Plants
Best Flowers for Hummingbirds: 7 Reliable Choices
A practical list of nectar-rich flowers that bloom in sequence and help you keep hummingbirds visiting your garden for longer.
If you want more hummingbirds in your garden, flowers matter more than feeders. The best strategy is to combine species with different bloom windows so nectar is available from spring to fall.
1) Salvia
Salvias are dependable, colorful, and often long-blooming. They are excellent for sunny areas and perform well in mixed borders.
2) Penstemon
Penstemon flowers have the tubular shape hummingbirds prefer. They also tolerate dry spells once established.
3) Bee Balm (Monarda)
Bee balm supports both hummingbirds and pollinators. Keep good air circulation around plants to reduce mildew.
4) Trumpet Vine (managed)
Very attractive to hummingbirds, but vigorous. Give it support and prune to keep it controlled.
5) Fuchsia (mild climates)
Great for containers and shaded patios in cooler regions.
6) Cardinal Flower
A bright red native favorite for moist spots and rain gardens.
7) Coral Honeysuckle
A better-behaved vine option with repeated blooming.
Planting Strategy
- Group flowers in clusters for stronger visual signal.
- Add at least 3 bloom periods in your plan.
- Avoid pesticides where hummingbirds feed.
Small seasonal adjustments create a more reliable hummingbird habitat than one-time planting alone.