Colorful broad-tailed hummingbird visiting penstemon flowers.

21 Best Flowers To Attract Hummingbirds – Blue, Red, And Purple Flowers!

Welcome! This article contains affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you.

Bring your garden to life with the vibrant, spirited presence of hummingbirds! These enchanting garden visitors always look for nectar-rich blooms, so we’ve curated a list of the top 21 flowers hummingbirds love the most.

Whether you have a sprawling yard or a cozy balcony, these plant recommendations will help create an irresistible haven for these captivating garden guests.

Sound good?

Then, let’s dive into the world of hummingbird-friendly flora and transform your outdoor space into a buzzing paradise!

A hummingbird feeding on vibrant red pineapple sage flowers.

21 Best Flowers To Attract Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds love various flowers and shrubs. However, these 21 plants consistently rank among their top favorites, offering an irresistible blend of nectar and intrigue that will keep these winged wonders returning for more.

1. Penstemon (Penstemon spp.)

A female hummingbird visiting a rocky mountain penstemon flower.

Penstemon, also known as beardtongue, flaunts tubular flowers in a cone of colors from deep pink to bright purple. Hummingbirds adore these blooms because their tubular shape perfectly matches the birds’ long beaks and tongues, allowing for effortless nectar sipping.

  • Growing Zone: Zones 3 to 9.
  • Mature Height: 1 to 3 feet.
  • Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer.
  • Care Requirements: Penstemon thrives in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.

Penstemon’s vibrant colors and extended blooming season make it a delightful addition to any garden. It provides continuous nourishment for our feathered friends while adding color to your landscape.

Also note that there are over 250 penstemon cultivars, so their size and colors keep us guessing. 🙂

2. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

Ruby-throated hummingbird feeding on a bright red cardinal flower.

The Cardinal Flower is a striking beauty with its brilliant red spikes that stand tall and proud. Its vivid red hue is like a neon sign for hummingbirds, luring them in with the promise of sweet nectar. Besides being a hummingbird magnet, this flower thrives in moist soil, making it perfect for rain gardens or garden pond edges.

  • Growing Zone: Zones 3 to 9.
  • Mature Height: 2 to 4 feet.
  • Bloom Time: Late summer to early fall.
  • Care Requirements: Cardinal flower prefers moist soil and part shade to full sun.

Its bold color and elegant form also add a touch of intrigue to any backyard garden setting. Hummingbirds are particularly attracted to its vibrant red hue and tubular shape, which make accessing the nectar effortless.

Read More – 8 Ways To Keep Wasps, Hornets, And Bees Away From Hummingbird Feeders!

3. Catmint (Nepeta)

A hummingbird feeding on a catmint flower.

Catmint isn’t just for cats; it’s a little-known hummingbird favorite, too! With its soft, lavender-blue flowers and aromatic foliage, this plant offers a two-for-one delight—pretty blooms and a pleasant scent. Hummingbirds adore the nectar-rich flowers that bloom profusely from spring to fall.

  • Growing Zone: Zones 3 to 9
  • Mature Height: 1 to 3 feet.
  • Bloom Time: Late spring to summer, with sporadic reblooming.
  • Care Requirements: Catmint is drought-tolerant once established and thrives in full sun.

Catmint whispers secrets to the breeze, luring bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with its delicate blooms. It is also forgiving and easy to grow, making it a low-maintenance addition that significantly rewards your garden.

4. Columbine (Aquilegia spp.)

Wild columbine flowers blooming in spring.

Columbine flowers resemble delicate, nodding lanterns. They are available in many colors, from pale pastels to vibrant reds and blues. Their unique spurred petals contain nectar that hummingbirds find irresistible.

  • Growing Zone: Zones 3 to 9.
  • Mature Height: 1 to 3 feet.
  • Bloom Time: Spring to early summer.
  • Care Requirements: Columbine prefers well-drained soil and part shade. It can also tolerate full sunlight in chillier climates.

Besides their allure to hummingbirds, columbines are versatile and easily thrive in various garden settings, from woodland to rock gardens, adding whimsy and charm with their intricate blooms.

5. Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)

Ruby-throated hummingbird visiting red bee balm flowers.

Bee Balm is a buzzing garden activity hub with its wild, fuzzy flower heads in red, pink, purple, and white shades. Hummingbirds flock to its tubular flowers for their rich nectar, while gardeners appreciate its ability to attract manifold pollinators like bees and butterflies.

  • Growing Zone: Zones 4 to 9.
  • Mature Height: 2 to 4 feet.
  • Bloom Time: Mid to late summer.
  • Care Requirements: Bee balm likes moist soil and full sun to part shade.

Bee Balm’s aromatic foliage, reminiscent of mint, and its ability to thrive in nearly any sunny spot make it a vibrant and functional addition to any garden.

Read More – 21 Beneficial Garden Bugs – These Bugs Help Your Lawn And Garden!

6. Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia uvaria)

Hummingbird sipping nectar from torch lily flowers.

True to its name, the Red Hot Poker plant sports tall, fiery spikes of tubular flowers that appear blazing. These dramatic blooms are a beacon for hummingbirds, offering ample nectar and a striking visual element.

  • Growing Zone: Zones 5 to 9.
  • Mature Height: 2 to 5 feet.
  • Bloom Time: Summer.
  • Care Requirements: Red hot poker thrives in well-drained soil and full sun.

The plant’s vertical growth habit adds architectural interest to gardens, and its rugged, drought-tolerant nature makes it a resilient choice for sunny, well-drained areas.

7. Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis)

A ruby-throated hummingbird feeds from orange jewelweed wildflower.

Jewelweed’s bright orange, trumpet-shaped flowers dangle like delicate jewels, beckoning hummingbirds with their rich nectar. These plants flourish in moist, shady areas and are a boon for gardeners looking to brighten a damp spot.

  • Growing Zone: Zones 3 to 9.
  • Mature Height: 2 to 5 feet.
  • Bloom Time: Summer to early fall.
  • Care Requirements: Jewelweed prefers moist, rich soil and part shade.

Besides attracting hummingbirds, Jewelweed is also famous for its skin-soothing properties, particularly in relieving poison ivy rashes—making it a valuable addition to the garden in more ways than one.

Fun fact: Jewelweed is also known as “Touch-Me-Not” due to its quirky seed pods that explosively burst open when touched, flinging seeds far and wide. While hummingbirds don’t seem to mind this botanical fireworks display, unsuspecting gardeners might find themselves in for a surprising pop! So, when you’re admiring these jewel-like flowers in your garden, remember: look, but don’t touch—unless you’re in the mood for a tiny, seed-filled surprise!

8. Fuchsia (Fuchsia spp.)

Rufous hummingbird hovers as it sips nectar from a fuchsia flower in the garden.

Fuchsias are like miniature chandeliers hanging from the garden, with their pendulous, two-toned blooms in shades of pink, purple, red, and white. Hummingbirds are particularly fond of their abundant nectar and vibrant colors.

  • Growing Zone: Zones 9 to 11. In colder climates, fuchsias are often grown as annuals or brought indoors for the winter.
  • Mature Height: 1 to 3 feet.
  • Bloom Time: Summer to frost.
  • Care Requirements: Fuchsia needs well-drained soil, regular watering, and partial shade.

Perfect for hanging baskets or shaded garden beds, Fuchsias add an exotic flair and continuous blooms from spring through fall, ensuring a steady supply of nectar for hummingbirds.

Read More – 8 Ways To Support Native Backyard Bees And Friendly Pollinators!

9. Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)

Ruby-throated hummingbird feeding from a coral trumpet honeysuckle flower.

The Trumpet Honeysuckle’s bright red and orange tubular flowers are a hummingbird’s dream. These climbing vines offer a feast of nectar and a perfect perch for hummingbirds.

  • Growing Zone: Zones 4 to 9.
  • Mature Height: 10 to 20 feet.
  • Bloom Time: Late spring to summer.
  • Care Requirements: Trumpet honeysuckle prefers well-drained soil and full sun to part shade.

Besides attracting these delightful birds, Trumpet Honeysuckle adds vertical interest to the garden and can cover arbors, fences, or trellises with its lush, fragrant foliage and blossoms. And unlike some exotic honeysuckles, this native species is not invasive in North America.

10. Salvia (Salvia spp.)

Hummingbird perched on salvia leucantha flower.

Salvia is a hummingbird magnet with spiky blooms in shades ranging from blue and purple to red and pink. The tubular flowers are rich in nectar, providing a much-needed energy boost for these tiny birds.

  • Growing Zone: Zones 3 to 10. Some varieties are hardy only in warmer zones (8-10), while others can tolerate colder climates (down to zone 4 or 3).
  • Mature Height: 1 to 4 feet.
  • Bloom Time: Spring to autumn, depending on the cultivar.
  • Care Requirements: Salvia prefers well-drained soil and full sun.

Salvias are also drought-tolerant and easy to grow, making them a favorite among gardeners who want low-maintenance yet high-impact plants that bloom throughout the summer.

11. Lantana (Lantana camara)

Hummingbird on bright pink lantana flowers.

Lantana’s vibrant clusters of tiny flowers come in a rainbow of colors, often changing hues as they age. This kaleidoscopic display is irresistible to hummingbirds, who flock to its nectar-filled blooms.

  • Growing Zone: Zones 8 to 11.
  • Mature Height: 1 to 6 feet.
  • Bloom Time: Spring to frost.
  • Care Requirements: Lantana thrives in well-drained soil and full sun.

Lantana is a hummingbird haven and a robust, drought-tolerant plant that thrives in hot, sunny spots. From spring to fall, it adds splashes of color to your garden.

12. Crocosmia (Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora)

Rufous hummingbird snacking on orange crocosmia flowers.

Crocosmia’s arching sprays of fiery red, orange, or yellow flowers are like beacons for hummingbirds. These tubular blooms provide ample nectar, making them a favorite pit stop.

  • Growing Zone: Zones 6 to 9.
  • Mature Height: 2 to 4 feet.
  • Bloom Time: Summer.
  • Care Requirements: Crocosmia prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun.

Crocosmia also adds a dramatic touch to gardens with its sword-like foliage and bold, upright flowers that bloom in midsummer, creating a vibrant, tropical feel even in temperate zones.

Read More – 17 Fast-Growing Vines Perfect For Trellises, Walls, And Gates!

13. Firecracker Plant (Russelia equisetiformis)

An adorable hermit hummingbird feeding on a red firecracker plant.

The Firecracker Plant lives up to its name with a cascade of slender, tubular red flowers that resemble tiny firecrackers. Hummingbirds can’t resist the plentiful nectar these blooms offer.

  • Growing Zone: Zones 9 to 11.
  • Mature Height: 2 to 4 feet.
  • Bloom Time: Spring to fall.
  • Care Requirements: Firecracker plants love well-drained soil and full sun.

Firecracker plants thrive in sunny spots. They can be grown as bushes or cascading plants in hanging baskets, adding a burst of color and a hummingbird refuge to any garden space.

14. Sunflowers

Hummingbird visiting a big garden sunflower.

Sunflowers, with their towering stems and large, cheerful blooms, might not seem like an obvious choice for hummingbirds, but their nectar-rich flowers can attract these tiny birds, mainly when grown in clusters.

  • Growing Zone: Zones 4 to 10.
  • Mature Height: 3 to 12 feet.
  • Bloom Time: Summer to fall.
  • Care Requirements: Sunflowers prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They are surprisingly easy to nurture and care for.

The bright yellow petals and massive flower heads also provide seeds for other birds, making sunflowers a multifunctional addition to any wildlife-friendly garden.

15. Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)

Hummingbird feeding on nectar from a trumpet vine flower.

The Trumpet Vine’s bold, trumpet-shaped flowers in deep shades of yellow, orange, and red are a feast for the eyes and a buffet for hummingbirds. When the mighty trumpet vine’s scarlet horns blare, hummingbirds eagerly heed the call.

  • Growing Zone: Zones 4 to 9.
  • Mature Height: 25 to 40 feet!
  • Bloom Time: Summer to fall.
  • Care Requirements: Trumpet Vines need well-drained soil and full sun. If handled without gloves, they can be toxic to humans and cause skin irritation.

This vigorous climber can cover fences, trellises, or walls with its lush foliage and abundant blooms, creating a vertical spectacle that’s both beautiful and beneficial for attracting hummingbirds throughout the summer.

16. Agastache (Agastache spp.)

A broad tailed hummingbird hovering by agastache flowers.

Agastache, also known as hyssop, offers spikes of tubular flowers in blue, purple, pink, and orange hues. These nectar-rich blooms are a favorite among hummingbirds and provide a steady food source.

  • Growing Zone: Zones 5 to 9.
  • Mature Height: 1 to 4 feet.
  • Bloom Time: Summer to fall.
  • Care Requirements: Agastache prefers well-drained soil and full sun.

Agastache’s minty breath whispers, and hummingbirds linger in a fragrant embrace. Gardeners love agastache for its aromatic foliage, drought tolerance, and long blooming period, making it a versatile and attractive addition to any garden.

Read More – How To Grow Epic Catnip In Your Backyard! – Feline Bliss!

17. Blue Sage (Salvia azurea)

Ruby-throated hummingbird visiting blue sage flowers.

Blue sage boasts vibrant blue flowers rich in nectar, which attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. Its deer-resistant nature makes it a practical choice for homesteaders bordering woodlands or with high deer populations. It’s also super easy to grow. Once established, blue sage requires little maintenance, tolerates drought, and adds striking visual appeal to garden landscapes.

  • Growing Zones: 5 to 9.
  • Mature Height: 3 to 5 feet.
  • Bloom Time: Late summer to fall.
  • Care Requirements: Blue sage thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.

Adding blue sage to your garden creates a lively and colorful environment, especially during its blooming season when hummingbirds actively seek nectar.

18. Nicotiana (Nicotiana spp.)

Flowering tobacco blooming in the backyard garden.

Nicotiana, or flowering tobacco, features clusters of star-shaped, fragrant flowers in diverse shades, including red, pink, and white. Hummingbirds are particularly attracted to its evening-scented blooms and abundant nectar.

  • Growing Zone: Zones 2 to 11. Some varieties are hardier than others.
  • Mature Height: 1 to 5 feet.
  • Bloom Time: Summer to fall.
  • Care Requirements: Nicotiana prefers well-drained soil and full sun to part shade.

Nicotiana adds a touch of elegance to gardens, especially in the evening when its fragrance intensifies, creating a pleasant and inviting atmosphere.

19. Indian Pink (Spigelia marilandica)

Indian pink flowers blooming in the garden.

Indian Pink’s striking red and yellow tubular flowers are like little fireworks in the garden, drawing hummingbirds with their rich nectar. This native wildflower thrives best in partial shade with moist, well-drained soil. It’s famous for flourishing in woodlands.

  • Growing Zone: Zones 5 to 9.
  • Mature Height: 1 to 2 feet.
  • Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer.
  • Care Requirements: Indian pink likes moist, well-drained soil and part shade.

Indian pink’s crimson lanterns glow, and hummingbirds find solace in their scarlet chambers. Its unique color combination and upright growth habit add a dash of breathtaking color and a naturalistic feel to the landscape.

20. Cuphea (Cuphea spp.)

Beautiful and colorful cuphea flowers in the garden.

Cuphea, often called the cigar or firecracker plant, features small, tubular flowers in bright colors like red, orange, and purple. Hummingbirds flock to these nectar-rich blooms, which appear continuously from spring to fall.

  • Growing Zone: Zones 8 to 11.
  • Mature Height: 1 to 3 feet.
  • Bloom Time: Summer to fall.
  • Care Requirements: Cuphea thrives in well-drained soil and full sun.

Cuphea’s tiny trumpets sing in the lovely weather as hummingbirds sip from their miniature goblets. Cuphea is also heat-tolerant and low-maintenance, making it an excellent choice for adding long-lasting color and hummingbird appeal to sunny garden spots.

Read More – 21 Plants Perfect For Nighttime Gardens – Some Bloom Under The Moon!

21. Verbena (Verbena spp.)

Purple verbena bonariensis flowers blooming in the backyard garden.

Verbena offers clusters of tiny, brightly colored flowers that bloom profusely throughout the summer. Hummingbirds love these nectar-rich blooms, which come in shades of purple, pink, red, and white. Verbena’s spreading habit makes it ideal for ground cover, hanging baskets, or as a filler in garden beds.

  • Growing Zone: Zones 7 to 11.
  • Mature Height: 6 to 12 inches.
  • Bloom Time: Spring to frost.
  • Care Requirements: Verbena prefers well-drained soil and full sun.

Verbena’s lavender adds vibrant color and continuous interest to any garden while attracting a steady stream of hummingbirds.

Conclusion

Remember, a diverse mix of plants that bloom at different times will ensure a steady stream of these delightful visitors throughout the season. With some planning and the proper selection of flowers, you’ll soon enjoy the mesmerizing sight of hummingbirds flitting from bloom to bloom in your backyard oasis.

What about you?

  • Have you successfully attracted hummingbirds with any of the plants on our list?
  • Did our list neglect any flowers you’ve found particularly effective at drawing hummingbirds to your yard?
  • What challenges have you faced in creating a hummingbird-friendly garden?
  • For those new to hummingbird gardening, which plants from our list are you most excited to try, and why?
  • Experienced gardeners, what additional tips would you share for creating the ultimate hummingbird habitat beyond just planting these flowers?

We hope to hear from fellow hummingbird fanciers!

Thanks again for reading.

Have a great day!

Inspire Others, Share This Article!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *