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There are lots of plants that attract hummingbirds, and these plants are easy to grow in your garden. Learn the best flowers that attract hummingbirds, plus recommended varieties and planting tips.
While I love feeding hummingbirds from our many hummingbird feeders, the best food for hummingbirds and butterflies is natural plant nectar.
It’s easy to create a garden where these natural beauties will love to eat. If you want to attract hummingbirds to your yard–plant these flowers, provide some protection from wind, and give them access to water (a birdbath with a solar fountain is great for them).
Important! Don’t use pesticides on these flowers. Sprays and powders that are designed to kill bugs and plants can harm hummingbirds, butterflies, and other neighborhood critters. There are lots of natural ways to get rid of pests in your garden–check them out here.
Here’s a list of the best plants to include in your garden to attract hummingbirds and butterflies. I’ve also included my favorite varieties of each one. Let’s get out in the garden!
Plants that Attract Hummingbirds
Nasturtium
Nasturtium are beautiful in containers or along a rock wall, and I love this Alaska Variegated Nasturtium for its stippled leaves. They grow vigorously and are a favorite of hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees–plus they’re edible! Put a blossom or two on a salad and watch your kids try to figure out what to do with them.
Salvia
Blue Victory Salvia has deep violet-purple flowers, and is stunning when planted en masse or in containers. It grows to about 20″ high and is drought-tolerant once established.
Lavender
Lavender can be tricky to start from seed, but if you’re in for a challenge I recommend Munstead Lavender. This is an English lavender that’s recommended for culinary uses and is drought-tolerant too.
Echinacea
You probably recognize this flower because it’s used for natural immune support. Paradiso Dwarf Blend Echinacea is a hardy perennial that blooms from summer clear through to the first frost. Its vibrant colors will light up your garden!
Zinnia
These stately, colorful beauties are a favorite of pollinators and people alike. Zinnias come in many different color combinations and sizes, so it’s easy to find one that matches the aesthetic of your garden. I like Peppermint Stick Zinnia for its striped and speckled blooms, and Giant Purple Zinnia because every garden needs 50-inch tall flowers with 6-inch blooms…right?!?
Penstemon
You know a flower will attract hummingbirds when it’s shown on the seed packet! Dazzler Blend Penstemon is very drought-tolerant and blooms with pink, blue, purple, and rose flowers.
Sweet William
Sweet William has large velvety flower trusses densely packed with eye-catching, tiny fringed blossoms. Black Adder Sweet William has striking, dark maroon flowers and Double Blend Sweet William has more traditional white, pink, rose, and red flowers.
Read more about Hummingbirds
