Hummingbirds need nectar-rich flowers to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. The best hummingbird flowers have long tubular blooms in red, orange, or bright pink shades that appeal to these tiny birds while discouraging competing pollinators like bees. Below is a list of over 100 flower varieties that hummingbirds visit regularly in North American gardens.
Trumpet vine
Trumpet vine produces clusters of long orange-red tubular flowers that bloom from midsummer through fall. The vine grows vigorously and can reach 30 feet or more if given vertical support. Each flower holds abundant nectar deep inside its tube, making trumpet vine one of the most reliable hummingbird magnets in temperate gardens.
Columbine
Columbine flowers dangle from delicate stems in late spring. Red columbine and scarlet columbine varieties produce the most hummingbird visits, though yellow and blue forms also attract them. The long spurs extending behind each bloom store nectar that hummingbirds can reach with their specialized tongues.
Honeysuckle
Native honeysuckle vines offer hummingbirds reliable nectar from spring through summer. Coral honeysuckle and trumpet honeysuckle produce red or orange tubular flowers in clusters. These native vines grow 10 to 15 feet tall and bloom repeatedly if deadheaded. Avoid invasive Japanese honeysuckle, which spreads aggressively and offers less nectar than native species.
Cardinal flower
Cardinal flower grows in moist areas and produces brilliant red flower spikes from midsummer into fall. Each spike holds dozens of tubular blooms that open sequentially over several weeks. The plant reaches 2 to 4 feet tall and thrives in partial shade near ponds or streams where hummingbirds come to bathe.
Bee balm
Bee balm (Monarda spp.) forms clumps of aromatic foliage topped with whorled flower clusters in red, pink, or purple. The tubular flowers bloom for weeks in midsummer and produce copious nectar. Red varieties like ‘Jacob Cline’ and ‘Gardenview Scarlet’ attract the most hummingbirds. Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart in full sun and provide good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew.
Aloe
Aloe (Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f.) sends up tall flower spikes covered in tubular yellow or orange blooms. The flowers produce abundant nectar that hummingbirds drain from the pendant tubes. Aloe grows well in containers in warm climates and can be moved indoors during winter in colder regions.
Arbutus trees
Arbutus trees produce urn-shaped white or pink flowers in drooping clusters during late fall and early winter. The blooms provide nectar when few other flowers remain available. These evergreen trees grow slowly to 20 feet or more and thrive in mild coastal climates.
American tiger lily
American tiger lily displays recurved orange petals spotted with dark purple. The flowers face downward from tall stems in midsummer. Each bloom produces nectar accessible to hummingbirds hovering beneath the pendant flowers. The plants grow 3 to 5 feet tall in moist, rich soil.
Apple tree
Apple trees (Malus domestica (Suckow) Borkh.) bloom in spring with pink-tinged white flowers that hummingbirds visit for nectar and tiny insects. The brief bloom period provides early-season food when hummingbirds return from migration. Plant multiple varieties for better pollination and longer bloom duration.
Asiatic lily
Asiatic lilies bloom in early summer with upward-facing flowers in red, orange, pink, yellow, or white. Red varieties attract the most hummingbirds. The flowers produce moderate nectar and stand 2 to 4 feet tall. Plant bulbs 6 inches deep in fall or early spring.
Azalea
Azaleas produce masses of funnel-shaped flowers in spring. Red and orange varieties draw more hummingbird visits than pink or white forms. The shrubs grow 3 to 8 feet tall depending on variety and need acidic soil with consistent moisture. Morning sun and afternoon shade work best in hot climates.
Begonia
Tuberous begonias (Begonia spp.) produce large flowers in shades of red, orange, pink, yellow, or white throughout summer. The plants thrive in partial shade with consistent moisture. Hanging basket types work well for placing feeders at eye level where hummingbird activity is easy to observe.
Betony
Betony forms compact clumps topped with short spikes of tubular pink or purple flowers. The blooms appear in midsummer and continue for several weeks. Plants grow 12 to 18 inches tall in full sun to partial shade and tolerate dry soil once established.
Blazing star
Blazing star sends up tall purple flower spikes in late summer. The fuzzy tubular florets open from top to bottom over several weeks. Plants grow 2 to 5 feet tall in full sun and well-drained soil. The vertical flower spikes create landing platforms where hummingbirds perch between feeding bouts.
Blackberry
Blackberry canes (Rubus fruticosus L.) produce white or pink flowers in late spring. Hummingbirds visit the blooms for nectar and insects. The thorny canes create protected nesting sites. Prune out spent canes after fruiting to maintain plant health.
Bleeding heart
Bleeding heart displays chains of pendant heart-shaped flowers in pink or white. The blooms appear in spring on arching stems above ferny foliage. Hummingbirds visit the flowers in shade gardens where few other nectar sources grow. Plants go dormant by midsummer in warm climates.
Blueberry
Blueberry bushes (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) produce white bell-shaped flowers in spring. Hummingbirds probe the pendant blooms for nectar while pollinating the flowers. The bushes need acidic soil with pH between 4.5 and 5.5. Plant at least two varieties for better fruit set.
Bottlebrush
Bottlebrush produces cylindrical flower spikes covered with red stamens that resemble bottle brushes. The flowers bloom repeatedly in warm climates and provide abundant nectar. The shrubs grow 6 to 15 feet tall depending on species and prefer full sun with good drainage.
Bouvardia
Bouvardia forms clusters of tubular flowers in red, pink, white, or yellow. The flowers bloom from late spring through fall in mild climates. Plants grow 2 to 3 feet tall and need regular deadheading to maintain continuous bloom. Grow in full sun with consistent moisture.
Butterfly bush
Butterfly bush produces long conical flower clusters in purple, pink, white, or yellow. The flowers bloom from summer into fall and attract both butterflies and hummingbirds. Newer sterile varieties prevent invasive spread. Cut back hard in early spring to promote fresh growth and abundant flowering.
Cactus
Desert cactus species produce tubular red or orange flowers that open during the day. Scarlet hedgehog cactus and desert rose varieties offer abundant nectar. The flowers appear in spring and early summer. Cactus plants need excellent drainage and full sun.
Calamints
Calamints form low mounds covered with tiny tubular flowers in white or pale lavender. The blooms appear throughout summer and into fall. Plants grow 12 to 18 inches tall in full sun to partial shade and tolerate drought once established. The minty foliage releases fragrance when brushed.
Campion
Red campion and royal catchfly produce tubular scarlet flowers on stems 1 to 3 feet tall. The flowers bloom in late spring and early summer. Plants self-sow readily in woodland gardens with moist soil and dappled shade. Each flower produces nectar deep in its narrow tube.
Canna lily
Canna lily displays bold tropical flowers in red, orange, yellow, or pink. The flowers bloom from midsummer through frost on plants 3 to 6 feet tall. Red and orange varieties attract more hummingbirds than yellow or pink forms. Plant rhizomes 4 inches deep in full sun after the last frost.
Cardinal climber
Cardinal climber produces small star-shaped red flowers throughout summer. The vine climbs 6 to 10 feet on trellises or fences. Each flower offers a small amount of nectar, but the continuous bloom provides steady food. Start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost.
Catmint
Catmint forms mounds of gray-green foliage covered with lavender-blue flower spikes. The tubular flowers bloom from late spring through summer. Plants grow 1 to 3 feet tall depending on variety and tolerate heat and drought. Shear back after the first bloom to encourage a second flush of flowers.
Centropogon
Centropogon species produce tubular red or orange flowers adapted specifically for hummingbird pollination. The flowers appear in clusters on plants 2 to 4 feet tall. These tropical plants grow as perennials in frost-free climates or as annuals elsewhere. They prefer partial shade with consistent moisture.
Century plant
Century plant sends up a massive flower stalk up to 20 feet tall after many years of growth. The stalk bears tubular yellow flowers that produce copious nectar. The plant dies after flowering but produces offsets. Grow in full sun with excellent drainage in warm, dry climates.
Cherry tree
Cherry trees bloom in early spring with pink or white flowers that provide nectar for returning hummingbirds. Sweet cherry (Prunus avium (L.) L.) and ornamental varieties both attract visitors. The brief bloom period offers important early-season food. Plant in full sun with well-drained soil.
Chokecherry bush
Chokecherry produces hanging clusters of white flowers in late spring. The flowers offer nectar and attract tiny insects that hummingbirds consume for protein. The shrubs grow 6 to 20 feet tall and tolerate poor soil and cold temperatures. Birds also eat the dark fruit in summer.
Chuparosa
Chuparosa produces tubular red-orange flowers year-round in warm desert climates. The flowers grow directly from gray-green stems on plants 3 to 5 feet tall. The name means “hummingbird” in Spanish. Plants need full sun and excellent drainage and tolerate extreme heat.
Clematis
Clematis vines produce flowers in red, purple, pink, white, or blue. Red varieties attract the most hummingbirds. The vines climb 8 to 20 feet depending on variety. Plant the crown 2 inches below soil level in a spot with cool roots and top growth in sun. For more details, visit the full clematis growing guide.
Clover
Red clover produces globular flower heads made up of many tiny tubular florets. The flowers bloom throughout summer in meadows and lawns. Hummingbirds probe individual florets for small amounts of nectar. Plants fix nitrogen in the soil and tolerate poor growing conditions.
Columbine
Columbines dangle their distinctive spurred flowers from wiry stems in late spring. Red columbine and scarlet columbine offer the most appeal to hummingbirds. The flowers appear above mounds of ferny foliage 1 to 3 feet tall. Plants self-sow readily in woodland gardens with part shade.
Coral bells
Coral bells send up airy stems covered with tiny bell-shaped flowers in red, pink, or white. The flowers bloom from late spring into summer above mounds of colorful foliage. Plants grow 8 to 18 inches tall and thrive in partial shade with consistent moisture. Deadhead spent flower stems to prolong blooming.
Coral honeysuckle
Coral honeysuckle produces clusters of tubular red flowers with yellow throats. The native vine blooms heavily in spring and sporadically through summer. It grows 10 to 15 feet and needs sturdy support. Unlike invasive honeysuckles, this native species stays well-behaved and offers abundant nectar.
Coralberry
Coralberry produces small pink tubular flowers in summer followed by bright coral berries in fall. The shrub grows 2 to 5 feet tall and spreads by underground runners. It thrives in shade and dry soil where few other plants grow. Birds eat the berries through winter.
Crabapple
Crabapple trees produce abundant pink or white flowers in spring. Hummingbirds visit for nectar and small insects attracted to the blooms. The trees grow 15 to 25 feet tall depending on variety. Choose disease-resistant varieties and plant in full sun with good air circulation.
Crossvine
Crossvine produces clusters of tubular red-orange flowers in spring. The evergreen vine climbs 30 feet or more using tendrils with adhesive disks. Each flower offers abundant nectar. The vine grows quickly in full sun to partial shade and tolerates heat and humidity.
Cuphea
Cupheas produce tubular flowers in red, orange, pink, or purple throughout summer. The compact plants bloom continuously without deadheading. ‘Vermillionaire’ is a popular hybrid with orange-red flowers. Plants grow 12 to 18 inches tall in full sun and tolerate heat.
Cypress vine
Cypress vine produces small star-shaped red flowers on delicate vines with feathery foliage. The vine grows 10 to 20 feet in a single season. Each flower offers a small amount of nectar, but the continuous bloom from summer to frost provides steady food. Self-sows readily in warm climates.
Daylily
Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.) produce trumpet-shaped flowers in red, orange, yellow, pink, or near-white. Red and orange varieties attract more hummingbirds. Each flower lasts one day, but plants produce multiple buds. The clumps grow 1 to 4 feet tall depending on variety and bloom from early summer through fall.
Delphinium
Delphinium sends up tall spikes covered with spurred flowers in blue, purple, pink, white, or red. Red varieties draw the most hummingbird attention. The flower spikes reach 3 to 6 feet tall and bloom in early summer. Cut back spent spikes to encourage a second flush of flowers in late summer.
Desert lavender
Desert lavender produces tubular purple flowers on gray shrubs 3 to 6 feet tall. The flowers bloom from spring through summer in hot, dry climates. Plants need full sun and excellent drainage. The flowers offer nectar during periods when little else blooms in desert gardens.
Desert willow
Desert willow produces trumpet-shaped flowers in pink, purple, or white. The small tree grows 15 to 25 feet tall with an open, airy canopy. Flowers appear from late spring through fall and offer abundant nectar. The tree tolerates extreme heat and drought once established.
Dianthus
Dianthus produces fringed flowers in red, pink, white, or bicolors. The flowers appear on stems 6 to 18 inches tall above mats of blue-green foliage. Red varieties attract hummingbirds while others appeal more to butterflies. Plants need full sun and well-drained soil.
Dogwood
Dogwood trees produce clusters of small flowers surrounded by showy white or pink bracts in spring. Hummingbirds visit for nectar and insects. The trees grow 15 to 30 feet tall depending on species and prefer partial shade with consistent moisture. Birds also eat the red berries in fall.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus trees produce clusters of flowers with prominent stamens. The flowers offer abundant nectar and bloom at various times depending on species. Trees grow quickly to 40 feet or more in mild climates. The aromatic leaves release oils when crushed.
Fire bush
Fire bush produces clusters of tubular red-orange flowers throughout the warm season. The shrub grows 6 to 15 feet tall in frost-free climates or can be grown as an annual elsewhere. Flowers appear continuously without deadheading and provide reliable nectar. Plant in full sun to partial shade.
Fire pink
Fire pink produces brilliant scarlet star-shaped flowers with notched petals. The flowers bloom on stems 1 to 2 feet tall in late spring. The narrow flower tube holds nectar accessible mainly to hummingbirds. Plants grow in partial shade with well-drained soil and go dormant in summer heat.
Fireweed
Fireweed sends up tall spikes covered with magenta-pink flowers. The flowers bloom from bottom to top over several weeks in midsummer. Plants grow 3 to 6 feet tall in meadows and disturbed areas. They tolerate poor soil and spread readily by seed.
Foxglove
Foxglove produces tall spikes covered with tubular flowers in pink, purple, white, or yellow. The pendant flowers bloom in early summer on plants 3 to 6 feet tall. Each flower contains nectar deep inside. Note that all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested.
Fuchsia
Fuchsias produce pendant flowers with contrasting colors, typically red outer sepals and purple inner petals. The flowers bloom continuously throughout summer. Plants grow well in hanging baskets in partial shade. Keep soil consistently moist and fertilize every two weeks during the growing season.
Geiger tree
Geiger tree produces clusters of tubular orange-red flowers year-round in tropical climates. The small tree grows 15 to 25 feet tall with glossy dark green leaves. Flowers appear in waves, with the heaviest bloom in spring and summer. The tree tolerates salt spray near coasts.
Geranium
Geraniums (Pelargonium spp.) produce clusters of flowers in red, pink, orange, white, or purple. Red varieties attract the most hummingbirds. The plants bloom continuously in containers or garden beds. Deadhead spent flowers regularly and fertilize every two weeks to maintain heavy bloom.
Gladiolus
Gladiolus produces tall spikes of funnel-shaped flowers in nearly every color. Red and orange varieties draw more hummingbirds. The flower spikes reach 2 to 5 feet tall and bloom in midsummer. Plant corms 4 to 6 inches deep in spring after the last frost.
Gooseberry
Gooseberry shrubs produce pendant tubular flowers in spring. The flowers range from green to pink and offer nectar to hummingbirds. The thorny shrubs grow 3 to 5 feet tall and produce edible berries in summer. Plant in full sun to partial shade with consistent moisture.
Hawthorn
Hawthorn trees produce clusters of white or pink flowers in late spring. The flowers offer nectar and attract insects that hummingbirds eat. The thorny trees grow 15 to 30 feet tall and produce red berries in fall. Birds use the dense thorny branches for nesting sites.
Heliconia
Heliconia produces bold red, orange, or yellow bracts sheltering true flowers inside. The tropical plants grow 3 to 15 feet tall depending on species. Flowers appear year-round in warm climates and produce copious nectar. Plants need partial shade, high humidity, and rich soil.
Hibiscus
Hibiscus flowers open wide with prominent stamens. Red and orange varieties attract more hummingbirds than other colors. Tropical hibiscus blooms year-round in warm climates, while hardy hibiscus dies back in winter. The flowers open for one day and produce abundant nectar and pollen.
Hollyhock
Hollyhocks send up tall spikes covered with large funnel-shaped flowers. Red and pink varieties attract hummingbirds. The flower spikes reach 5 to 8 feet tall and bloom in midsummer. Plants grow as biennials or short
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