Plants that Attract Hummingbirds

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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.

hummingbird drinking from flower

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).

hummingbird drinking from faucet

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!

hummingbird drinking from lantana

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.

orange and red nasturtium with green and white variegated leaves

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.

blue salvia growing in field

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.

munstead lavender growing in field

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!

echinacea with bee

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?!?

peppermint stick zinnia

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.

penstemon seed packet

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.

sweet william flowers

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hummingbird drinking from lavende

Hi, Im Pam!

I created Brown Thumb Mama to share my natural living journey, and help you live a greener life. Thanks for being here!