Complete Gardening
Create a vibrant and inviting space for hummingbirds with these 17 flowering shrubs. Each of these plants offers a unique blend of colors, scents, and textures that attract these delightful creatures. Dive into the world of gardening and discover how you can transform your yard into a hummingbird haven.
1. Butterfly Bush
Butterfly Bush is a gardener’s favorite for attracting hummingbirds. Its clusters of purple, pink, or white flowers provide a feast for these tiny birds. The bush is hardy and easy to grow, flourishing in sunny spots.
With its fragrant blooms, it not only draws hummingbirds but also butterflies and bees. Pruning after flowering ensures a longer blooming period.
Did you know? It’s known as “summer lilac” due to its lilac-like appearance. This shrub adds color and life to any garden, making it a delightful choice.
2. Salvia
Salvia is a charming perennial that captivates hummingbirds with its vibrant red flowers. These tubular blossoms are perfectly shaped for hummingbird beaks, making them a popular choice.
Thriving in full sun, salvia is drought-tolerant and requires minimal care. Its long blooming season promises an extended invitation for hummingbirds to visit.
A fun fact: Salvia is related to mint and has aromatic leaves. This versatile plant not only beautifies gardens but also attracts beneficial pollinators, adding ecological value to your outdoor space.
3. Weigela
Weigela offers a burst of color with its pink trumpet-shaped flowers. These blooms are a hummingbird’s delight, providing nectar throughout the blooming season.
This deciduous shrub is easy to care for and thrives in full sun to partial shade. Its foliage adds a lush backdrop to its vibrant flowers.
Historically, Weigela is native to Asia and has been cultivated for its ornamental beauty. Its appeal lies in its dual attraction for hummingbirds and garden enthusiasts alike.
4. Fuchsia
Fuchsia is renowned for its striking, pendulous flowers that attract hummingbirds effortlessly. Its unique flower shape is perfect for hummingbird feeding.
This shrub prefers cooler, shaded areas, making it versatile for different garden climates. Regular watering keeps its blooms vibrant and inviting.
Did you know? Fuchsia flowers come in various colors, including red, pink, and purple, each adding a unique flair to gardens. Its exotic appearance makes it a standout choice for those looking to impress.
5. Hibiscus
Hibiscus is a tropical favorite known for its large, showy blooms. These flowers are a magnet for hummingbirds, offering ample nectar.
Thriving in sunny locations, hibiscus requires regular watering and warmth. Its dramatic flowers add a touch of the exotic to any garden.
A historical tidbit: Hibiscus is the national flower of several countries, symbolizing beauty and charm. Its presence in a garden brings an air of elegance and allure, making it a popular choice for hummingbird enthusiasts.
6. Azalea
Azaleas are known for their stunning floral display. Their trumpet-like flowers are perfect for hummingbirds seeking nectar.
These shrubs thrive in acidic soil and partial shade, offering versatility in garden design. Their bright blooms create a colorful spectacle during blooming season.
Fun fact: Azaleas are part of the rhododendron family and have been celebrated in festivals worldwide. Their beauty and ability to attract hummingbirds make them a cherished addition to gardens.
7. Coral Honeysuckle
Coral Honeysuckle’s vibrant orange-red flowers are irresistible to hummingbirds. These tubular blooms offer a bounty of nectar.
This vine-like shrub thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners. Its climbing nature adds height and interest to garden designs.
Did you know? Coral Honeysuckle is native to the southeastern United States and is often used in natural landscaping. Its beauty and ecological benefits make it a garden favorite.
8. Cigar Plant
Cigar Plant, named for its tubular, cigar-shaped blooms, is a hit with hummingbirds. Its bright orange flowers stand out in any garden.
This shrub is drought-tolerant and thrives in sunny spots, requiring minimal care once established. Its unique appearance adds a whimsical touch to landscapes.
A quirky fact: The Cigar Plant’s flowers resemble lit cigars, adding an element of fun to its visual appeal. It’s a conversation starter and a hummingbird favorite.
9. Red Hot Poker
Red Hot Poker is a striking perennial that adds drama to any garden. Its tall spikes of red and yellow flowers are a hummingbird magnet.
These plants thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, offering a bold visual presence. Their blooms appear in late spring, providing an early-season nectar source.
Fun fact: Also known as “torch lily,” this plant’s fiery appearance is reminiscent of a torch or poker. Its vibrant colors and unique form make it an eye-catching addition to gardens.
10. Bee Balm
Bee Balm is a beloved perennial for attracting hummingbirds. Its vibrant red and pink flowers offer abundant nectar.
Growing best in full sun, Bee Balm also tolerates partial shade. Its aromatic foliage adds an extra sensory delight to gardens.
Did you know? Bee Balm is also known as “Monarda” and has medicinal properties. It’s been used historically for its soothing qualities. In gardens, it brings both beauty and a touch of herbal charm.
11. Lantana
Lantana is a colorful shrub that attracts hummingbirds and butterflies alike. Its clusters of small, multicolored flowers are a feast for pollinators.
Thriving in sunny, warm climates, lantana is drought-tolerant and easy to grow. Its bright blooms add vibrancy to gardens, making it a popular choice.
A fun fact: Lantana changes its flower colors as they mature, providing a dynamic display. This ever-changing beauty keeps gardens fresh and engaging for visitors.
12. Penstemon
Penstemon, with its tubular, purple blossoms, is a favorite for hummingbirds. These flowers offer a rich nectar source.
Growing best in sunny locations with well-drained soil, penstemon is hardy and low-maintenance. Its delicate blooms add elegance to garden designs.
Did you know? Penstemon is often called “beardtongue” due to the hairy stamen within its flowers. This unique feature adds to its botanical allure and garden appeal.
13. Abelia
Abelia captivates with its clusters of white and pink flowers. These blooms are a welcoming sight for hummingbirds.
This shrub thrives in full sun to partial shade, offering versatility in garden design. With its long blooming season, abelia ensures a constant nectar supply.
Historically, abelia has been cultivated for its ornamental beauty. Its graceful form and fragrant flowers make it a favorite among gardeners and hummingbirds alike.
14. Spirea
Spirea’s delicate clusters of pink and white flowers are a hummingbird’s delight. These blooms provide ample nectar during their flowering season.
This hardy shrub thrives in a variety of soil types and sunlight conditions, making it a versatile garden choice. Its graceful arching branches add elegance.
Fun fact: Spirea is often used in bridal bouquets due to its delicate and romantic appearance. Its beauty and ease of care make it a garden classic.
15. Clethra
Clethra, also known as “summersweet,” enchants with its fragrant white flowers. These blooms are a treat for both hummingbirds and garden visitors.
This shrub thrives in moist, well-drained soil and partial shade, offering flexibility in garden placement. Its long-lasting flowers ensure a summer-long attraction.
Did you know? Clethra is often found in natural wetlands and is valued for its ecological benefits. It’s a beautiful choice for those looking to enhance their garden’s biodiversity.
16. Bottlebrush
Bottlebrush, named for its unique brush-like blooms, is a stunning choice for hummingbird gardens. Its bright red flowers are rich in nectar.
This shrub thrives in sunny, well-drained locations, offering a striking visual impact. Its unusual flower shape adds a whimsical touch to landscapes.
Fun fact: Bottlebrush is native to Australia and is known for its hardiness. Its vibrant flowers and adaptability make it a popular choice for gardeners seeking to attract hummingbirds.
17. Rose of Sharon
Rose of Sharon offers large, exotic-looking flowers that are a hummingbird’s paradise. These blooms provide abundant nectar throughout their flowering season.
Thriving in full sun, this shrub is hardy and easy to care for. Its long blooming period ensures continuous hummingbird visits.
Historically, Rose of Sharon symbolizes beauty and resilience. Its presence in a garden brings a touch of the exotic, captivating both hummingbirds and garden enthusiasts alike.