Creating a backyard haven that attracts hummingbirds is a delightful way to enjoy these vibrant, energetic birds up close. Hummingbirds are not only mesmerizing to watch, but they also play a crucial role in pollination, helping to sustain a healthy garden ecosystem. To draw these tiny visitors to your yard, it's essential to plant flowers that provide the nectar they crave. In this blog, we'll explore seven top hummingbird-attracting flowers, detailing their growing zones, sizes, water and sunlight requirements, safety for pets and children, pest resistance, and overall maintenance needs. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner, these plants will help you create a colorful and lively space that hummingbirds will love. Let's dive into the enchanting world of hummingbird gardening and discover the best blooms to make your backyard a buzzing hub of activity!

Not all plants are suitable for all zones; therefore, we suggest you check your zones before you put in your efforts.

1. Bee Balm (Monarda): This vibrant flower comes in various shades of red, pink, and purple, and its tubular shape is perfect for hummingbirds.

Zone: USDA zones 3-9.
Size: Typically grows 2-4 feet tall and 1-3 feet wide.
Water Requirements: Prefers moist, well-drained soil. Water regularly, especially during dry spells.
Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to partial shade.
Pet and Child Safety: Generally safe, but can cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large quantities.
Pest Resistance: Susceptible to powdery mildew; resistant to deer.
Overall Maintenance: Moderate. Regular watering and deadheading spent flowers promote continuous bloom. Watch for powdery mildew.

2. Salvia (Sage): Available in many colors, particularly red and purple, salvias are a favorite for hummingbirds due to their tubular blooms.

Zone: USDA zones 4-10 (depending on the variety).
Size: Varies widely; typically 1-3 feet tall and wide.
Water Requirements: Drought-tolerant once established. Water regularly but do not overwater.
Sunlight Requirements: Full sun.
Pet and Child Safety: Generally safe, but some varieties can cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested.
Pest Resistance: Generally pest-resistant, though can attract aphids.
Overall Maintenance: Low. Pruning after the first bloom can encourage a second bloom. Avoid overwatering.

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3. Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans): Known for its large, trumpet-shaped flowers, this vine attracts hummingbirds with its bright red, orange, or yellow blooms.

Zone: USDA zones 4-9.
Size: Can grow 25-40 feet long.
Water Requirements: Tolerant of a variety of soil conditions but prefers well-drained soil. Moderate water needs.
Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to partial shade.
Pet and Child Safety: All parts are toxic if ingested, and the sap can cause skin irritation.
Pest Resistance: Generally pest-resistant but can attract aphids and spider mites.
Overall Maintenance: High. Needs regular pruning to control growth and prevent it from becoming invasive.

4. Fuchsia: These hanging flowers come in striking shades of pink, red, and purple, making them very attractive to hummingbirds.

Zone: USDA zones 6-11.
Size: Varies; typically 1-3 feet tall and wide for bush varieties, while hanging types can cascade several feet.
Water Requirements: Prefers consistently moist soil but not waterlogged.
Sunlight Requirements: Partial shade to full shade.
Pet and Child Safety: Generally safe.
Pest Resistance: Susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites.
Overall Maintenance: Moderate. Regular watering and fertilizing are needed. Pinching back the tips can encourage bushier growth.

5. Columbine (Aquilegia): With their unique, spurred flowers, columbines in shades of red and purple are a great choice for attracting hummingbirds.

Zone: USDA zones 3-9.
Size: Typically grows 1-3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide.
Water Requirements: Prefers well-drained soil and moderate watering.
Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to partial shade.
Pet and Child Safety: All parts are toxic if ingested.
Pest Resistance: Susceptible to leaf miners.
Overall Maintenance: Low. Deadheading can promote a second bloom. Mulching helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.

6. Honeysuckle (Lonicera): This fragrant vine has tubular flowers in colors like red, orange, and yellow, which are highly appealing to hummingbirds.

Zone: USDA zones 4-9 (depending on the variety).
Size: Varies; can grow 10-20 feet long.
Water Requirements: Prefers well-drained soil and moderate watering.
Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to partial shade.
Pet and Child Safety: Berries are toxic if ingested.
Pest Resistance: Susceptible to aphids, scales, and powdery mildew.
Overall Maintenance: Moderate. Regular pruning to control growth and remove dead or diseased wood.

7. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis): Known for its brilliant red flowers, the cardinal flower is a magnet for hummingbirds.

Zone: USDA zones 3-9.
Size: Typically grows 2-4 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide.
Water Requirements: Prefers consistently moist soil. Can tolerate wet conditions.
Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to partial shade.
Pet and Child Safety: Toxic if ingested.
Pest Resistance: Generally pest-resistant.
Overall Maintenance: Moderate. Needs regular watering and may require staking to support tall flower spikes. Deadheading can encourage additional blooms.

Disclaimer

This article is prepared by PursuitPrimal and rsPajamas. The information provided here is for general informational purposes only. While the authors have made every attempt to ensure that the information contained herein is accurate, they are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. All information in this blog is provided "as is," with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, timeliness, or the results obtained from the use of this information.

Please note that some plants may be toxic to pets and children. Always supervise children and pets around new plants and consult a professional if you are unsure about the safety of a plant. The growing conditions and maintenance needs mentioned are general guidelines and may vary based on your specific climate and soil conditions. We recommend consulting local gardening experts or extension services for advice tailored to your area.

Thrive-Trail.com is not liable for any adverse effects or damages resulting from the use or misuse of the information provided in this blog. Gardening involves inherent risks, and it is your responsibility to ensure that any plants you choose to grow are appropriate for your specific conditions and do not pose a risk to your household.

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