If you’re looking to add some vibrant energy to your garden while attracting hummingbirds, fiery red flowers are the way to go.
These bold, beautiful blooms not only add a splash of color to your outdoor space but also serve as a beacon for hummingbirds, who are irresistibly drawn to their vivid red hues. From classic favorites like hibiscus to lesser-known varieties like red hot poker, these 10 fiery red flowers will transform your yard into a hummingbird haven.
Get ready to watch these tiny, energetic creatures race from flower to flower in search of nectar while adding breathtaking beauty to your garden.
Cardinal Flower
Attracts hummingbirds with its bold, scarlet spikes towering above lush green foliage. This native perennial thrives in moist soil and sunny spots, reaching heights of up to four feet. Plant it near water features or in rain gardens for a dramatic effect. Its tubular flowers, blooming from mid-summer to early fall, provide ample nectar for hummingbirds. Regular deadheading encourages continued blooming, ensuring your garden remains a hummingbird haven. Water deeply and regularly to maintain its vibrancy, and watch as your garden comes alive with the flutter of tiny wings. Perfect for creating a stunning, wildlife-friendly garden.
Red Columbine
Dainty blossoms with backward-spurred petals and a unique bell-like shape captivate both hummingbirds and gardeners alike. Preferring partial shade and well-drained soil, this perennial blooms in late spring, adding a burst of color to woodland gardens. Its nectar-rich flowers are a favored stop for hummingbirds flitting through shaded areas. While compact, growing up to two feet, it adds texture and interest to garden beds. Consider planting alongside ferns and hostas for a harmonious undergrowth display. Regular watering helps maintain its health, making it an enchanting addition to any garden seeking to attract wildlife.
Bee Balm
With fiery red, spiky blooms, Bee Balm is a magnet for hummingbirds and other pollinators. These perennial flowers spread easily, creating a colorful carpet in sunny borders or garden beds. Blooming from mid-summer onwards, they offer a reliable nectar source. Their aromatic leaves add another dimension, releasing a minty scent when crushed. To control their spread, divide plants every few years. Enjoy watching hummingbirds dart among the blooms, drawn in by the enticing display and sweet rewards. Pair with coneflowers and black-eyed Susans for a vibrant, pollinator-friendly garden that buzzes with life.
Scarlet Sage
The rich red blooms of Scarlet Sage are a surefire way to draw hummingbirds into your garden. Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, this annual is perfect for borders and containers. Its long blooming season, from spring to frost, keeps gardens lively and colorful. Deadheading spent flowers encourages new growth and prolongs its appeal. Hummingbirds find its tubular flowers irresistible, offering a steady food source as they migrate. Easy to grow and maintain, it’s ideal for gardeners looking to fill spaces with vibrant, hummingbird-friendly plants. Add it to your planting list for a garden full of motion.
Red Hot Poker
Their tall, torch-like blooms make Red Hot Pokers an eye-catching addition to any garden. These perennials thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, blooming from late spring through summer. Hummingbirds are drawn to their bright red and orange hues, adding lively movement to your outdoor space. Tolerant of drought, they’re a low-maintenance choice for sunny, dry areas. Plant in groups for a dramatic visual impact, and enjoy watching the hummingbirds dart among the towering spikes. Regular watering during dry spells helps maintain their vigor, ensuring a long-lasting display of fiery blooms.
Coral Honeysuckle
Known for its vigorous growth and striking blooms, Coral Honeysuckle is perfect for trellises and fences. Its tubular flowers, in vivid shades of coral red, flower in abundance from spring to fall, providing a continuous feast for hummingbirds. This hardy vine thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Prune regularly to maintain shape and encourage new growth, creating a dense display of blossoms. Pair with clematis for a stunning vertical garden. Its sweet fragrance and nectar-rich blooms will have hummingbirds returning day after day, making it a garden favorite.
Firecracker Penstemon
The Firecracker Penstemon, with its bright red, tubular flowers, is a striking addition to rock gardens and borders. Blooming from late spring to early summer, it provides an early nectar source for hummingbirds. This hardy perennial thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, making it a low-maintenance option. Its upright stalks adorned with clusters of vivid flowers add vertical interest. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage further flowering and maintain its neat appearance. Ideal for xeriscaping, its drought tolerance means less watering, while its fiery blooms ensure your garden remains a hummingbird hotspot.
Red Yucca
Resilient and eye-catching, the Red Yucca is perfect for dry, desert-like landscapes. Its tall flower spikes, adorned with tubular red blooms, attract hummingbirds from late spring to fall. This perennial thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it ideal for xeriscaping. Its drought-resistant nature requires minimal watering, yet it delivers maximum visual impact. Plant in groups for a dramatic effect and to create a vibrant oasis for hummingbirds. While they enjoy the nectar, you’ll appreciate the low-maintenance beauty this plant brings, ensuring a lively and colorful addition to your garden.
Texas Sage
A native of the Southwest, Texas Sage brings a splash of color to dry landscapes with its clusters of red flowers. Blooming sporadically throughout the summer, it provides a reliable nectar source for hummingbirds. The silver-green foliage adds contrast and texture, making it an appealing choice for xeriscaping. Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, this shrub is both drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. Prune lightly after blooming to maintain its shape and encourage further flowering. Its hardy nature and vibrant blooms make Texas Sage a standout choice for attracting hummingbirds to your garden.
Indian Paintbrush
Indian Paintbrush captures attention with its vibrant red bracts, often mistaken for petals. Found in meadows and prairie settings, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. This wildflower is semi-parasitic, often growing near grasses and other host plants, which provide additional nutrients. Blooming in spring and summer, it offers a nectar-rich feast for hummingbirds. Its unique growth habit and bright colors make it a focal point in naturalized gardens. Plant alongside native grasses for an authentic prairie look. Enjoy the sight of hummingbirds frequenting your garden as they seek out these striking blooms.