Hummingbirds are drawn to bright, nectar-rich flowers, and planting the right perennials can keep them coming back year after year. With their tubular blooms and vibrant colors, these plants provide an easy and natural way to attract these tiny, energetic birds to your garden.
Whether you have a large backyard or a small patio space, these gorgeous perennials will add beauty while supporting pollinators. Once planted, they require minimal care, making them a perfect choice for a low-maintenance, hummingbird-friendly garden.
Bee Balm (Monarda)
Bee balm is a show-stopping perennial with bright red, pink, purple, or white flowers that hummingbirds love. Its fragrant, tubular blooms make it easy for these birds to feed while adding a burst of color to your garden. Since it’s easy to grow and spreads over time, it’s perfect for filling flower beds.
Columbine (Aquilegia)
Columbine’s delicate, bell-shaped flowers are rich in nectar and come in a variety of colors, including red, yellow, and purple. These early bloomers are perfect for attracting hummingbirds in the spring when food sources are scarce. With their elegant, nodding flowers, columbines add a whimsical touch to any garden.
Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
This striking red perennial is one of the best plants for attracting hummingbirds, thanks to its tall spikes of tubular blooms. It thrives in moist soil and partial shade, making it a great choice for borders or near ponds. With its deep crimson color, the cardinal flower stands out beautifully in any garden.
Salvia (Salvia spp.)
Salvia, also known as sage, produces tall spikes of nectar-rich flowers in shades of red, purple, pink, and blue. Its tubular blooms are perfectly shaped for hummingbird feeding, and its drought-tolerant nature makes it easy to maintain. These long-blooming perennials provide a steady nectar supply throughout the growing season.
Lupine (Lupinus)
Lupines feature tall, spiky flower clusters that bloom in shades of blue, pink, yellow, and purple. Their unique shape makes them ideal for hummingbirds, who can easily access the nectar hidden within the blossoms. These perennials thrive in well-drained soil and add stunning vertical interest to any garden.
Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)
Trumpet vine is a vigorous climber with large, trumpet-shaped flowers in bright red or orange hues. Its blossoms are a magnet for hummingbirds, providing them with a steady nectar source throughout the summer. Since it grows rapidly, it’s best suited for fences, trellises, or arbors where it can spread freely.
Penstemon (Penstemon spp.)
Penstemon, also known as beardtongue, produces tubular flowers in vibrant shades of red, pink, and purple. Hummingbirds love these blooms, which appear in late spring and last well into summer. These hardy perennials thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them a low-maintenance garden addition.
Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
This bright orange perennial is not only loved by butterflies but also attracts hummingbirds with its rich nectar. It thrives in full sun and dry conditions, making it perfect for low-maintenance gardens. As a native wildflower, butterfly weed supports pollinators and adds a burst of color to your landscape.
Phlox (Phlox paniculata)
Phlox produces clusters of small, fragrant flowers in shades of pink, purple, red, and white. Hummingbirds love these nectar-rich blooms, which appear in mid-to-late summer. This perennial is a great option for garden borders, as it attracts a variety of pollinators while adding lush color.
Coral Bells (Heuchera)
Coral bells feature delicate, bell-shaped flowers on tall, slender stems that hummingbirds adore. These perennials come in a range of foliage colors, from deep purple to bright lime green, adding year-round interest to your garden. Their compact size makes them perfect for edging, containers, or shady garden spots.
Agastache (Hyssop)
Also known as hummingbird mint, agastache produces tall spikes of tubular flowers in vibrant colors like purple, pink, and orange. Its fragrant blooms provide a reliable nectar source throughout the summer. This drought-tolerant perennial is perfect for hot, dry climates and thrives in full sun.
Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis)
Bleeding heart features arching stems of heart-shaped pink flowers that add a romantic touch to the garden. These shade-loving perennials bloom in spring, providing an early-season nectar source for hummingbirds. Their delicate, fern-like foliage adds texture and beauty even after the flowers fade.
Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia)
With tall, torch-like flower spikes in shades of red, orange, and yellow, red hot poker is a hummingbird favorite. Its long-lasting blooms provide nectar throughout summer and attract other pollinators as well. This sun-loving perennial adds a bold, tropical look to garden beds.
Foxglove (Digitalis)
Foxglove’s tall spikes of tubular flowers make it a perfect fit for hummingbirds. Available in shades of pink, purple, and yellow, these biennial perennials add height and drama to the garden. Since foxglove is toxic if ingested, it’s best planted in areas away from pets and small children.
Hosta (Hosta spp.)
While known for their lush foliage, hostas also produce tall stalks of trumpet-shaped flowers that attract hummingbirds. These shade-loving perennials are perfect for woodland gardens, where they provide both nectar and beauty. With many varieties to choose from, you can find hostas in shades of green, blue, and variegated patterns.
Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)
Joe-Pye weed is a tall, late-blooming perennial with clusters of soft pink flowers. Hummingbirds are drawn to its nectar, while its towering height makes it a striking addition to the garden. This native wildflower thrives in moist soil and is excellent for pollinator-friendly landscapes.
Blazing Star (Liatris spicata)
Blazing star produces spiky purple flowers that bloom from top to bottom, providing hummingbirds with easy access to nectar. These perennials thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them great for drought-tolerant gardens. Their unique flower shape also attracts butterflies and bees.
Milkweed (Asclepias spp.)
Milkweed is best known for supporting monarch butterflies, but its nectar-rich flowers are also a favorite of hummingbirds. Its pink, orange, or white blossoms provide food throughout the summer, while its seed pods add visual interest in the fall. This low-maintenance perennial thrives in a variety of soil conditions.
Daylily (Hemerocallis)
Daylilies produce trumpet-shaped blooms in a wide range of colors, from deep red to bright yellow. Their nectar-rich flowers attract hummingbirds, and their ability to thrive in various conditions makes them a reliable garden choice. With repeat-blooming varieties, you can enjoy their stunning flowers all season long.
By planting these gorgeous perennials, you can create a vibrant, hummingbird-friendly garden that thrives year after year. With minimal effort, you’ll enjoy the sight of these tiny, fast-flying visitors sipping nectar from your colorful blooms. Get ready to transform your outdoor space into a hummingbird haven!
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