If you want to create a garden that’s always buzzing with life, attracting vibrant hummingbirds is a wonderful way to add both beauty and energy to your outdoor space. These tiny, colorful creatures are not only fascinating to watch but also play a vital role in pollination.
The key to drawing them in? Planting perennials that they simply can’t resist. From trumpet-shaped flowers to long-lasting blossoms packed with nectar, these 25 perennials will turn your garden into a hummingbird haven.
Whether you’re looking to add pops of color or fill your yard with joyful, fluttering visitors, these plants will have hummingbirds flocking to your garden season after season.
Bee Balm
Bee balm, with its striking red tubular blooms, is irresistible to hummingbirds. These flowers not only provide vital nectar but also add a splash of color to any garden. The perennial thrives in full sun and moist, well-drained soil, making it a versatile choice for various garden settings. Offering a long blooming period, it ensures that hummingbirds have a reliable food source throughout the summer. Additionally, bee balm can be used as a companion plant to deter pests, adding to its appeal. Its aromatic foliage is a bonus, releasing a minty fragrance when brushed.
Cardinal Flower
Known for its vivid scarlet spikes, the cardinal flower is a beacon for hummingbirds. Growing best in partly shaded areas with moist soil, this plant flourishes near water features, where its beauty can be mirrored in the water. The plant’s height and vibrant color make it a striking addition to garden borders. With its tubular flowers, it provides hummingbirds easy access to nectar. Regular deadheading encourages longer blooming, ensuring a continuous feast for your feathered visitors. Despite its allure, it’s best grown away from small children and pets, as it can be toxic if ingested.
Salvia
Salvia, with its rich purple spikes, is a staple in any hummingbird garden. The flowers bloom over a long period, offering a reliable nectar source. Thriving in full sun, it’s drought-tolerant once established, making it a sturdy choice for less accessible garden areas. Its aromatic leaves add an extra sensory dimension, while its vibrant color attracts not only hummingbirds but also other beneficial pollinators. Regular pruning encourages bushier growth and more abundant flowering. As a bonus, salvia is deer-resistant, reducing the risk of damage from wildlife. Its versatility makes it suitable for containers too.
Columbine
Columbine is known for its uniquely shaped blossoms and vibrant hues of red and yellow. These flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds, offering a perfect combination of beauty and functionality. Columbine thrives in partial shade and well-draining soil, making it ideal for woodland gardens. Their airy foliage provides a delicate texture that complements other perennials. During early spring, these blooms herald the arrival of hummingbirds, offering them nectar right when it’s needed. Deadheading can prolong the flowering season, ensuring your garden remains a hummingbird hotspot. Despite their delicate appearance, columbines are surprisingly robust.
Coral Bells
Coral bells, with their bell-shaped blooms, attract hummingbirds with ease. These perennials are prized for their foliage, which ranges in color from deep purple to lime green, adding year-round interest to gardens. Best planted in partial shade, they thrive in well-drained soil. The small, delicate flowers rise above the foliage, creating an appealing contrast. In addition to being a hummingbird favorite, coral bells are drought-tolerant once established, making them low-maintenance. Regularly removing spent flowers can encourage continuous blooming. Their adaptability makes them perfect for containers, adding a splash of color to patios and decks.
Trumpet Vine
Trumpet vine is renowned for its vigorous growth and bright, trumpet-shaped flowers. These perennials provide abundant nectar, making them a magnet for hummingbirds. Ideally suited to full sun, they thrive in a variety of soils but need space to grow. Their climbing nature makes them perfect for covering fences or trellises, adding vertical interest to your garden. While they offer beauty and utility, trumpet vines require regular pruning to manage their growth. Despite this, their ability to attract hummingbirds and other pollinators makes the extra care worthwhile. Their fiery blooms are a sight to behold.
Lupine
Lupines offer a vertical feast of color and nectar that is hard for hummingbirds to resist. These tall spires burst into bloom in late spring, offering an early source of nectar. They thrive in well-drained soil and full sun, making them suitable for a variety of garden settings. The flowers come in a wide range of colors, from blues to pinks, providing visual appeal. Lupines also enrich the soil by fixing nitrogen, benefiting neighboring plants. Despite their beauty, lupines should be planted carefully, as they can be toxic if ingested by pets or humans.
Blazing Star
Blazing star is a perennial known for its tall spikes of purple flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies alike. These flowers thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them a robust addition to perennial borders. Their vertical blooms offer visual height and interest, while providing a rich source of nectar. As a low-maintenance plant, blazing star is drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal care beyond occasional deadheading. Planting blazing star in groups can enhance its impact, creating swathes of color that draw in pollinators. Their resilience and beauty make them a garden favorite.
Penstemon
Penstemon, commonly known as beardtongue, offers tubular blooms that hummingbirds find irresistible. These perennials thrive in well-drained soil and full sun, contributing bright colors and abundant nectar to garden beds. The flowers vary from pinks to purples, providing options for diverse color schemes. Their upright growth habit adds structural interest, while their drought tolerance makes them suitable for various climates. Regular deadheading promotes more blooms, ensuring a steady supply of nectar. Penstemons also resist deer, reducing garden maintenance. Their appeal lies in both beauty and practicality, making them a valuable addition to any hummingbird haven.
Foxglove
Foxgloves are renowned for their tall spikes and tubular flowers, which hummingbirds adore. These biennials or short-lived perennials thrive in shady, damp conditions, making them perfect for woodland gardens. The flowers’ spotted throats act as a beacon for hummingbirds, guiding them to the nectar-rich depths. Despite their beauty, foxgloves are toxic if ingested, so plant them with care. Their height adds drama to garden borders, while their blooms offer a continuous source of nectar. Deadheading can prolong the flowering period, but allow some to go to seed for naturalizing. Their elegance is matched by their allure.
Red Hot Poker
Red hot poker, or torch lily, stands out with its fiery, torch-like blooms. These perennials thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, providing an excellent source of nectar for hummingbirds. The tall, spiky flowers bloom from late spring to early fall, ensuring a steady food supply. Their vibrant colors attract not only hummingbirds but also other pollinators, making them a lively addition to gardens. While they require minimal maintenance, ensuring they are planted in well-drained soil is crucial to prevent rot. Red hot pokers add a dynamic vertical element to garden designs.
Agastache
Agastache, with its lavender spikes, invites hummingbirds to feast with its plentiful nectar. Thriving in sunny, well-drained locations, it’s a durable perennial perfect for adding height and color to borders. Its aromatic foliage releases a pleasant scent, enhancing the sensory experience of any garden. Agastache is also drought-tolerant, making it a practical choice for water-wise gardeners. Regular pruning encourages fuller growth and more blooms, ensuring a long-lasting display. Besides attracting hummingbirds, its flowers also draw bees and butterflies, contributing to a biodiverse garden. Its appeal is both visual and ecological.
Daylily
Daylilies, with their diverse color palette, are a versatile choice for attracting hummingbirds. These perennials are easy to grow, thriving in a range of conditions from full sun to partial shade. Their trumpet-shaped blooms provide ample nectar, while their robust nature ensures they return year after year. Daylilies bloom over an extended period, offering a continuous food source. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage more blooms, extending their visual appeal. As a bonus, they are generally pest-free, reducing garden maintenance. Their adaptability and vibrant blooms make daylilies a garden staple that hummingbirds love.
Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle vines offer fragrant, tubular blooms that are a favorite among hummingbirds. These perennials thrive in full sun or partial shade and can quickly cover trellises or fences, adding vertical interest to gardens. Their sweet scent is an additional attraction, making outdoor spaces more inviting. While they require regular pruning to manage their growth, the effort is rewarded with abundant flowers and nectar. Honeysuckles also attract butterflies and bees, contributing to a rich garden ecosystem. Their ability to attract a variety of pollinators makes them a versatile and valuable garden addition.
Zauschneria (California Fuchsia)
Zauschneria, or California fuchsia, boasts vibrant red blooms that hummingbirds find irresistible. These perennials are drought-tolerant and thrive in sunny, rocky environments, making them perfect for xeriscaping. Their tubular flowers provide an excellent nectar source, attracting hummingbirds throughout their blooming season. Zauschneria requires minimal maintenance, with pruning needed only to remove spent blooms and encourage new growth. Their ability to withstand dry conditions makes them ideal for water-saving gardens. Besides being a draw for hummingbirds, they add a bold splash of color to any landscape, enhancing both form and function.
Catmint
Catmint, with its lavender-blue blooms, attracts hummingbirds with ease. These perennials thrive in sunny, well-drained locations, offering a long blooming period that ensures consistent nectar availability. Their aromatic foliage adds a pleasant fragrance to gardens, while their resilience makes them low-maintenance. Catmint is also deer-resistant, reducing the likelihood of garden disturbances. Regular pruning promotes bushier growth and more abundant flowers, enhancing their visual appeal. Besides attracting hummingbirds, catmint also draws bees and butterflies, making it a versatile addition to pollinator gardens. Its beauty and practicality make it a favorite among gardeners.
Fuchsia
Fuchsia plants, with their pendulous, vibrant blooms, are a magnet for hummingbirds. These perennials thrive in shady locations, making them ideal for hanging baskets and shaded garden spots. Their flowers provide a rich source of nectar, ensuring hummingbirds frequent visits. Fuchsias come in various color combinations, adding visual interest to any garden. While they require regular watering and deadheading, the effort is rewarded with continuous blooms. Their ability to attract hummingbirds and beautify shaded areas makes them a valuable garden addition. Fuchsias are perfect for adding color to patios and porches.
Crocosmia
Crocosmia, with its sword-like foliage and fiery blooms, draws hummingbirds with ease. These perennials thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, offering a vibrant splash of color. Their tubular flowers provide ample nectar, making them a reliable food source. Crocosmias are drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal maintenance beyond the occasional deadheading. Their bold blooms and structural foliage add drama to garden beds, attracting both hummingbirds and human admirers. Planting them in clusters enhances their impact, creating eye-catching displays. Their combination of beauty and hardiness makes them a gardener’s favorite.
Liatris
Liatris, commonly known as blazing star, is cherished for its tall spikes of purple blooms. These flowers attract hummingbirds and other pollinators, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil. Their vertical growth adds height and visual interest to garden borders. Liatris is drought-tolerant and requires minimal care once established, making it a low-maintenance option for busy gardeners. Deadheading can encourage more blooms, extending their flowering season. Besides attracting hummingbirds, liatris also supports butterflies and bees, contributing to a vibrant garden ecosystem. Its beauty and resilience make it a popular choice.
Bleeding Heart
Bleeding heart, with its distinctive heart-shaped flowers, is a charming addition to shaded gardens. These perennials thrive in moist, well-drained soil and offer a reliable nectar source for hummingbirds. Their unique blooms appear in early spring, heralding the arrival of both birds and warmer weather. Despite their delicate appearance, bleeding hearts are robust, requiring minimal maintenance beyond regular watering. Their foliage adds a soft texture to garden beds, complementing other shade-loving plants. Planting them alongside ferns or hostas can enhance their visual appeal. Their romantic blooms make them a beloved garden favorite.
Anise Hyssop
Anise hyssop, with its lavender spikes and aromatic foliage, attracts hummingbirds and other pollinators. These perennials thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, providing a long-lasting display of color and scent. Their flowers offer a rich source of nectar, ensuring regular visits from hummingbirds. Anise hyssop is drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal maintenance. Regular pruning encourages more blooms and bushier growth, enhancing their garden presence. Besides attracting hummingbirds, they also draw bees and butterflies, supporting a diverse garden ecosystem. Their combination of beauty and utility makes them a versatile choice.
Hollyhock
Hollyhocks, with their towering spikes and colorful blooms, are a classic addition to cottage gardens. These perennials thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, providing ample nectar for hummingbirds. Their height adds drama and vertical interest, making them perfect for garden borders or against fences. Hollyhocks bloom over a long period, ensuring a consistent food supply. While they may need staking to support their tall growth, the visual impact is well worth the effort. Their vibrant colors and nostalgic charm make hollyhocks a favorite among gardeners and hummingbirds alike.
Lobelia
Lobelia, with its vibrant blue blossoms, is a bright addition to any garden. These perennials thrive in sunny spots and moist, well-drained soil, offering a plentiful nectar source for hummingbirds. Their low-growing habit makes them ideal for borders or containers. While they may require regular watering in hotter climates, their striking blooms are worth the effort. Lobelias also attract butterflies and bees, contributing to a lively garden environment. Their ability to add color and attract pollinators makes them a versatile and valuable garden choice, enhancing both aesthetics and biodiversity.
Jacob’s Ladder
Jacob’s ladder, with its fern-like leaves and delicate blue flowers, is perfect for shaded garden spots. These perennials thrive in moist, well-drained soil, offering a unique texture and color. Their blooms provide nectar for hummingbirds, making them a valuable addition to any garden. Despite their delicate appearance, Jacob’s ladder plants are robust and require minimal maintenance. Planting them in woodland gardens enhances their natural charm, complementing other shade-loving plants. Their ability to attract pollinators while adding visual interest makes them a versatile garden choice. Their elegant form fits into any garden style.
Ghost Daisy
The Ghost Daisy is an extraordinary perennial with ethereal, translucent petals that glow faintly under moonlight. This mythical plant creates a mystique in any garden, captivating both human and hummingbird eyes. In the daylight, its pale, shimmering blossoms gently sway, inviting hummingbirds to sip their sweet nectar.
This enchanting plant thrives in well-drained soil and sunny spots, making it a low-maintenance addition to your garden. Its ability to bloom from spring through late summer ensures a continuous food source for hummingbirds. Add a touch of the otherworldly with Ghost Daisy, and watch as your garden becomes a nocturnal wonderland.