Johann Hunt
Ruby-throated hummingbirds are nature’s aerial acrobats, and your garden can be their favorite stage. The key to luring these feathered jewels lies in the blooms you choose. Vibrant colors and perfectly shaped flowers make all the difference. So, here are ten flowers that create a hummingbird haven that keeps wings buzzing and hearts fluttering.
Hummingbird Sage (Salvia spathacea)
Magenta blooms on tall spikes, which makes hummingbird sage a showstopper. This drought-tolerant native blooms in spring, which offers early-season nectar. Its fragrant foliage deters deer but welcomes ruby-throats. Perfect for dry gardens or under oaks, it keeps your garden buzzing with life and color.
Firebush (Hamelia patens)
Heat-loving and vibrant, firebush flaunts clusters of red-orange flowers all season long. Hummingbirds can’t resist its endless nectar supply. This tropical native flourishes in sunny spots and even tolerates drought. In colder regions, grow it annually or in containers. Either way, ruby-throats will thank you.
Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
Red rules the hummingbird world and cardinal flowers deliver. Spiking up to 4 feet, these late-summer bloomers offer deep red petals shaped perfectly for slender beaks. They thrive in moist soil or near ponds. Add these, and watch the ruby-throats perform aerial acrobatics for their sweet reward!
Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)
Bold and brilliant, zinnias are easy to grow and hard for hummingbirds to resist. Their daisy-like blooms, especially in red and pink, provide wide landing zones for feeding. Blooming from summer to frost, zinnias love full sun. Bonus: They attract butterflies, too. A double win for your garden!
Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)
Climbing vines, bursting with orange-red trumpets, are like neon signs for ruby-throats. Each flower’s elongated shape offers a bounty of nectar. Blooming from summer into fall, trumpet vine thrives on fences or trellises. But beware—it spreads enthusiastically. Prune it regularly and prepare for a hummingbird paradise takeover.
Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)
Coral Honeysuckle draws ruby-throated hummingbirds with its tubular flowers and rich nectar. Usually, these flowers bloom from spring to fall and provide a steady food source. Its red or coral blossoms are perfectly shaped for the birds’ beaks. Thriving in sun or partial shade, it’s also a low-maintenance addition to any hummingbird-friendly garden.
Red Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)
Red Columbine is a springtime favorite for ruby-throated hummingbirds. Its drooping red and yellow, bell-like flowers hold nectar in spurred petals, perfect for the birds’ slender beaks. Blooming in woodland areas and gardens, it thrives in partial shade. This hardy perennial adds delicate beauty while providing an early-season nectar source for hummingbirds.
Salvia (Salvia spp.)
Spikes of salvia, glowing in hues of red, purple, or blue, are hummingbird favorites. The tubular flowers bloom repeatedly from summer through fall, giving consistent nectar. Varieties like Salvia coccinea thrive in sun-drenched beds. So, deadhead spent blooms to keep the ruby-throats coming for encore performances!
Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia uvaria)
With its blazing spikes of red, orange, and yellow, the Red Hot Poker draws ruby-throated hummingbirds like a magnet. These torch-like blooms overflow with nectar, blooming from spring to fall. Hardy and drought-tolerant, this sun-loving perennial adds a burst of fiery color and endless hummingbird visits.
Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)
Bursting with color, bee balm’s fiery blooms are hummingbird magnets. These nectar-rich flowers bloom mid-to-late summer, just when ruby-throats are most active. Moreover, its clusters of tubular petals give easy access to tiny beaks. Plant it in full sun, and let the fragrant leaves pull double duty for pollinators and you.