We can all agree on one thing: hummingbirds are absolutely adorable. They swoop in, look fabulous, sip some nectar, and then disappear in the wild.
I always wanted to keep them around for a bit longer, which is why I decided to grow different types of plants. I started planting perennials and they turned out to be hummingbird magnets!
No more waiting for them to show up at the feeder – I created a whole nectar paradise that they can’t resist. Now, my yard feels like the hottest spot in town for these little guys.
Want to know the secret to attracting more hummingbirds to your garden? Just keep on reading as I am about to share the best plants that’ll have them coming back for more!
Perennials Are The Key To Attracting More Hummingbirds
When I first started gardening, I thought a few glass hummingbird feeders and a bit of sugar water would be enough. But it turns out, hummingbirds are picky eaters.
They’re not just looking for a snack – they want a full menu of flowers that offer easy access to nectar.
Perennial plants are perfect for this. They come back year after year, so once you’ve planted them, you’ll have a constant hummingbird hangout. Plus, they’re a lot less work than filling up a feeder every week!
Tubular Blooms Are Hummingbird Favorites
One thing I learned quickly is that hummingbirds love tubular flowers – those trumpet-shaped blooms that make it easy for their long beaks to access the nectar.
A lot of my garden’s best performers fall into this category. For example, one of the reasons why I grow Bee Balm (Monarda spp.) is because hummers are crazy about it. It has bold, fragrant flowers in shades of red and pink, which seem to be the hummingbird equivalent of a neon “Eat Here” sign.
Other favorites include Salvia and Penstemon, which both offer tubular blooms that these little guys can’t resist.
Colorful Flowers: The Brighter, The Better
If you’ve ever seen a hummingbird hover in front of a bright red flower, you’ll know they have a thing for jewel tones.
They’re naturally drawn to colors like red, orange, and pink, especially when those hummingbird-attracting flowers offer a delicious nectar reward. It’s like they’re looking for the most colorful blooms in the garden all the time!
I always make sure to plant a mix of these colors, and I can tell you, the hummingbirds love it. They zip from bloom to bloom, their feathers flashing in the sun.
Don’t Forget The Rest Of The Garden
While it’s tempting to focus just on the flowers that attract hummingbirds, I’ve found that the whole garden needs to work together.
Hummingbirds like to feel safe, so adding some bushes or taller plants around your flower beds gives them a place to rest between snacks. My purple flowering bush has become the perfect perch for the little guys when they need a break.
So, if you want to turn your garden into a hummingbird paradise, don’t forget to add a mix of tubular, jewel-toned flowers and some safe spots for them to rest (birdbaths are also a great option).
And once you do, you’ll be amazed at how often these little creatures drop by to say hello!
If you don’t have any luck with tubular flowers, consider growing native plants that attract hummingbirds, such as Eastern Red Columbine or Autumn Sage.