Which Plants Attract Hummingbirds? Plants that attract hummingbirds have nectar-rich flowers! See which plants hummingbirds like—and will keep these tiny flyers coming back for more!

For centuries, gardeners have been fascinated with the beauty and aerobatics of these flying jewels.

Flowers that Attract Hummingbirds

Brightly-colored flowers that are tubular tend to produce the most nectar, and are particularly attractive to hummingbirds. These include perennials such as bee balms, columbines, daylilies, and lupines; biennials such as foxgloves and hollyhocks; and many annuals, including cleomes, impatiens, and petunias.

Here’s a list of flowering plants that attract hummingbirds. Choose varieties in red and orange shades.

Creating a Hummingbird-Friendly Yard

Hummingbirds also need a habitat that will give them food, water, shelter, and security. Here’s what attracts hummingbirds:

• Provide lots of space between plants to give hummingbirds enough room to hover and navigate from flower to flower.
• Hummingbirds need shade. Herbs, flowering shrubs, dwarf trees, and vines can all be used to create an ideal tiered habitat from ground level to 10 feet or more.
• Hummingbirds love water, especially if it’s moving. A gentle, continuous spray from a nozzle or a sprinkler hose is perfect for a bath on the fly.
• Hummingbirds do not have a keen sense of smell and rely on bright colors to find their food. They are particularly fond of red and are often observed investigating feeders with red parts, red plant labels, red thermometers, and even red clothes on a gardener.

Note: Do not use red dye in a hummingbird feeder; there is concern that it may harm the birds. Instead, use plain, clear sugar water (1 part white sugar mixed with 4 parts water). The birds love it! If your feeder does not have red on it, attach a red label or other item to attract them.