25 FLOWERS THAT ATTRACT HUMMINGBIRDS

Every bird lover knows that certain species are attracted to certain plants – whether for food, protection or a place to roost overnight. Forhummingbirds, plant selection is especially important since they have evolved to feed in a very specific manner. They require sugary nectar to keep their wings flapping and their metabolism running at the speed of a jackhammer.

In nature, that means they seek out flowering plants where they can harvest this nectar — usually from trumpet- or tube-shaped flowers. As humans, we’ve also helped these little birds along withhummingbird feeders. The ideal backyard habitat, however, includes a mix of hummingbird feeders and hummingbird flowers, and with a little gardening know-how, you can open your yard to a steady parade of hummingbirds.

Setting aside time and space to develop such a welcoming habitat isn’t as difficult as you think. All you need to do is plant a few bushes and flowers and let nature do the rest. For the most part, hummingbird-friendly flora requires only a few hours of maintenance a year. Make sure you check out our list ofplants that attract hummingbirdsbelow!

HUMMINGBIRDS AND THE COLOR OF ATTRACTION

The first thing you need in any hummingbird birdscape is color. You’ve probably noticed that manyPerky-PetⓇ Hummingbird Feedershave splashes of red or other bright colors. That’s because many hummingbirds have learned to investigate red-colored objects. Sure, hummingbirds are curious about other colors too – oranges, purples, and yellows – but red can really entice them into a yard and a hummingbird feeder or two is the best all-season way to do it. After all, feeders don’t wilt in the sun or fail to bloom after a frost.

We’ve even designed many of our latest feeders with real flower-inspired ports. They’re soft and flexible with realistic silhouettes and details, making them look and feel more like the flowers that hummingbirds visit in nature. The ports are available in a variety of styles that mimic a few of your hummingbirds’ favorite flowers, including hollyhocks, petunias, and columbines!

Our real flower-inspired ports can be found on all of our latest Top-Fill Glass Hummingbird Feeders, our Handheld & Tabletop Hummingbird Feeder, and more. They’re even sold separately so you can replace, customize, and mix & match as you see fit!

Unlike plants, feeders are around for good and offer a steady supply of food. The only way a feeder can fail is if the homeowner forgets to refill andclean them. That’s where you become an important part of a hummingbird’s life: Once a hummingbird finds a “garden” of well-maintained hummingbird feeders it’s going want to stick around.

PLANTS THAT ATTRACT HUMINGBIRDS

Making a natural habitat for hummingbirds is key to enhancing their stay. That means you’ll want plenty of hummingbird plants for them to use as food sources and a place to roost and rest. Our list below includes several types of hummingbird flowers and plants - flowers (mostly annuals that you’ll need to replant each year), flowering shrubs and bushes, flowering trees that hummingbirds can use as food sources, and, finally, vines that can be planted near a trellis, fence, or arbor.

• Begonia (Begonia*) (Flower)
• Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) (Flower)
• Columbine (Aguilegia*) (Flower)
• Coral-Bells (Heuchera sanguinea) (Flower)
• Flowering Tobacco (Nicotania alata) (Flower)
• Fuchsias (Fuchsia*) (Flower)
• Hollyhocks (Althea*) (Flower)
• Geranium (Pelargonium*) (Flower)
• Impatiens (Impatiens*) (Flower)
• Lantana (Lantana camara) (Flower)
• Penstemen (Penstemon*) (Flower)
• Petunia (Petunia*) (Flower)
• Azaleas (Rhododendron*) (Shrub)
• Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii) (Shrub)
• Flowering Quince (Chaenomeles japonica) (Shrub)
• Honeysuckle Bush (Lonicera*) (Shrub)
• Weigela (Weigela*) (Shrub)
• Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus*) (Tree)
• Flowering Crabapple (Malus*) (Tree)
• Locust (Robinia) (Tree)
• Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron Tulipifera) (Tree)
• Honeysuckle Vine (Lonicera heckrottii) (Vine)
• Morning Glory (Ipomea*) (Vine)
• Trumpet Creeper (Campsis radicans) (Vine)
• Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) (Vine)

* Several species are suitable for hummingbirds

Not all of these plants will be perfect for your temperature zone and specific climate. It’s best to check theUSDA Plant Hardiness Zone Mapand find out which of these plants are best for your area. Likewise, it’s important to remember that most hummingbirds stick to a very limited climate zone of their own. The vast majority stay west of the Rockies or in a band from Texas to California.

East Coasters, on the other hand, will want plants that specifically attract theRuby-throated Hummingbird, the only hummer that regularly travels east of the Rockies:

• Trumpet Creeper
• Cardinal Flower
• Honeysuckle
• Jewelweed
• Bee-balm
• Red buckeye, and
• Red Morning Glory