#24 Red Flowers Create an Instant Magnet
You’ve probably heard that hummingbirds love red, but you might not realize just how powerful this color preference really is. These tiny birds are particularly fond of red and are often observed investigating feeders with red parts, and hummingbirds are attracted to red. Think of red as nature’s neon sign for hummingbirds.
But here’s something most gardeners don’t know: Hummingbirds also need a habitat that will give them food, water, shelter, and security. Your red flowers should be scattered throughout your garden, not bunched together in one spot. Hummingbirds tend to be territorial, and you’ll attract more birds – and reduce the fighting – if there are lots of places for them to feed.
#23 The Power of Tubular-Shaped Blooms
Brightly-colored flowers that are tubular tend to produce the most nectar. Their blooms are tube-shaped, brightly colored, and they grow where it’s easy for hummingbirds to hover and sip. It’s like they were designed specifically for hummingbird beaks!
The shape matters because it perfectly accommodates their long bills and tongues. Tubular flowers accommodate long bills and tongues. This natural partnership between flowers and hummingbirds has evolved over thousands of years. When you choose tubular flowers, you’re working with nature rather than against it.
#22 Native Plants Are Your Secret Weapon
Here’s where many gardeners go wrong: they focus on exotic flowers when native plants are actually more effective. Doug Tallamy’s research has detailed that native plants will support a greater concentration of insects and spiders available as prey for hummingbirds and other birds, than do alien ornamentals.
Native flowers are a natural source of nectar for hummingbirds. Choose blooms like trumpet vine, bee balm, or salvia to provide consistent food throughout the season. Think about it: these are the plants hummingbirds have depended on for generations. Why fix what isn’t broken?
#21 Water Features That Make All the Difference
Most people think a simple birdbath will do the trick, but hummingbirds have very specific water needs. A typical bird bath is far too deep for hummingbirds to safely use. Instead, these birds seek out more creative and unusual water sources that provide the proper moisture for their unique needs.
The light spray of a mister is ideal for hummingbirds to hover in or fly through to wet their plumage. Directing a mister to spray on a broad leaf will also wet the leaf’s surface, and hummingbirds may rub against the wet leaf just like larger birds would splash in a deeper bath. Moving water is particularly attractive because hummingbirds are attracted to the sound of running water.
#20 The Perfect Feeder Placement Strategy
Hang your feeders at least four feet above the ground so they are beyond the reach of cats and other predators. But that’s just the beginning. Position in an area with shade, especially one that gets afternoon shade to protect it from the hottest temperatures. Nectar can spoil quickly on hot days, and if a feeder is in full sunlight all day long, it may not be suitable for hummingbirds for more than a day or two.
Spacing is crucial too. If you want to support multiple hummingbirds, you may want to invest in multiple feeders to support more hummers and help reduce territoriality. Think of it as creating a hummingbird highway system in your garden.
#19 The Magic Nectar Recipe
Forget the expensive store-bought nectar – making your own is ridiculously simple and much better for the birds. It has just two ingredients: white sugar and water. Follow the rule of thumb: 4 parts water to 1 part sugar. For example, 4 cups of water to 1 cup of sugar.
Here’s what most people don’t know: Red dye or coloring isn’t necessary to attract hummingbirds and could be harmful to the birds. The bright red feeder itself provides all the visual attraction needed. Always use refined white sugar (regular table sugar). Never use honey, corn syrup or raw, unprocessed sugars.
#18 Timing Your Feeder Maintenance
Replace nectar every 2 days in temperatures above 80°F to keep it fresh. During cooler weather, it is important that they are cleaned and refilled at least twice a week in hot weather (summer) and once a week in cooler weather (spring/fall) to prevent the growth of mold.
This isn’t just about cleanliness – it’s about survival. If the liquid appears cloudy or you see mold, wash the feeder thoroughly right away. However, you should not let your feeders get to this point. You should change and clean them so often that they never get cloudy or moldy.
#17 Strategic Garden Layout for Maximum Appeal
Group flowers in clusters to make them easier for hummingbirds to find. Add a mix of colors, especially red and orange, to catch their attention. But don’t make the clusters too dense – provide lots of space between plants to give hummingbirds enough room to hover and navigate from flower to flower.
The key is creating what I call a “foraging pathway.” Imagine how hummingbirds move through space: they need clear flight paths between flowers, safe perching spots, and unobstructed views of potential threats.
#16 The Perching Problem Most People Ignore
Here’s something that might surprise you: hummingbirds spend most of their time perched, not hovering. Some spots should be in the open and obvious for territorial birds, while others should be in protected areas, hidden from view and buffered from any cooler overnight temperatures.
It is helpful to have multiple perches nearby for wet birds to rest and preen. Leave several nearby branches unpruned, or hang hummingbird swings to give these birds a convenient spot to recover after each bath. Think of perches as rest stops on their daily journey through your garden.
#15 Creating Shelter Without Birdhouses
Forget everything you’ve heard about hummingbird birdhouses. Unfortunately, the answer is no. Unlike many other common backyard birds, hummingbirds avoid using birdhouses. Instead, it’s all about the type of nest they construct. Hummingbirds are biologically and evolutionarily programmed to build their cup-style nest, so the short answer as to why they don’t use birdhouses is that they are not what we call ‘cavity nesters.’
What they actually need is completely different. Hummingbirds prefer to nest near a ready supply of nectar and other food, and you can encourage them to nest in your yard by maintaining some shrubbery and small deciduous trees in which they can seek protective cover. They build their tiny, expandable nests on tree limbs and other small horizontal surfaces.
#14 Bee Balm: The Ultimate Hummingbird Magnet
Hummingbirds, butterflies, and – of course – bees are all attracted to bee balm, also known as wild bergamot. Native to North America, scarlet bee balm is a special favorite of hummingbirds. This perennial is like a 24-hour diner for hummingbirds.
What makes bee balm so special is its continuous blooming habit and the sheer abundance of nectar it produces. Bee balm is a native perennial with firework-like flowers in an array of red, pink, and purple colors that bloom in the summer. While it may have “bee” in its name, it also attracts hummingbirds and butterflies!
#13 Salvia: The Drought-Tolerant Champion
Almost continuously blooming, especially in hot, dry conditions, salvias come in a huge selection of colors and plant habits. Many gardeners grow these hummingbird flowers because they’re a good drought-tolerant option in summer. Once established, salvia’s stiff, upright, colorful tubular flowers and rich nectar are long-blooming and easily attract hummingbirds and other pollinators. Once established, this perennial is drought-tolerant and easy to care for.
Salvia varieties come in an impressive range of colors, though hummingbirds particularly favor the red and pink varieties. The bonus? They require minimal maintenance once established, making them perfect for busy gardeners.
#12 Cardinal Flower: Nature’s Red Carpet
This native perennial attracts hummingbirds because of its stunning tube-shaped brilliant red flowers. It does especially well in boggy or wet areas. If you have a damp area in your garden that’s been challenging to plant, cardinal flower might be your solution.
Cardinal flower is a moisture-loving perennial that thrives in full sun (in northern climates) or partial shade and is both deer and rabbit resistant. Hummingbirds will fight over the tubular scarlet flowers which look especially dramatic on selections that have dark foliage.
#11 Cuphea: The Firecracker Plant
If you plant only one flower for your hummingbirds, make it cuphea! This pretty flower loves, loves, loves the heat. It will keep blooming well into fall, as long as you keep it fertilized and watered. It’s one of the absolute best for attracting hummingbirds.
The secret to cuphea’s success is its non-stop blooming habit. Every year I place a big pot of large firecracker plant (Cuphea) on my deck. Hummingbirds are zipping about just inches from me all summer! It’s like having front-row seats to a hummingbird show.
#10 Agastache: The Hummingbird Mint
It’s no coincidence that a common name for one of the agastache species is hummingbird mint. The love hummingbirds have for this plant is in the name! Hummingbird mint, or Agastache, is a native perennial that is drought-tolerant and sun-loving, with fragrant flower spikes delighting in the landscape. Pollinators find the showy flowers irresistible, and the tiny florets make the pollen and nectar easy to access.
This plant is particularly valuable because it blooms for an extended period and requires minimal care. The fragrant foliage is an added bonus that many gardeners appreciate.
#9 Penstemon: The Beardtongue Beauty
Penstemon, also known as “Beardtongue,” is another fantastic choice for attracting hummingbirds to your garden. With its tubular and nectar-rich flowers, Penstemon provides an irresistible treat for these tiny pollinators. The bright, trumpet-shaped blossoms come in a wide array of colors, including shades of red, purple, pink, and blue. Plus, many Penstemon varieties have a long blooming period, ensuring a continuous food source.
These hummingbird flowers are low-maintenance if you place them in full sun and soil with excellent drainage; they hate wet feet, especially in the winter. The key is choosing varieties native to your specific region.
#8 Trumpet Vine: The Climbing Champion
If you have vertical space to fill, trumpet vine is unbeatable for attracting hummingbirds. Its bright orange-red trumpet-shaped flowers are perfectly designed for hummingbird beaks. The vigorous growth habit means you’ll have abundant blooms throughout the summer.
However, be aware that trumpet vine can be aggressive in its growth, so plant it where it has room to spread or where you can manage its growth. The trade-off is worth it when you see hummingbirds visiting throughout the day.
#7 Lantana: The Heat-Loving Bloomer
Lantana is a sturdy plant that doesn’t mind heat and drought once it’s established. We love lantana, as evidenced by the fact that we have over 45 plants growing now, consisting of several varieties, from yellow to white to red to orange. Lantanas are perennials in much of the South, and will flower in full sun or light shade, preferably in well-drained soil. As semi-desert natives, they bloom best when not overfed or over watered.
What makes lantana particularly valuable is its ability to bloom continuously from spring until frost. The clusters of small flowers provide multiple feeding opportunities for hummingbirds on a single visit.
#6 Petunias: The Container Garden Star
Petunias are old favorites in the garden because they work everywhere: In planters, window boxes, baskets, and landscape beds. And their tubular-shaped flowers in every color you can imagine are appealing to hummingbirds.
This versatility makes petunias particularly valuable for gardeners with limited space. You can create a hummingbird-friendly container garden using petunias as your foundation, then add other complementary plants.
#5 Butterfly Bush: The Migration Station
This easy-to-grow flowering shrub is attractive to butterflies, but hummingbirds love the elongated clusters of nectar-rich blooms, too. I have noticed at my property, the butterfly bushes get the most hummingbird visitors of all of my plants and they bloom until first frost.
Butterfly bushes are particularly valuable during migration periods when hummingbirds need concentrated sources of energy. The long blooming period means they’ll be available throughout the entire hummingbird season.
#4 Azaleas: The Spring Spectacular
The vibrant colors of azaleas attract hummingbirds, and the rich nectar will surely make them stay! Azaleas feature massive tropical flowers that bloom from spring through fall. Few shrubs can rival azaleas for color in spring – a back-of-the-border showstopper or a compact reblooming evergreen foundation shrub.
The key to success with azaleas is providing the right growing conditions: azaleas thrive in acidic, moisture retentive, well-drained soil. Once established, they provide years of reliable blooms for hummingbirds.
#3 Zinnia: The Easy Annual
Humans and hummingbirds like zinnia flowers for several reasons. They’re easy to grow from seed. The birds sip from the central florets, and you can snip the blooms to create indoor bouquets. This dual purpose makes zinnias particularly appealing to gardeners who want cut flowers as well as wildlife attraction.
Zinnias are perfect for beginners because they’re nearly foolproof to grow and bloom reliably throughout the summer. There are so many colors to choose from! If you’re planting a rainbow of colors and need green flowers, choose Queen Lime, Envy, Tequila Lime or other chartreuse varieties.
#2 Catmint: The Surprise Favorite
Catmint is easy to grow, long-blooming, heat-tolerant, and deer- and pest-resistant. After the hummingbird flowers fade, shear off the spent blooms and about a third of the stalk for a second round. Hummingbirds especially like Siberian catmint’s blue blooms.
Catmint has much to offer the gardener including long-lasting blooms, drought tolerance, and deer resistance, as well as aromatic foliage. Hummingbirds are also attracted to the tiny tubular lavender-blue flowers and enjoy the sheer abundance of blooms on each long flower spike.
#1 Coral Bells: The Shade Solution
Coral bells are valued for their foliage and shade tolerance. In late spring, the plant sends up attractive, long-lasting wands of tiny flowers that hummingbirds like all summer long. This makes coral bells particularly valuable for gardeners dealing with shady conditions where many other hummingbird plants won’t thrive.
Thank you for reading! Please let us know if you have any feedback or ideas!
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