12 bright and gorgeous flowers that attract hummingbirds to your yard
Spring has arrived! The days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer, and we get to spend extra time enjoying outdoor activities. If you have a garden then surely you’re familiar with the delight of attracting a wide variety of birds, bees, and other wildlife. They all delight in the sunshine just as much as we do. Birds and bees are helpful pollinators and welcoming them into your garden will only allow it to bloom exponentially.
One of the most beautiful pollinators is the hummingbird. They are colored like shimmering jewels as they zip around the yard for us to marvel. Luckily, there are a variety of flowers that can be planted to entice them to take residence. They happen to be attracted to tubular-shaped flowers that mirror their long beaks and are dense with nectar for them to feast upon.
Follow along for 12 selections that are sure to attract these birds to your landscape!
1) Butterfly Bush
While this flowering shrub is commonly known to attract butterflies, it also does a wondrous job of attracting hummingbirds. The tiny birds love the bright, elongated clusters of flowers. This bush prefers full sunlight and well-drained soil. It thrives best in zones 5 to 10.
2) Zinnia
Happily, many of the flowers that attract hummingbirds are also attractive to us. The zinnia boasts bright blooms that make them excellent cuts for a vase or an arrangement. These annuals are easy to grow from seed and do well in zones 2 to 11.
3) Yarrow
The showy bloom of the yarrow plant does not disappoint! It is an easy plant to grow and is very care-free in maintenance. Yarrow has also been used traditionally for its medicinal purposes. This perennial blooms from summer to fall and does best in zones 3 to 9.
4) Bleeding Heart
Accurately named, one look at this plant will tell you everything you need to know. Hummingbirds are endlessly attracted to the flowers which host a rich source of nectar. This perennial plant enjoys shade and well-draining soil and is recommended for zones 3 to 9.
5) Petunias
These flowers are not only popular but inexpensive. There’s a good chance you may already have them growing in your backyard. They fare well in a hanging basket and are a perennial in zones 10 to 11.
6) Trumpet Flower
A hummingbird’s favorite treat! The trumpet flower grows quickly on a vine, also known as the hummingbird vine. Their long, tubular flowers are the perfect shape for the birds to feast on. This flower thrives in full sun and does best in zones 4 to 9.
7) Red Hot Poker
A stunning bloom in and of itself, hummingbirds and humans alike can’t resist this firework of a flower. The vibrant orange and yellow blooms are packed with nectar. This flower does best in full sun and well-draining soil and is recommended for zones 5 to 9.
8) Salvia
Vibrant purple buds call out to entice birds from near and far. Salvia is also loaded with nectar, making it a prime target for hummingbirds. This plant is a winter-hardy perennial that does best in zones 8 to 10.
9) Cardinal Flower
This flower definitely calls out to the tiny birds with its rich, ruby color! While these flowers make it difficult for some other pollinators, hummingbirds are able to navigate them perfectly with their slender beaks and long tongues. These perennials do best in full sun to partial shade and consistently wet soil. It is best for zones 3 to 9.
10) Pride of Madeira
A fast-growing evergreen, the Pride of Madeira is also drought-tolerant. It is recommended for zones 9 to 11 and can grow up to 6 feet tall and 10 feet wide. The striking purple flowers grow erect and attract a wide variety of pollinators. It grows best in zones 9 to 11.
11) Foxglove
With bright blooms and incredibly gorgeous mottling, the Foxglove is easy to grow and can reach up to 5 feet. The long flowers offer the perfect shape and size for hummingbirds but should be kept away from children and pets because they’re poisonous. This beautiful choice grows best in zones 4 to 8.
12) Delphinium
This sparkling perennial can grow anywhere from 2 to 8 feet tall. The deep and rolling oceans of purply-blue blooms are also known as larkspur. Delphinium is winter hardy and does best in zones 3 to 7, and you shouldn’t try to cultivate it in hot and humid climates. Not only is it irresistible to all pollinators, but the flowers are also beautiful to showcase as a cutting.
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Sources: Country Living, Farmer’s Almanac