Everyone knows about bee balm and trumpet vine—but what if you want something a little more unexpected? These unique plants are just as good (if not better) at attracting hummingbirds without blending into every other garden on the block.
Add variety, color, and charm to your outdoor space with these 13 under-the-radar plants that hummingbirds absolutely adore.
Bee Balm
With its vibrant, frilly blooms, bee balm is practically a neon sign for hummingbirds. This hardy perennial thrives in full sun and attracts pollinators of all kinds. Choose red or pink varieties for the best results.
Salvia
Salvia's tall spikes and endless color options make it a hummingbird favorite. It blooms repeatedly through the season and requires little care. Look for red or purple cultivars for maximum impact.
Cardinal Flower
This native wildflower boasts intense red blooms that hummingbirds can’t resist. It loves moist soil and partial shade, making it ideal for wetter spots in the garden. It’s also a great companion for ferns and hostas.
Indian Pink (Spigelia marilandica)
This native wildflower boasts bright red, tubular blooms with a yellow star-shaped interior. It thrives in part shade and moist soil—perfect for woodland gardens. Hummingbirds go wild for its vibrant nectar-filled flowers.
Cuphea (Cigar Plant)
With its small, cigar-shaped orange flowers, this plant is tailor-made for hummingbirds. It’s heat-tolerant and blooms non-stop from summer through fall. Bonus: it’s often overlooked by deer and pests.
Pineapple Sage (Salvia elegans)
Pineapple-scented foliage and brilliant red flowers make this sage a unique garden addition. It blooms later in the season, offering a crucial food source for migrating hummingbirds. Plus, it smells amazing when brushed.
Scarlet Gilia (Ipomopsis aggregata)
Also known as “skyrocket,” this tall, airy plant produces red tubular blooms in dry, rocky soils. It’s a magnet for hummingbirds in natural or wildflower gardens. Its delicate appearance belies its toughness.
Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum)
With its licorice-scented leaves and lavender flower spikes, this herb brings both pollinators and aroma to your garden. It’s low-maintenance and blooms all summer long. Hummingbirds enjoy its abundant nectar, especially in the heat.
Justicia (Jacobinia carnea)
This tropical beauty—also called Brazilian plume flower—produces clusters of soft pink tubular blooms. It thrives in warm climates and partial shade. Hummingbirds love its unique flower shape and color.
Turk’s Cap (Malvaviscus arboreus)
These hibiscus relatives have red flowers shaped like little turbans that never fully open—perfect for hummingbirds’ long beaks. It’s a tough native that grows in shade and sun alike. It also handles neglect like a champ.
Lion’s Ear (Leonotis leonurus)
This striking plant grows tall, with whorls of bright orange, fuzzy blooms. It adds a bold architectural element to your garden. Its tubular shape makes it a hummingbird favorite, especially in the late season.
Firecracker Fern (Russelia equisetiformis)
This trailing plant is covered in thin, arching stems with cascades of red tubular flowers. It’s perfect for hanging baskets or spilling over walls. Hummingbirds can’t resist its fountain of nectar.
Mexican Bush Sage (Salvia leucantha)
Its velvety purple-and-white flower spikes add texture and color to late-season gardens. This salvia attracts hummingbirds in fall when other blooms fade. It’s also drought-tolerant and highly ornamental.
Don’t settle for the usual suspects—these rare and regional plants bring bold color and nonstop hummingbird action. Mix a few of them into your landscape, and you’ll be rewarded with a garden that’s vibrant, unique, and always in motion.
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