15 Hummingbirds Favorite Flowers: Annual & Perennial & Nectar-Rich

by Florence Miller on Jun 11 2025
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    Attract hummingbirds to your garden by planting their favorite flowers! These vital pollinators rely on nectar-rich blooms for energy. As they visit hummingbird flowers like trumpet vines and bee balm, they transfer pollen, helping plants thrive.

    To create a vibrant, low-maintenance haven, focus on perennial flowers that attract hummingbirds. These reliable plants return year after year, providing essential sustenance and turning your space into a lively hub of activity.

    So this article will help you choose the right hummingbird's favorite flowers, let you enjoy stunning beauty while supporting these fascinating birds and your local ecosystem!

    flowers that attract hummingbirds

    Why Flowers Matter for Hummingbirds

    Flowers are important to hummingbirds because:

    • 1. Flowers provide a rich source of nectar, which is a key source of energy for these highly metabolic birds.
    • 2. Hummingbirds rely on nectar to sustain their rapid metabolism, and many plant species rely on hummingbirds for pollination, suggesting an interdependent relationship between plants and hummingbirds.

    15 Flowers That Draw Hummingbirds Naturally

    1. Bee Balm (Monarda)

    Flower Information
    Type Perennial
    Bloom Time Summer
    Light Needs Full sun to partial shade
    Suitable for Home gardens
    Regions Zones 4-9
    Flower Bee Balm

    Bee Balm is a favorite among hummingbirds due to its tubular flowers that are rich in nectar. This perennial flower not only attracts hummingbirds but also butterflies and bees, making it a lively addition to your garden.

    Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

    Flower Information
    Type Perennial
    Bloom Time Summer to early fall
    Light Needs Partial shade to full sun
    Suitable for Moist areas, near ponds or streams
    Regions Zones 3-9
    Cardinal Flower that attracts hummingbird

    With its striking red flowers, the Cardinal Flower is a magnet for hummingbirds. Its vibrant color draws them in, while its nectar provides a rich food source.

    Salvia (Salvia spp.)

    Flower Information
    Type Perennial
    Bloom Time Summer to fall
    Light Needs Full sun
    Suitable for Flower beds
    Regions Zones 3-10
    Salvia

    Salvia is an excellent choice for attracting hummingbirds. The tubular shape of the flowers is perfect for their long beaks, allowing easy access to the nectar.

    Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)

    Flower Information
    Type Perennial
    Bloom Time Summer
    Light Needs Full sun
    Suitable for Trellises, fences
    Regions Zones 4-9
    Trumpet Vine

    This vigorous climber produces large, trumpet-shaped flowers that hummingbirds adore. It can quickly cover a trellis or fence, bringing both beauty and wildlife to your garden.

    Columbine (Aquilegia)

    Flower Information
    Type Perennial
    Bloom Time Spring to early summer
    Partial shade Full sun to partial shade
    Suitable for Woodland gardens
    Regions Zones 3-9
    Columbine (Aquilegia)

    Columbine offers unique, spurred flowers that attract hummingbirds and provide a delightful splash of color. The flowers are also a great option for shaded areas.

    Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)

    Flower Information
    Type Annual
    Bloom Time Summer to fall
    Light Needs Full sun
    Suitable for Flower beds and borders
    Regions Zones 3-9
    Zinnia

    Zinnias are not only easy to grow but also attract hummingbirds with their vibrant colors and abundant blooms. They thrive in sunny areas and are perfect for adding bright spots in your garden.

    Lantana (Lantana camara)

    Flower Information
    Type Perennial (in warmer climates)
    Bloom Time Summer to fall
    Light Needs Full sun
    Suitable for Containers and borders
    Regions Zones 8-11
    Lantana

    Lantana has clusters of small flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies alike. Its hardy nature makes it a great addition to any garden, especially in warmer regions.

    Nasturtium (Tropaeolum)

    Flower Information
    Type Annual
    Bloom Time Summer to fall
    Light Needs Full sun to partial shade
    Suitable for Containers and garden beds
    Regions Zones 2-11
    Nasturtium

    Nasturtiums are not only beautiful but also edible. Their bright, colorful flowers attract hummingbirds, making them a delightful addition to any garden.

    Hummingbird Sage (Salvia spathacea)

    Flower Information
    Type Perennial
    Bloom Time Spring to summer
    Light Needs Full sun to partial shade
    Suitable for Xeriscaping and native gardens
    Regions Zones 8-10
    Hummingbird Sage

    True to its name, Hummingbird Sage is specifically known for attracting these birds. Its fragrant, tubular flowers are a perfect source of nectar, making it a must-have in any hummingbird garden.

    Fuchsia (Fuchsia spp.)

    Flower Information
    Type Perennial (in warmer climates) or annual
    Bloom Time Spring to fall
    Light Needs Partial shade
    Suitable for Hanging baskets and containers
    Regions Zones 5-10
    Fuchsia

    Fuchsias are known for their drooping, bell-shaped flowers and come in a variety of colors that attract hummingbirds. They thrive in cooler, shadier spots, making them ideal for diverse garden conditions.

    Penstemon (Penstemon spp.)

    Flower Information
    Type Perennial
    Bloom Time Late spring to summer
    Light Needs Full sun
    Suitable for Borders and rock gardens
    Regions Zones 3-9
    Penstemon

    With their tubular blossoms, Penstemons are a favorite among hummingbirds. These hardy perennials come in various colors and are great for adding height and texture to your garden.

    Scarlet Runner Bean (Phaseolus coccineus)

    Flower Information
    Type Annual
    Bloom Time Summer
    Light Needs Full sun
    Suitable for Trellises and fences
    Regions Zones 3-10
    Scarlet Runner Bean

    This dual-purpose plant provides beautiful red flowers that attract hummingbirds and edible beans for your kitchen. It grows quickly and can cover structures, adding both beauty and function.

    Monkshood (Aconitum)

    Flower Information
    Type Perennial
    Bloom Time Late summer to early fall
    Light Needs Partial shade
    Suitable for Woodland gardens
    Regions Zones 3-7
    Monkshood

    Monkshood produces striking blue and purple flowers that are quite attractive to hummingbirds. They prefer cooler, shaded areas, making them ideal for woodland settings. Caution: Wear gloves while planting or handling this plant, as it is highly toxic to humans. The plant is also known as Wolfsbane. The name “wolfsbane” came about because the plant was used to poison wolves in Europe.

    Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)

    Flower Information
    Type Perennial
    Bloom Time Spring to summer
    Light Needs Full sun to partial shade
    Suitable for Arbors and trellises
    Regions Zones 3-9

    This climbing vine boasts bright red-orange tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds effortlessly. Besides its beauty, it’s also low-maintenance and can thrive in various conditions.

    Coral Honeysuckle

    Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia)

    Flower Information
    Type Perennial
    Bloom Time Summer
    Light Needs Full sun
    Suitable for Flower borders
    Regions Zones 5-9
    Red Hot Poker

    Known for its striking flame-like flower spikes, Red Hot Poker draws hummingbirds and bees alike. It’s drought-tolerant, making it perfect for low-water gardens.

    Bonus: Assisting Hummingbirds to Eat with the Help of Bird Feeders

    In addition to planting rich-nectar or native flowers that Hummingbirds like, you can provide these beautiful birds with a steady source of food through hummingbird feeders. Especially in times of low bloom or inclement weather, bird feeders can be an important energy source for hummingbirds. The Birdfy Hum Feeder is designed specifically for hummingbirds, providing them with a safe and convenient feeding experience.

    Core Advantages of Birdfy Hum Feeder

    • Anti-drip design: Avoid wasting sugar water and keep the feeding area clean.
    • Red color attraction parts: In line with hummingbirds' natural preference for the color red.
    • Easy to disassemble and clean: Prevents mold and mildew from growing and protects hummingbird's health.
    • Large capacity of liquid storage: Reduces the hassle of frequent additions.
    • Ant and insect resistant: Special structure design to avoid interference from other insects.

    Ideal for your garden, the Birdfy Hum Feeder helps hummingbirds to get energy easily while allowing you to observe their elegant posture up close. Get Birdfy Hum Feeder and create your own dining station for hummingbirds!

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, creating a garden filled with hummingbird flowers is a rewarding endeavor that not only beautifies your space but also supports local wildlife. By planting a variety of these beautiful and nectar-rich flowers, you can bring hummingbirds to your yard, ensuring a lively and colorful atmosphere. Remember, a thriving garden filled with these plants will serve as a vital source of hummingbird food, providing these amazing birds with the energy they need while enhancing your outdoor experience. Whether you choose perennials or annuals, each plant has its unique charm and benefits, making it easier to attract these delightful creatures.

    You can also learn more interesting facts about hummingbirds.

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