There’s something truly magical about spotting a hummingbird in your garden.
These tiny, iridescent birds, with wings beating in a blur, bring a dynamic energy and a touch of wild wonder to any backyard. But they aren’t just a happy accident; you can actively invite them in.
The secret? Creating a welcoming habitat filled with the nectar-rich, vibrant flowers they adore. Planting even a few of their favorites can turn your garden into a bustling hub for these tiny jewels. If you’re ready to create your own hummingbird haven, here are seven of the best flowers to plant.
1. Bee Balm (Monarda)
Why Hummingbirds Love It: Bee balm is a hummingbird magnet. Its unique, spiky flower heads are made up of dozens of small, tubular blossoms, creating a perfect-sized nectar reservoir. They are especially drawn to the bright red and pink varieties.
Planting Tips: Bee balm thrives in full sun and loves moist, rich soil. Give the plants good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew. As a bonus, these native perennials will come back bigger and better every year.
2. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
Why Hummingbirds Love It: As its name suggests, the Cardinal Flower boasts a brilliant, true-red color that hummingbirds find irresistible. Their long, tube-shaped flowers are perfectly designed for a hummingbird’s beak, making them a primary food source.
Planting Tips: This plant loves moisture! It’s an excellent choice for areas with damp soil, near a downspout, or in a rain garden. It prefers full sun to partial shade.
3. Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)
Why Hummingbirds Love It: The name says it all. The large, trumpet-shaped flowers of this vigorous vine are practically custom-made for hummingbirds. The bright orange or red blooms are a high-energy food source they will visit all day long.
Planting Tips: Be warned, this vine is an aggressive grower! It’s best planted where it has plenty of room to climb, like a sturdy fence, arbor, or trellis. It’s incredibly hardy and thrives in full sun.
4. Salvia (Salvia sp.)
Why Hummingbirds Love It: Salvias come in a huge variety, but the red-flowered species like ‘May Night’ or ‘Hot Lips’ are particularly effective. Their slender, nectar-filled blossoms are easy for hummingbirds to access, and they bloom profusely from summer through fall, providing a long-lasting feast.
Planting Tips: Most salvias are drought-tolerant and love full sun and well-drained soil, making them a low-maintenance choice for almost any garden.
5. Petunia (Petunia x hybrida)
Why Hummingbirds Love It: While you might think of them as common annuals, the simple, single-blossom petunias are fantastic for hummingbirds. Their funnel shape and sweet nectar attract the birds, especially in hanging baskets and window boxes where they can hover and feed with ease.
Planting Tips: Petunias are easy to grow in containers or garden beds. They need at least six hours of full sun and regular watering and feeding to produce a steady supply of blooms.
6. Columbine (Aquilegia)
Why Hummingbirds Love It: The intricate, spurred flowers of the columbine are a perfect fit for a hummingbird’s long tongue. Wild red columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) is a native favorite and an important early-season source of nectar for returning hummingbirds in the spring.
Planting Tips: Columbines are wonderful for woodland or cottage-style gardens. They prefer partial shade and well-drained soil. While they are short-lived perennials, they self-seed readily, ensuring you have new plants for years to come.
7. Fuchsia (Fuchsia sp.)
Why Hummingbirds Love It: Fuchsias are the definition of hummingbird-friendly. Their pendulous, two-toned, lantern-like flowers are often bright pink, purple, and red, and they dangle in a way that makes them perfect for hovering birds. They are a classic choice for hanging baskets for this very reason.
Planting Tips: Fuchsias prefer cooler temperatures and partial shade, making them ideal for a sheltered porch or a spot with morning sun only. They need consistent moisture to keep blooming.
By planting a combination of these flowers, you’ll not only create a stunningly beautiful garden but also a reliable and life-sustaining sanctuary for your favorite feathered friends.
A Moment to Savor
After a delightful day tending to your garden and watching your new visitors zip from flower to flower, what could be better than relaxing with a warm drink? Keep the beauty of your hummingbird haven close with a mug that celebrates every detail.
Charming Embroidered Hummingbird Mug – A Unique Gift for Moms and Bird Lovers
The intricate, embroidery-style design on this mug brings the vibrant hummingbird and its favorite flowers to life, with a gentle reminder that “Every Stitch Tells a Story.” It’s the perfect, cozy gift for yourself, your mom, or any nature lover in your life.