Oh, the joy of seeing a hummingbird flutter around your garden! These tiny, colorful creatures are not just delightful to watch, but they’re also essential pollinators. To make your backyard a hummingbird haven, I’ve compiled a list of 28 fragrant flowers that these little aviators just can’t resist. Get ready to transform your garden into the ultimate sweet-smelling paradise! Each of these floral beauties has its own charm and allure, ensuring your garden is abuzz with activity. So, grab your gardening gloves, and let’s plant a feast for the senses and the hummingbirds!
1. Hibiscus
Imagine a flower so captivating, it practically demands attention. Enter the hibiscus, with its large, showy blooms in shades of red, pink, and more. This tropical beauty loves the sun and thrives in warm climates. Its sweet nectar is a favorite among hummingbirds, who are drawn to the vivid colors and ample feeding opportunities.
Plant hibiscus in well-drained soil and provide plenty of sunlight to keep it flourishing. With regular watering and a bit of love, your garden will soon be a hummingbird hotspot. Hibiscus is more than just eye candy; it’s a feast for the senses.
2. Bee Balm
With an explosion of color and a name that piques curiosity, bee balm is a garden superstar. Known for its vibrant pink and red blossoms, this perennial plant is a magnet for hummingbirds. The tubular shape of the flowers makes them perfect for those long, slender hummingbird beaks.
Bee balm thrives in sunny locations and prefers a bit of space to spread its wings—literally. Its fragrant leaves add an extra layer of allure, making it a delightful addition to any garden. Plant bee balm, and watch your garden come alive with buzzing activity and vibrant colors.
3. Salvia
Some flowers just have a way of drawing you in, and salvia is one of them. With its striking spikes of purple, red, or blue flowers, salvia is a hummingbird magnet. These perennial beauties are easy to grow and thrive in various conditions, making them a favorite among gardeners.
Plant salvia in well-drained soil and give it plenty of sunshine for the best results. Salvia’s aromatic foliage and long blooming season ensure your garden remains a vibrant oasis. With salvia, you’ll have hummingbirds visiting throughout the season, adding a touch of magic to your outdoor space.
4. Trumpet Vine
Picture a cascade of fiery blooms cascading over a garden fence. That’s the trumpet vine for you, with its vibrant orange and red flowers that scream “come hither” to hummingbirds. This vigorous climber is perfect for covering arbours or fences, adding vertical interest to your garden.
Trumpet vine is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Its tubular flowers are a natural fit for hummingbird beaks, ensuring these birds make regular pit stops in your garden. Embrace the boldness of trumpet vine, and watch your garden reach new heights.
5. Fuchsia
Hanging flowers that look like ballet skirts? Yes, please! Fuchsia’s dangling blooms in shades of pink, purple, and white are a sight to behold. These exquisite flowers are a favorite among hummingbirds, who can’t resist their sweet nectar.
Fuchsia thrives in partial shade and requires regular watering to keep its delicate blooms intact. With a bit of care, your garden will become a stage for these beautiful “dancers” and their hummingbird admirers. Fuchsia is a perfect choice for hanging baskets or containers, adding a touch of whimsy to your outdoor space.
6. Columbine
Some flowers have an air of mystery about them, and columbine is no exception. With its intricate, spurred petals in various colors, columbine is a true garden gem. These flowers are particularly appealing to hummingbirds, thanks to their unique shape and nectar-rich blooms.
Columbine thrives in well-drained soil and partial shade, making it a versatile choice for any garden. Its delicate beauty and fragrance add a touch of elegance to your outdoor space. With columbine, your garden will be a favorite stop for hummingbirds, enchanting visitors with its charm and allure.
7. Petunia
A burst of color awaits you with petunias, one of the most popular garden flowers. With their wide array of colors and sweet scent, they’re a magnet for hummingbirds. Petunias are easy to care for and thrive in sunny spots, making them a gardener’s best friend.
These annuals are perfect for borders, pots, or hanging baskets, adding a splash of color wherever they’re planted. With regular watering and a bit of love, petunias will keep your garden buzzing with activity. Plant petunias, and enjoy a vibrant, sweet-smelling haven for hummingbirds to explore.
8. Cardinal Flower
When it comes to making a bold statement, few flowers can match the cardinal flower’s intensity. With its brilliant red blooms, this native perennial is a hummingbird’s dream come true. The tall spikes and tubular flowers are perfect for those long, slender beaks.
Cardinal flowers prefer moist soil and can often be found growing along riverbanks or in wetlands. Their striking appearance adds a splash of color to any garden, attracting hummingbirds with ease. Invite these fiery blooms into your garden, and you’ll have a front-row seat to nature’s most mesmerizing show.
9. Zinnia
Not all heroes wear capes, but in the flower world, zinnias are superstars! With a rainbow of colors and hardy nature, zinnias are a must-have for any garden. These cheerful flowers are irresistible to hummingbirds, who flock to them for their sweet nectar.
Zinnias are easy to grow and thrive in sunny locations, making them perfect for gardeners of all skill levels. Plant them in well-drained soil, and you’ll be rewarded with a dazzling display of blooms. With zinnias, your garden will be a lively, colorful oasis that hummingbirds will visit again and again.
10. Bleeding Heart
In the realm of romantic flowers, the bleeding heart holds a special place. With its delicate, heart-shaped blooms in shades of pink and white, it’s a sight to behold. Hummingbirds are drawn to its unique shape and sweet nectar, making it a garden favorite.
Bleeding heart thrives in partial shade and well-drained soil, adding a touch of elegance to any garden. These perennials are perfect for woodland gardens or shady borders, where their beauty can truly shine. Plant bleeding heart, and let your garden tell a story of love and enchantment to all who visit.
11. Honeysuckle
Sometimes, you just can’t help but fall in love with a flower’s fragrance, and honeysuckle is one of those irresistible blooms. With its sweet scent and tubular flowers, it’s no wonder hummingbirds adore it. These climbing vines are perfect for adding vertical interest to any garden.
Honeysuckle thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners. Its fragrant blossoms attract hummingbirds and fill the air with a delightful aroma. Plant honeysuckle, and transform your garden into a sweet-smelling paradise that hummingbirds will flock to.
12. Foxglove
When it comes to elegance, foxglove takes the cake. With its tall spikes of tubular flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white, it’s a striking addition to any garden. Hummingbirds are naturally drawn to its nectar-rich blooms, making it a garden staple.
Foxglove thrives in partial shade and well-drained soil, adding height and drama to your garden design. These biennials are perfect for cottage gardens or woodland settings, where their beauty can truly shine. Plant foxglove, and watch as hummingbirds dance from bloom to bloom, adding magic to your outdoor space.
13. Lantana
Some flowers have a way of bringing sunshine into your life, and lantana is one of them. With its clusters of bright orange, yellow, and pink flowers, lantana is a feast for the eyes. Hummingbirds flock to these blooms for their sweet nectar and vibrant colors.
Lantana is a hardy plant that thrives in sunny locations and well-drained soil. Its drought-tolerant nature makes it a low-maintenance choice for busy gardeners. Plant lantana, and enjoy a garden filled with vibrant colors and the joyful presence of hummingbirds flitting from flower to flower.
14. Butterfly Bush
If you’re looking to attract both butterflies and hummingbirds, the butterfly bush is your go-to plant. With its long, graceful spikes of flowers in shades of purple, pink, and white, it’s a magnet for pollinators. Hummingbirds love the sweet nectar and tubular blooms.
Butterfly bush thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, growing quickly into a substantial shrub. Its fragrant flowers add a delightful scent to your garden, making it a sensory delight. Add butterfly bush, and create a vibrant, fragrant haven for both butterflies and hummingbirds. Your garden will be the talk of the town.
15. Morning Glory
Some flowers greet you with a smile, and morning glories are the perfect example. With their stunning blue, purple, or white trumpet-shaped blooms, they bring cheer to any garden. Hummingbirds love their sweet nectar and vibrant colors, making them a garden favorite.
Morning glories are fast-growing climbers that thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Their twining vines make them perfect for fences, trellises, or arbors. Grow morning glories, and enjoy a garden filled with color and hummingbirds, all before your morning coffee. It’s a morning ritual you won’t want to miss.
16. Nicotiana
Not all flowers are created equal, and nicotiana certainly stands out from the crowd. With its fragrant, tubular blooms in shades of white, pink, and red, it’s irresistible to hummingbirds. These delicate flowers release their sweet scent in the evening, making them perfect for moonlit gardens.
Nicotiana thrives in sunny locations and well-drained soil, adding a touch of elegance to your garden. Plant them near seating areas to enjoy their fragrance up close. With nicotiana, your garden will transform into a fragrant oasis that hummingbirds and humans alike will appreciate.
17. Penstemon
Some flowers just know how to make an entrance, and penstemon is one of them. With its tubular red, pink, or purple blooms, this perennial is a favorite among hummingbirds. The tall spikes and abundant flowers provide plenty of nectar for these delightful birds.
Penstemon thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners. Its drought-tolerant nature allows it to flourish in rocky or sandy areas. Add penstemon, and create a garden paradise that attracts hummingbirds with its vibrant colors and abundant nectar.
18. Snapdragon
If you’re looking for a flower that’s as fun as its name, snapdragons are the answer. With their quirky blooms that resemble dragon faces, they bring a playful touch to any garden. Hummingbirds adore their tubular flowers and sweet nectar, making them a garden gem.
Snapdragons are easy to grow and thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. These annuals are perfect for borders, containers, or cutting gardens, adding color and charm.
19. Verbena
Some flowers just have a way of making you smile, and verbena is one of them. With its clusters of tiny, fragrant flowers in shades of purple, pink, and red, it’s a favorite among hummingbirds. Verbenas are perfect for adding color to borders or containers.
These low-maintenance plants thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, providing a long-lasting display of blooms. Plant verbena, and transform your garden into a vibrant oasis that hummingbirds and humans alike will enjoy. With verbena, your garden will be a cheerful, fragrant haven for all who visit.
20. Azalea
Some flowers have a way of stealing the spotlight, and azaleas are no exception. With their vibrant blooms in shades of pink, purple, and white, they’re a dazzling addition to any garden. Hummingbirds are naturally drawn to their sweet nectar, making them a garden favorite.
Azaleas thrive in partial shade and well-drained soil, adding a touch of elegance to your garden design. These shrubs are perfect for woodland gardens or as foundation plantings.
21. Red Hot Poker
Some flowers just know how to make a statement, and red hot pokers are one of them. With their striking spikes of orange and yellow flowers, they’re a bold addition to any garden. Hummingbirds love their sweet nectar and vibrant colors, making them a garden gem.
Red hot pokers thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, adding drama and height to your garden design. These perennials are perfect for borders or as focal points, attracting hummingbirds with ease. Grow red hot pokers, and enjoy a garden filled with color and activity, creating a lively outdoor space.
22. Agastache
If you’re looking for a flower that brings both beauty and fragrance to your garden, agastache is the answer. With its tall spikes of purple or pink blooms, it’s a favorite among hummingbirds. The sweet scent and tubular flowers make it irresistible to these delightful birds.
Agastache thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners. Its drought-tolerant nature ensures it remains vibrant throughout the season.
23. Cape Fuchsia
Some flowers just have a way of catching your eye, and cape fuchsia is one of them. With its tubular pink or red blooms, it’s a favorite among hummingbirds. These perennial plants are perfect for adding color to borders or containers.
Cape fuchsia thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, ensuring it remains vibrant throughout the season. Its drought-tolerant nature makes it a low-maintenance choice for busy gardeners. Plant cape fuchsia, and enjoy a garden filled with color and the delightful presence of hummingbirds flitting from bloom to bloom.
24. Canna Lily
Some flowers just have a way of making a statement, and canna lilies are one of them. With their large, tropical blooms in shades of red, orange, and yellow, they’re a bold addition to any garden. Hummingbirds love their sweet nectar, making them a garden favorite.
Canna lilies thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, adding drama and height to your garden design. These perennials are perfect for borders or as focal points, attracting hummingbirds with ease.
25. Crocosmia
Some flowers just know how to make an entrance, and crocosmia is one of them. With its bright orange, red, or yellow blooms, it’s a favorite among hummingbirds. The slender, arching stems and tubular flowers are perfect for attracting these delightful birds.
Crocosmia thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners. Its drought-tolerant nature ensures it remains vibrant throughout the season.
26. Weigela
If you’re looking to add a splash of color to your garden, weigela is the answer. With its vibrant pink or red blooms, it’s a favorite among hummingbirds. The tubular flowers and sweet nectar draw these delightful birds, making it a garden staple.
Weigela thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, adding a touch of elegance to your garden design. These shrubs are perfect for borders or as foundation plantings, attracting hummingbirds with ease. Plant weigela, and enjoy a garden filled with color and the joyful presence of hummingbirds, creating a lively outdoor retreat.
27. Jewelweed
In the world of wildflowers, jewelweed is a true gem. With its striking orange, trumpet-shaped blooms speckled with red, it catches the eye and attracts hummingbirds. The flowers dangle from slender stems, providing easy access for those long beaks.
Jewelweed thrives in moist, shady areas, making it perfect for woodland gardens or damp borders. Its bright blooms add a burst of color to your garden, drawing hummingbirds with ease.
28. Cestrum
Some flowers just have a way of standing out, and cestrum is one of them. With its clusters of tubular, fragrant yellow blooms, it’s a favorite among hummingbirds. The sweet scent and vibrant colors make it irresistible to these delightful birds.
Cestrum thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners. Its long blooming season ensures your garden remains vibrant throughout the year. Plant cestrum, and enjoy a garden filled with color and the joyful presence of hummingbirds, creating a serene outdoor retreat.