Hummingbirds are primarily attracted to long tubular flowers that are red, but they are also frequently seen visiting other flowers with bright colors that are orange, yellow, purple, or even blue. Hummingbird-friendly flowers have three things in common: their flowers are tube-shaped and brightly colored, they’re scentless, and they grow where it’s easy for hummingbirds to hover and sip. Here are some of the best flowers that attract hummingbirds:

• Bee Balm: This plant needs sun, moist soil, and plenty of air circulation to ward off powdery mildew. After the tubular pink, red, white, or violet flowers fade, the round seed heads remain.

• Cardinal Flower: This moisture-loving perennial 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.

• Columbine: This spring-blooming perennial has gorgeous flowers with long spiky tails, and its one of the earliest sources of nectar for hummingbirds.

• Fuchsia: This plant has trumpet-shaped flowers that come in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, and red. It needs partial shade and moist soil.

• Salvia: This plant has tube-shaped flowers of pink, purple, or two-tones that are a favorite of hummingbirds. There are both annual and perennial types, but they both need full sun.

• Trumpet Honeysuckle: This plant has yellow, orange, or apricot blooms that hummingbirds love. It needs regular water and full sun to thrive.

• Zinnia: This annual flower has bright bloom colors that make it a favorite of hummingbirds and other pollinators. Its easy to grow and comes in a variety of colors.

Remember to cluster each type of hummingbird flower in your garden for an ample nectar supply, and include a variety with staggered bloom times to provide a steady food source spring through fall.