spikes, bring charm and vibrancy to gardens. These cool-weather perennials thrive in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Their tubular flowers attract hummingbirds and are available in nearly every color imaginable. Plant them in spring or fall for the best blooms. Regular deadheading encourages prolonged flowering, keeping your garden lively. Snapdragons’ upright form makes them suitable for borders or mixed plantings. Consider using them as cut flowers to enjoy their beauty indoors. Their playful blooms and ease of care make them a delightful addition to any garden.
Yarrow
Yarrow’s flat clusters of tiny flowers provide an abundant nectar source for hummingbirds. These hardy perennials thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Their fern-like foliage adds texture, while the blooms come in a range of colors from white to yellow and pink. Yarrows are drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, making them ideal for xeriscaping. Regular deadheading promotes more blooms and prevents self-seeding. Plant them en masse for a meadow-like effect that attracts a variety of pollinators. Yarrow’s long blooming season ensures a continuous food supply for visiting hummingbirds.
Zinnia
Zinnias are annuals renowned for their bright, daisy-like blooms that attract hummingbirds. These sun-loving plants thrive in well-drained soil, providing a burst of color from summer to frost. Zinnias are easy to grow from seed and require minimal care. Regular deadheading encourages more flowers, extending their blooming period. Their wide range of colors and heights make them versatile for garden design. Plant Zinnias in borders, containers, or as cut flowers to enjoy their cheerful presence. Their vibrant blooms and resilience make them a favorite choice for gardeners looking to attract pollinators.
Verbena
Verbena’s clusters of small flowers offer a long-lasting nectar source for hummingbirds. These perennials thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Blooming from spring through fall, they provide continuous color and a reliable food supply. Verbenas are drought-tolerant once established, making them suitable for low-maintenance gardens. Regular pruning encourages bushy growth and more blooms. Their trailing habit makes them ideal for hanging baskets or cascading over walls. By incorporating Verbena into your garden, you create a vibrant and inviting space for hummingbirds and other pollinators.
Hibiscus
Hibiscus, with its large, showy blooms, creates a tropical flair in gardens. These perennials thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, offering a bold nectar source for hummingbirds. Blooming from summer to fall, their flowers range from reds and pinks to whites and yellows. Regular watering and fertilization support vigorous growth and abundant blooms. Consider planting Hibiscus in containers or as focal points in garden beds. Their striking appearance and plentiful nectar make them a standout choice for gardeners aiming to attract hummingbirds. Enjoy their beauty and the lively activity they bring to your garden.
Pineapple Sage
Pineapple sage, with its bright red tubular flowers, is a surprising favorite among hummingbirds. This plant not only offers a nectar-rich feast but also delights with its fruity scent. In the garden, its vivid blooms become a beacon for these tiny birds.
Pineapple sage is versatile, thriving in sunny spots and allowing for easy care. Its aromatic leaves can be used in teas, providing more than just visual appeal. For gardeners, it offers both beauty and utility, making it a unique addition to attract hummingbirds. Embrace this dual-purpose plant in your garden, and enjoy the show!
Cuphea (Bat Face)
Cuphea, often referred to as ‘Bat Face’ due to its unique flower shape, is an intriguing plant for any garden. Its red and purple flowers resemble a bat, making it a whimsical choice for attracting hummingbirds.
These flowers provide a continuous nectar source, enticing hummingbirds throughout the growing season. The plant thrives in sunny locations and can tolerate some drought, making it low-maintenance.
Cuphea adds a touch of the unusual, appealing to both gardeners and hummingbirds alike. Incorporate it into your garden for a splash of color and a delightful hummingbird spectacle.