Hummingbirds, possess vibrant colors and mesmerizing flight patterns and have long captivated the fascination of bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. These tiny creatures, known for their ability to hover mid-air and fly in all directions with astonishing speed, bring a sense of joy and wonder wherever they go. If you are one who yearns to witness these delightful birds up close or simply wishes to create an inviting habitat for them in your garden, there is one surefire way to attract hummingbirds: flowers. In this guide, we will explore a variety of beautiful Flowers That Attract Hummingbirds that add splashes of color to your outdoor space.
12 of the best to plant in your yard
One thing is for certain: hummingbirds have an insatiable appetite for nectar. They possess a unique adaptation in their long, slender beaks that allows them to extract nectar from flowers with precision and ease. It’s almost as if they were born with built-in straws! As they hover mid-air in front of a flower, their tongues dart out like tiny lances, sipping up the sweet elixir within. Nectar provides them with the essential sugars needed to fuel their high-energy lifestyle, allowing them to zip through the air at incredible speeds.
Bee Balm
Scientific Name: Monarda
Bee Balm Monarda flowers have striking hues of red, pink, purple, and white. One of the main reasons hummingbirds are so attracted to Bee Balm Monardas is because of their nectar-rich blossoms. These flowers produce copious amounts of sweet nectar that act as irresistible fuel for these energetic little creatures. Not only do they provide sustenance for hummingbirds during their long migrations, but they also offer an excellent source of nutrition throughout the breeding season.
Cardinal Flower
Scientific Name: Lobelia cardinalis
These beautiful flowers are known for their bright red color, which is irresistible to hummingbirds. With their long tubular shape, Cardinal Flowers provide the perfect feeding ground for these tiny birds. Not only will you be able to enjoy the sight of these magnificent creatures in your yard, but you’ll also be providing them with a much-needed source of nectar.
The Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) is native to North America and can be found in wetlands and along riverbanks. It gets its name from the bright red color of a Catholic cardinal’s robe, as it shares a similar shade. This perennial plant can grow up to four feet tall and features attractive dark green foliage that contrasts beautifully with its striking blooms.
Four O’Clock
Scientific Name: Mirabilis Jalapa
Four O’Clock flowers have trumpet-shaped blossoms that open in late afternoon or early evening, Four O’Clocks are perfectly timed to coincide with the hummingbirds’ feeding schedule.
One popular variety of four o’clock that attracts hummingbirds is the Mirabilis jalapa. Also known as the Marvel of Peru, this species produces stunning tubular flowers in various shades of red, pink, yellow, and white. Their strong fragrance is another feature that entices hummingbirds from miles away. Another attractive option is the Mirabilis longiflora or Long-Flowered Four O’Clock.
Coral Honeysuckle
Scientific Name: Lonicera Sempervirens
Coral Honeysuckle has dazzling red-orange tubular flowers, this native species is a favorite among both gardeners and hummingbirds alike. This is not only visually striking but also emits a delightful fragrance that will enchant your senses. Its long blooming period, from spring to fall, ensures a constant supply of nectar for these tiny birds throughout the year. This hardy vine can grow up to 20 feet in length, making it perfect for fences, trellises, or arbors where it can climb and create a beautiful cascade of color.
Red Buckeye
Scientific Name: Aesculus Pavia
Red Buckeye has bright red color and unique shape, the Red Buckeye flowers act like a beacon, luring in hummingbirds from far and wide. This is a native plant commonly found in the southeastern United States. Its showy flower clusters feature tubular blossoms with long stamens that provide an abundant nectar source for hummingbirds. These beautiful blooms typically appear in late winter or early spring when other nectar sources may be scarce, making them even more attractive to these delightful creatures.
Sunflower
Scientific Name: Helianthus
Sunflowers are like magnets for hummingbirds. These charming creatures can’t resist the allure of these cheerful flowers. One type of sunflower that is particularly appealing to hummingbirds is the Helianthus angustifolius, commonly known as the Swamp Sunflower. With its golden-yellow petals and dark centers, this variety is a true showstopper in any garden. It grows tall and sturdy, providing a perfect perch for hungry hummingbirds to rest and refuel while sipping on its sweet nectar-filled blossoms.
Petunia
Scientific Name: Petunia integrifolia
Petunia includes the most captivating varieties that are sure to draw hummingbirds straight to your garden. One main is the classic grandiflora petunia. With its large and showy blooms available in a wide array of colors, this variety is simply irresistible to hummingbirds. Whether it’s the vivid purples or striking pinks that catch their eye, grandifloras provide an abundant nectar source for our feathered friends.
Another popular type of petunia that hummingbirds adore is the “Wave” series. With its cascading growth habit and abundant blooms, it offers an enticing feast for these beautiful birds. The Wave petunias come in various shades such as pink, purple, and coral, providing a stunning visual appeal while attracting hummingbirds with their nectar-filled blossoms.
Scarlet Sage
Scientific Name: Salvia Splendens
Having vibrant red blooms and enchanting fragrances, these stunning perennials are a favorite among both gardening enthusiasts and our feathered friends. Not only do Scarlet Sage flowers add a burst of color to any landscape, but they also provide a valuable source of nectar for hummingbirds.
The bright red flowers of Scarlet Sage are perfectly designed to catch the attention of these tiny birds. The tubular shape allows the hummingbirds to easily access the nectar hidden deep within the flower. As they hover in mid-air and delicately sip from each blossom, their rapidly flapping wings create a mesmerizing sight for any observer lucky enough to witness it. Scarlet Sage’s ability to attract hummingbirds adds both beauty and life to your outdoor space.
These tiny birds have long beaks perfectly adapted for sipping nectar from the deep throats of these blossoms. As they flutter from one Scarlet Sage flower to another, their rapid wing beats create a charming spectacle in your garden. And let’s not forget the joy and serenity that comes from observing these magnificent creatures up close!
Jewelweed
Scientific Name: Impatiens Capensis
Welcome to the world of Jewelweed, where beauty meets nature’s little wonders! The delicate petals of Jewelweed hold more than just visual appeal; they offer sweet nectar that hummingbirds simply cannot resist. These tiny birds are drawn to the bright colors and abundant nectar of the Impatiens capensis flowers, making them a perfect addition to any garden or backyard oasis. As these winged wonders flutter from flower to flower, their presence brings joy and excitement to onlookers.
Hummingbirds are known for their fast flapping wings and ability to hover in mid-air. They have a high metabolism and need to feed frequently, making jewelweed an ideal choice for their diet. These lovely birds are naturally drawn to the bright colors of the jewelweed flowers, which act as beacons signaling them towards a sweet treat. If you’re looking to create a haven for hummingbirds in your garden, planting jewelweed is definitely worth considering.
Columbine
Scientific Name: Aquilegia
Columbine Aquilegia is a genus of perennial plants that belongs to the buttercup family. These are native to North America. What makes them particularly appealing to hummingbirds is their tubular shape that perfectly accommodates the birds’ long beaks. As they flit from one flower to another in search of nectar, it’s truly a joyous spectacle to witness these tiny creatures gracefully hovering around Columbines.
Columbine Aquilegia flowers come in a variety of hues, including shades of purple, pink, blue, red, yellow, and white. Their delicate petals and spurs create an enchanting display that will surely catch the eye of any passerby. To maximize their appeal to hummingbirds, plant these beautiful perennials in areas where they can receive partial shade or dappled sunlight.
Blue Lobelia
Scientific Name: Lobelia Siphilitica
The blue lobelia’s tubular flowers are perfectly designed to accommodate the long beaks of hummingbirds. As they hover in mid-air, these enchanting birds can easily sip nectar from the lobelia’s deep-throated blossoms. With their high metabolism, hummingbirds need a constant source of energy, and the nectar-rich flowers of the blue lobelia provide just that.
These are native to North America and can be found in wetlands, meadows, and along stream banks. Its tall stems adorned with clusters of tubular blossoms make it an irresistible choice for hummingbirds seeking nectar. The vibrant blue hue acts as a beacon, guiding these tiny birds straight to your backyard oasis.
Beardtongue
Scientific Name: Penstemon
These vibrant perennials are a feast for the eyes. With their bright colors and tubular shape, Beardtongue Penstemons are like a colorful welcome sign for hummingbirds. The most popular variety of Beardtongue Penstemon is the ‘Husker Red’. This beauty boasts deep burgundy foliage that contrasts beautifully with its delicate pinkish-white blooms. As soon as these flowers start blooming in late spring or early summer, hummingbirds can’t resist paying a visit to sip on their sweet nectar. The ‘Husker Red’ is known for attracting not just one or two, but multiple hummingbirds at once!
The unique feature of these flowers is their long, slender petals that resemble a beard, hence the name “Beardtongue.” They come in various colors such as pink, purple, red, and white, adding a splash of vibrancy to any garden or landscape. The bright hues of these blossoms act as beacons for hummingbirds who are naturally drawn towards vivid colors. Once they spot these attractive flowers in your garden, hummingbirds can’t resist visiting them!
Wrapping “Flowers That Attract Hummingbirds”
By incorporating these 12 Flowers That Attract Hummingbirds, you can create a vibrant and inviting haven for these tiny creatures. From the bright red trumpet-shaped blooms of the cardinal flower to the delicate purple petals of the bee balm, there is a wide variety of options to choose from. As you watch these graceful birds flit from flower to flower, sipping nectar with their long beaks, you will be transported into a world of beauty and wonder. So why wait? Start planting these flowers today and let the enchantment begin!
When I'm not writing, you'll likely find me sketching, bringing my inner world to the outside through art.
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