Hummingbirds bring magic to Ohio gardens with their iridescent feathers and zippy movements. These tiny aerial acrobats are always on the hunt for nectar-rich flowers to fuel their incredible metabolism.
While everyone knows about bee balm and trumpet vine, there are some surprising blooms that will turn your garden into a hummingbird paradise.
1. Cardinal Flower
Scarlet spikes of the Cardinal Flower create a dramatic display in partially shaded areas of Ohio gardens. Native to North America, this stunning perennial produces vibrant red tubular blooms that hummingbirds simply cannot resist.
Growing 2-4 feet tall, Cardinal Flower thrives in moist soil and blooms from July through September. Despite its exotic appearance, this beauty is actually a wildflower that naturally grows along Ohio’s streams and wetlands.
2. Pineapple Sage
Late-season blooms make Pineapple Sage especially valuable for migrating hummingbirds preparing for their southern journey. The brilliant scarlet flowers appear just when many other nectar sources are fading away.
Crushing the leaves releases a delightful tropical pineapple scent, adding sensory pleasure to your garden experience. This tender perennial reaches 3-4 feet tall and requires protection during harsh Ohio winters or can be grown as an annual.
3. Bat-faced Cuphea
Whimsical purple and red blooms resembling tiny bat faces make this unusual plant a conversation starter. Hummingbirds don’t mind the odd appearance – they’re drawn to the nectar-filled tubular flowers that bloom continuously from summer until frost.
Growing just 12-18 inches tall, Bat-faced Cuphea creates a compact mound perfect for containers or garden borders. Plant in full sun and well-drained soil for best results in Ohio gardens.
4. Firecracker Plant
Cascading stems dripping with tubular orange-red blooms give Firecracker Plant its explosive name. Hummingbirds zoom straight to these nectar-packed flowers that hang like tiny firecrackers from arching branches.
Perfect for hanging baskets or as a trailing accent in mixed containers, this heat-loving plant adds tropical flair to Ohio gardens. Treat as an annual in Ohio’s climate or bring indoors during winter to enjoy its nearly year-round blooming habit.
5. Giant Blue Hyssop
Towering spikes of lavender-blue flowers atop anise-scented foliage make Giant Blue Hyssop a standout in any Ohio garden. Native to the Midwest, this robust perennial attracts hummingbirds despite not having the typical red tubular flowers we associate with these birds.
Growing up to 5 feet tall, this majestic plant creates a dramatic backdrop in perennial borders. The licorice-scented leaves can be used to make a pleasant herbal tea, adding extra value beyond its ornamental qualities.
6. Flowering Tobacco
Evening gardens come alive when Flowering Tobacco unfurls its star-shaped blooms and releases its sweet perfume. Hummingbirds visit during daylight hours, while night-flying moths take the night shift, making this plant a 24-hour feeding station.
Modern varieties come in shades of white, pink, lime green, and deep red. For maximum hummingbird appeal, choose varieties with tubular flowers in pink or red. This easy-growing annual thrives in Ohio’s summer heat and continues blooming until frost.
7. Turkish Cap
Unique upside-down blooms with petals that never fully open give Turkish Cap its distinctive appearance. The bright red flowers resemble little fez hats, creating an exotic look that both gardeners and hummingbirds find irresistible.
Surprisingly tough for such an exotic-looking plant, Turkish Cap thrives in partial shade and average soil. In Ohio gardens, it can be grown as a container specimen to be brought indoors for winter or treated as a striking annual in shaded beds.
8. Cypress Vine
Feathery foliage reminiscent of cypress trees creates an elegant backdrop for the brilliant star-shaped red flowers of Cypress Vine. Hummingbirds dart among the delicate blooms, which appear in abundance throughout summer on this fast-growing annual vine.
Growing up to 15 feet in a single season, Cypress Vine quickly covers trellises, fences, or arbors in Ohio gardens. The combination of fern-like foliage and scarlet blooms makes this relative of morning glory an eye-catching addition to any garden space.
9. Foxglove Beardtongue
Native prairie charm meets hummingbird appeal in this Ohio wildflower with tubular lavender-pink blooms. Unlike many hummingbird plants that come from tropical regions, Foxglove Beardtongue is perfectly adapted to Ohio’s climate and soil conditions.
Drought-tolerant once established, this native perennial needs minimal care to thrive. The tubular flowers open progressively up the stem, creating a long-lasting display from late spring through early summer when many hummingbirds are establishing their territories.
10. Lion’s Ear
Fuzzy whorls of orange flowers stacked along square stems give Lion’s Ear its distinctly architectural appearance. Originally from Africa, this unusual annual creates a bold vertical accent in Ohio gardens while providing nectar-rich blooms that hummingbirds eagerly visit.
Growing 3-4 feet tall, Lion’s Ear stands out in any garden setting. The quirky orange flowers appear from midsummer until frost, providing reliable nectar during the critical late-season period when hummingbirds are bulking up for migration.
11. Mexican Cigar Plant
Resembling tiny lit cigars with red tubes tipped in white and black, the flowers of Mexican Cigar Plant are truly conversation-worthy. Hummingbirds flock to these nectar-filled blooms that appear in profusion from early summer until frost.
Low-growing with a slightly sprawling habit, this unusual plant works beautifully in containers or as a colorful edging in Ohio garden beds. Though not winter-hardy in Ohio, Mexican Cigar Plant grows quickly from inexpensive seeds or can be overwintered indoors as a houseplant.
12. Red Hot Poker
Torch-like flower spikes in fiery orange and yellow make Red Hot Poker an unmistakable garden standout. Hummingbirds are naturally drawn to these dramatic blooms that rise above clumps of grass-like foliage from early to midsummer.
Originally from Africa, newer varieties have been bred for better cold hardiness in Ohio gardens. Plant in well-drained soil and full sun for best results. Providing winter mulch helps protect the crown in harsh Ohio winters, ensuring years of dramatic blooms.