Hummingbirds bring a kind of energy to the garden that’s hard to match – quick flashes of color, a soft hum in the air, and the simple joy of watching something so small move with such purpose. If you’re hoping to welcome more of these tiny visitors, the secret lies in planting flowers they can’t resist.

What Hummingbirds Look For

Hummingbirds are drawn to bright, tubular flowers, especially in shades of red, orange, and pink. They are less drawn to lighter shades such as white, peach, & pale yellow. Their long beaks and tongues are perfectly designed to reach deep into blooms where nectar is hidden so many hummingbird attracting flowers have a tubular bloom. Some flowers are richer in nectar which is important to hummingbirds – they expend a lot of energy!

One of the easiest ways to create a hummingbird-friendly garden is by planting perennials that return year after year. Some hummingbird favorite perennials are…

Bee Balm (Monarda)
A garden favorite with shaggy, firework-like blooms. Bee balm is packed with nectar and comes in reds, pinks, and purples. It’s also a pollinator magnet, attracting butterflies and bees alongside hummingbirds.

Salvia (Perennial Meadow Sage)
With tall spikes of tubular flowers, salvia is one of the most dependable hummingbird plants. Varieties like ‘May Night’ provide long-lasting color and nectar.

Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
If you want to stop hummingbirds in their tracks, this is the plant. Its vivid red blooms are irresistible, especially in moist or partially shaded areas.

Columbine (Aquilegia)
One of the earliest bloomers, columbine offers delicate, nodding flowers that provide an early-season nectar source when hummingbirds are first arriving.

Penstemon (Beardtongue)
Known for its tubular blooms and drought tolerance, penstemon is perfect for sunny spots and brings in hummingbirds all season long.

Don’t Forget These Flowering Favorites

While perennials build the backbone of your garden, mixing in a few annuals or flowering shrubs can keep the buffet going strong:

• Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans) – A vigorous climber with bold, trumpet-shaped flowers
• Zinnias – Easy, colorful, and long-blooming
• Petunias – Great for containers and hanging baskets
• Fuchsia – Ideal for shady areas and hanging displays
• Hibiscus – There are annual and perennial varieties to choose from
• Lantana – Bright clusters of blooms

Tips for Creating a Hummingbird Haven

• Plant in groups: Clusters of the same plant make it easier for hummingbirds to spot from a distance.
• Choose a variety of bloom times: Aim for continuous flowers from early spring through fall.
• Skip the pesticides: These can harm both hummingbirds and the insects they rely on for protein.
• Add a water source: A gentle mister or shallow fountain or puddler can attract them even more.

A Garden That Comes Alive

Designing a garden for hummingbirds isn’t just about planting flowers—it’s about creating a space that feels alive. When you choose nectar-rich perennials and layer in a mix of colors, heights, and bloom times, your garden becomes more than beautiful. It becomes a destination.

And once the hummingbirds find it, they’ll remember.