Tom Cooke
Many people are aware of the charm of hummingbirds, but only some realize that they also act as important pollinators, contributing to plant reproduction and biodiversity. Their rapid wing beats and long bills enable them to access nectar from flowers that are inaccessible to other pollinators. To attract these delightful creatures to your yard, you can simply plant specific species of plants known to be appealing to them.
Hollyhocks
Hollyhocks are cultivated for their tall, colorful spikes of blooms, which are tubular, allowing hummingbirds to access the nectar with their long, slender beaks. The petals of hollyhocks are bright and showy, and they come in various colors, including pink, red, white, and yellow.
Fuchsia
Fuchsia comes in vibrant pink, purple, and red hues to decorate gardens with their delicate beauty. With over 100 species in the genus, they thrive in cool, shady areas and often appear in hanging baskets and container gardens.
Agastache
Known also as hyssop or hummingbird mint, these perennial herbs are popular in gardens for their ornamental beauty. Their tubular flowers attract bees and hummingbirds. They come in a wide range of colors and scents. Additionally, they provide essential oils used in culinary and medicinal applications, including soothing teas and aromatherapy.
Red Columbines
Besides their color, Red Columbines attract bees and butterflies with their striking red and yellow bell-shaped flowers. Thanks to their unique appearance and easy maintenance, they can easily encourage biodiversity in their surroundings. If you’re considering planting them in your yard, remember they thrive in partial shade and well-drained soil.
Daylilies
Daylilies are perennials known for their vibrant and diverse blooms. They come in various colors, shapes, and sizes to suit different tastes. Although their name comes from the fact that each flower typically lasts only one day, they are tough plants that require minimal care.
Lupines
These versatile plants blossom in various soil types and climates. They have distinctive palmate leaves and dense clusters of pea-like flowers. Like legumes, lupines help in nitrogen fixation, enriching the soil and supporting other plant species. Also, hummingbirds love them for their colors and tall spires.
Salvia
Salvia flowers, commonly known as sage, bloom in vibrant red, purple, blue, and white hues, adding color to the environment. There are over 900 species of annual or perennial salvia plants. These fragrant flowers are famous for their beauty and medicinal properties. As resilient plants, they are easy to grow and need low maintenance.
Trumpet Vine
Campsis radicans is a deciduous vine that grows quickly and produces showy trumpet-shaped flowers which attract hummingbirds and butterflies. This woody vine native to North America can reach heights of 30 feet and is often used to cover fences, arbors, and walls. The orange, red, or yellow flowers of the Trumpet Vine bloom mostly during summer in well-drained soil.
Bee Balm
The Monarda is a North American native plant grown for its colorful petals in shades of pink, red, purple, and white. In addition to its beautiful looks, it also serves as a valuable food source. Their tubular flowers and nectar-rich blooms attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to your yard.
Sunflower
These cheerful blooms are native to North and South America and have captivated artists like Vincent van Gogh, who famously portrayed them in his paintings. You see them often in bouquets because of their vibrant yellow petals, which symbolize adoration, loyalty, and longevity. Sunflowers are also known for their heliotropic behavior, as their blooms track the sun’s movement across the sky.
Penstemon
The trumpet-shaped beardtongue plant is a diverse genus of flowering plants with over 250 species. Penstemons are native to North America and are abundant in arid regions, drawing out bees and hummingbirds to feed on their nectar. They can be blue, purple, pink, or red.
Red Hot Poker
Since this hardy perennial originated in Africa, it does well in sunny areas. It’s ideal for gardeners who want to add bold colors to their outdoor spaces. The Red Hot Poker is also called the Kniphofia, and you can identify it from its tall spikes of yellow and orange flowers.
Delphinium
Delphinium has about 300 flowering plants with showy blooms and tall spires. They come in blue, purple, pink, or white, which makes them appear in gardens and floral arrangements. Despite their beauty, some species of Delphinium are toxic if touched with bare hands or ingested, so keep them away from pets and children.
Coral Bells
Coral Bells or Heuchera perform well in partial shade, unlike most others on this list. These perennial plants have green, purple, bronze, or silver with tender bell-shaped flowers. They made this list because they add texture to scenery and are easy to cultivate.
Zinnia
If you live in an area with full sunlight, you can grow Zinnias in your yard. When they blossom, you’ll have a lively and colorful environment. Hummingbirds love to visit these annual plants due to the abundant nectar they produce. They also entice other delightful birds with their bright petals and enticing fragrance.
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