12 Flowers to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Garden

Hummingbirds bring color and charm to any garden. With their rapid wing beats and ability to hover, these winged wonders are drawn to nectar-rich flowers—their primary energy source. Their long, slender bills and extendable tongues allow them to extract nectar even from tubular or funnel-shaped flowers, making them uniquely suited for pollination.

Creating a hummingbird-friendly garden goes beyond inviting these delightful creatures; it supports your garden’s ecosystem by supporting pollination. When selecting hummingbird plants, consider the light, moisture, and space available in your yard. Various options, from native plants to cultivated perennials, thrive in different settings and often attract butterflies, too.

How to Introduce Flowers That Attract Hummingbirds

Establishing a garden for hummingbirds begins with planning for diversity. Including flowers that bloom at different times of the year ensures a continuous nectar source, particularly during late spring, summer, and fall. If you live in warmer climates, incorporate flowers that bloom during mild winters to nourish overwintering or migrating hummingbirds.

Start by focusing on plants that match your garden’s growing conditions. Native plants are excellent choices, as they are already adapted to your local climate and support the surrounding ecosystem. Using pre-grown plants like starter plants or bulbs instead of seeds can also speed up the establishment process, providing faster blooms with less risk of failure. For annuals and flowering shrubs, use NutriPod fertilizer, which delivers precise nutrition during transplanting, encouraging healthy growth and vibrant flowers.

Flowers That Attract Hummingbirds

By combining annuals, perennials, and shrubs, you create a garden that offers visual interest, supports hummingbirds year-round, and adds ecological value to your outdoor space.

1. Zinnia

Zinnias (Zinnia elegans) are an excellent choice for Florida gardens. Their bright, cheerful blooms attract hummingbirds and butterflies. These annuals come in various heights and flower shapes, providing diversity in your garden. Zinnias thrive in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. However, proper spacing is essential to prevent fungal diseases due to high humidity.

2. Cardinal Flower

The cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) is a stunning perennial species with rich red flowers that hummingbirds adore. Growing up to four feet tall, it thrives in rich, moist soil, ideal for wetlands or shaded areas in Florida gardens. While short-lived, cardinal flowers self-seed and often form a permanent colony, providing a reliable nectar source for years.

3. Hummingbird Mint

Hummingbird mint (Agastache cana) is a favorite among nectar feeders, known for its showy pink or purple flowers. Blooming from early summer to late fall, this perennial is heat- and drought-tolerant, making it perfect for the warm Florida climate. Ideal for containers or xeriscape gardens, hummingbird mint prefers fertile, well-drained soil and full sun. Its long bloom period provides consistent nourishment for hummingbirds.

4. Salvia

Salvia, including species like Salvia greggii, is a perennial favorite in hummingbird gardens. These plants feature tall flower spikes in pink, purple, and mauve shades. Salvia thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, blooming repeatedly throughout the season. Its drought tolerance and low maintenance make it an ideal choice for busy gardeners.

5. Butterfly Bush

The butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii) is a perennial flowering shrub known for its elongated clusters of blooms. It flourishes in full sun and well-drained soil, offering vibrant colors and a continuous nectar supply. While it's great at attracting hummingbirds and butterflies, make sure it's not considered invasive in your region.

6. Trumpet Creeper

Trumpet creeper (Campsis radicans), or trumpet vine, features dense foliage and tubular flowers perfect for hummingbirds. This vigorous climber thrives in full sun to partial shade and can cover arbors, fences, or trellises. Regular pruning is essential to control its aggressive growth, and it remains a manageable and attractive addition to your garden.

7. Petunia

Petunias are versatile annuals that bloom profusely in sunny locations. They are widely used in container gardens and hanging baskets and are available in various colors, including white and red. These flowers provide a consistent nectar source throughout the growing season, thriving in well-drained soil with regular watering.

8. Fuchsia

Fuchsia plants, with their eye-catching teardrop blooms in shades of pink and purple, are perfect for shaded areas. These perennials thrive in humidity if planted in partial to full shade with moist, well-drained soil. Ideal for hanging baskets, fuchsias create a stunning display that hummingbirds cannot resist.

9. Lantana

Lantanas are hardy perennials known for their small, clustered blooms in warm red, orange, and yellow shades. These flowers attract hummingbirds and other pollinators, thriving in Florida’s sunny climate. Lantanas prefer well-drained soil and require regular pruning to encourage new blooms and maintain their vibrant appearance.

10. Foxglove

Foxgloves (Digitalis purpurea) are elegant perennials with bell-shaped flowers. They bloom in early summer, providing an excellent mid-season nectar source for hummingbirds. These plants thrive in well-drained, loamy soil and partial sunlight, adding height and beauty to your garden beds.

11. Daylily

Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.) are durable, low-maintenance perennials that thrive in diverse soil conditions. Blooming from late spring to summer, their trumpet-shaped flowers provide abundant nectar. Plant daylilies in full sun for optimal growth, and place darker varieties in partial shade to preserve their rich colors.

12. Morning Glory

Morning glories (Ipomoea purpurea) are fast-growing annual vines with tubular flowers in purple, pink, and blue shades. These plants are perfect for trellises or fences, adding vertical interest to your garden. Morning glories thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, providing nectar for hummingbirds and butterflies alike.

Final Thoughts

Attracting hummingbirds to your garden is a fulfilling way to elevate its beauty and ecological value. By selecting a diverse array of native plants and nectar-rich flowers, you can create a sanctuary for these winged wonders. Whether it’s the vibrant red blooms of cardinal flowers or the soft hues of hummingbird mint, each plant contributes to a thriving ecosystem.

Incorporating tools like NutriPod fertilizer for annuals and flowering shrubs ensures your garden remains a lush and inviting retreat. NutriPod supports healthy growth and vibrant blooms by providing precise nutrition during transplanting, keeping your garden full of nectar-rich flowers that attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators.

With thoughtful planning, consistent care, and the proper selection of plants, you can transform your outdoor space into a thriving sanctuary for these winged wonders. Ready to give your garden the boost it deserves? Visit the NutriPod website to explore a range of fertilizers and start creating your hummingbird haven today.