Hummingbirds are delightful visitors that transform any garden into a lively paradise. To attract these tiny wonders, choose vibrant plants they can’t resist.
Here are 17 beautiful, hummingbird-friendly options (after which, we’ll cover how to pair them and what works best for what regions). Let’s go!
1. Bee Balm (top 5 strongest attractor)
With vibrant blooms in reds, pinks, and purples, Bee Balm’s tubular flowers make it an irresistible buffet for hummingbirds.
More than hummingbirds: Attracts beneficial pollinators (bees, butterflies) and repels deer naturally due to its aromatic foliage.
- Hummingbirds attracted: Ruby-throated, Anna’s, Rufous
- Hardiness zones: 4-9
- Sun preference: Full sun to partial shade
- Good companions: Coneflowers, Black-eyed Susan, Phlox
2. Cardinal Flower (top 5 strongest attractor)
The fiery red blossoms of Cardinal Flower offer a bright splash of color while drawing hummingbirds from afar.
Strongly attracts butterflies and bees, aiding in pollination and increasing your garden’s ecological diversity
- Hummingbirds attracted: Ruby-throated, Rufous
- Hardiness zones: 3-9
- Sun preference: Partial shade
- Good companions: Ferns, Astilbe, Hostas
3. Salvia
Salvia’s striking purple and red spikes produce nectar-rich blooms ideal for hummingbirds, enhancing garden appeal.
- Hummingbirds attracted: Anna’s, Allen’s, Costa’s
- Hardiness zones: 5-10
- Sun preference: Full sun
- Good companions: Lavender, Yarrow, Coreopsis
4. Trumpet Vine (top 5 strongest attractor)
Trumpet Vine’s bold orange-red tubular flowers are a hummingbird magnet and add dramatic vertical interest.
An all-around winner: Attracts butterflies and beneficial insects, enhancing garden biodiversity.
- Hummingbirds attracted: Ruby-throated, Rufous
- Hardiness zones: 4-9
- Sun preference: Full sun
- Good companions: Clematis, Honeysuckle, Climbing Roses
5. Columbine
Columbine’s unique, bell-shaped blooms provide a charming garden accent and ample nectar.
- Hummingbirds attracted: Broad-tailed, Rufous
- Hardiness zones: 3-9
- Sun preference: Partial shade
- Good companions: Hostas, Bleeding Hearts, Ferns
6. Fuchsia (top 5 strongest attractor)
Dangling, jewel-like fuchsia blooms attract hummingbirds with ease, creating visual interest in hanging baskets or containers.
More than hummingbirds: Naturally repels aphids and attracts butterflies, making it ideal for keeping gardens healthy and vibrant.
- Hummingbirds attracted: Anna’s, Rufous
- Hardiness zones: 8-11
- Sun preference: Partial shade to shade
- Good companions: Begonias, Impatiens, Coleus
7. Lupine
Lupine’s tall flower spikes in blue, purple, and pink shades provide both nectar and vibrant garden structure.
- Hummingbirds attracted: Broad-tailed, Rufous
- Hardiness zones: 4-8
- Sun preference: Full sun
- Good companions: Delphinium, Iris, Dianthus
8. Penstemon
Penstemon boasts slender, tube-shaped blooms hummingbirds can’t resist, adding elegance to flowerbeds.
- Hummingbirds attracted: Black-chinned, Broad-tailed
- Hardiness zones: 3-8
- Sun preference: Full sun
- Good companions: Coneflower, Sage, Coreopsis
9. Petunia
Colorful petunias flourish in baskets and beds, offering abundant nectar and enhancing garden beauty.
- Hummingbirds attracted: Ruby-throated, Anna’s
- Hardiness zones: Annual in most zones
- Sun preference: Full sun to partial shade
- Good companions: Geraniums, Marigolds, Verbena
10. Butterfly Bush
Known for attracting butterflies, Butterfly Bush also captivates hummingbirds with its sweet-scented flowers.
- Hummingbirds attracted: Ruby-throated, Rufous
- Hardiness zones: 5-9
- Sun preference: Full sun
- Good companions: Salvia, Coneflower, Sedum
11. Honeysuckle (top 5 strongest attractor)
Honeysuckle vines with sweet, tubular flowers draw hummingbirds effortlessly, filling the air with fragrance.
Provides a pleasant fragrance that deters mosquitoes and attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.
- Hummingbirds attracted: Ruby-throated, Rufous
- Hardiness zones: 4-9
- Sun preference: Full sun to partial shade
- Good companions: Clematis, Trumpet Vine, Climbing Roses
12. Coral Bells
Coral Bells feature delicate, airy blooms atop attractive foliage, perfect for shaded hummingbird gardens.
- Hummingbirds attracted: Anna’s, Rufous
- Hardiness zones: 4-9
- Sun preference: Partial shade to shade
- Good companions: Hostas, Ferns, Astilbe
13. Zinnia
Bright, bold zinnias attract hummingbirds and butterflies alike, blooming all summer for continuous color.
- Hummingbirds attracted: Ruby-throated, Anna’s
- Hardiness zones: Annual in most zones
- Sun preference: Full sun
- Good companions: Marigolds, Cosmos, Sunflowers
14. Bleeding Heart
Bleeding Heart’s distinctive blooms provide nectar-rich rewards, ideal for shade gardens.
- Hummingbirds attracted: Rufous, Broad-tailed
- Hardiness zones: 3-9
- Sun preference: Partial shade to shade
- Good companions: Hostas, Columbine, Ferns
15. Impatiens
Impatiens thrive in shady spots, producing continuous blooms that hummingbirds find irresistible.
- Hummingbirds attracted: Anna’s, Rufous
- Hardiness zones: Annual in most zones
- Sun preference: Partial shade to full shade
- Good companions: Fuchsia, Coleus, Begonias
16. Red Hot Poker
Eye-catching and unusual, Red Hot Poker offers vibrant blooms that hummingbirds enthusiastically frequent.
- Hummingbirds attracted: Anna’s, Rufous
- Hardiness zones: 5-9
- Sun preference: Full sun
- Good companions: Daylilies, Yarrow, Ornamental Grasses
17. Verbena
Verbena clusters offer nectar-filled blooms in shades of purple, red, and pink, attracting hummingbirds and beautifying garden borders.
- Hummingbirds attracted: Anna’s, Ruby-throated
- Hardiness zones: 7-11 (often grown as annual)
- Sun preference: Full sun
- Good companions: Petunias, Marigolds, Geraniums
How to Pair Plants for Optimal Hummingbird Attraction Based on Location and Climate
Successfully attracting hummingbirds depends on choosing and pairing plants tailored to your specific climate and garden conditions.
Here’s a guide to effectively combining these plants based on your unique environment:
Sunny, Dry Climates
In regions with ample sun and dry conditions, pair drought-resistant plants like Salvia, Penstemon, and Red Hot Poker. These tough, vibrant plants withstand heat and minimal watering, attracting hummingbirds without extensive care. Supplement them with colorful Zinnias or Verbena for continuous blooms throughout the growing season.
Shaded and Moist Areas
For gardens with shade and higher moisture levels, opt for plants like Impatiens, Coral Bells, and Bleeding Heart. These plants thrive under canopy cover and consistently damp conditions. Consider pairing Coral Bells with Columbine for height variation and adding Fuchsia in hanging baskets for additional vertical interest and color.
Temperate Regions
Moderate climates offer gardeners ample choices. Pair Cardinal Flowers and Bee Balm for striking color contrasts and consistent nectar sources. Lupine adds height and visual texture while attracting hummingbirds. Honeysuckle vines, strategically planted along fences or trellises, can enhance vertical garden space while attracting hummingbirds effectively.
Cooler Climates
In cooler areas, choose hardy perennials like Columbine and Lupine, which tolerate frost and return each year. Complement these with resilient annuals such as Petunias and Zinnias, ensuring blooms from spring through late fall. These combined plantings offer continuous nectar sources despite shorter growing seasons.
Coastal and Humid Climates
For coastal gardens with high humidity, opt for plants tolerant to salt and moisture, such as Butterfly Bush and Honeysuckle. Supplement with colorful Fuchsias and Verbena to create a nectar-rich environment, encouraging hummingbirds to frequently visit your garden oasis.
Container Gardening for Small Spaces
Even limited spaces like patios or balconies can attract hummingbirds effectively. Select compact plants like Petunia, Impatiens, and Coral Bells, combined in containers or hanging baskets. Introducing Fuchsia or trailing Verbena maximizes limited vertical space, providing a stunning visual display and ample nectar.
By thoughtfully pairing these beautiful hummingbird-attracting plants according to your garden’s unique conditions, you’ll create a vibrant, lively haven, bringing these enchanting birds directly to your doorstep.