Hummingbirds are attracted to flowers with bright blooms, tubular shapes to accommodate their long bills, and plentiful nectar. Although red flowers like columbine and crocosmia are known to catch the attention of hummingbirds, they love nectar-rich flowers of all colors. When planning a garden to attract hummingbirds, aim for a floral mix of different sizes, textures, forms, and bloom times. Here are some flowers favored by hummingbirds:
- Bee Balm
- Cardinal Flower
- Penstemon
- Hosta
- Catmint
- Agastache
- Eastern Red Columbine
- Delphinium
- Trumpet Honeysuckle
- Hummingbird Fuchsia
- Trumpet Flower
- Salvia
- Zinnias
- Nicotiana
- Hesperaloe
In addition to being attractive flowers for hummingbirds, the following criteria should be considered when selecting plants:
- Diversity in height and shape to increase landscape design options
- Showiness of bloom
- Ease of maintenance and planting
- Color choices within the species
- Attractiveness of foliage
- Early blooming or long blooming period
It is also important to note that hummingbirds prefer native plants, which are host plants for pollinators and support their young.
