How to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Yard

Hummingbirds are one of nature’s most fascinating creatures. Their tiny size, rapid flight, and beautiful colors make them a joy to observe. Attracting hummingbirds to your yard is not as difficult as you might think. By providing the right food, shelter, and flowers, you can create a haven for these delightful visitors. One of the most effective ways to draw hummingbirds to your garden is by planting the right flowering plants. In this post, we’ll explore a range of plants that bloom throughout the year to ensure a continuous supply of nectar for the hummingbirds.

 

 

1. Provide the Right Food

Feeders Are Key

Hummingbirds are primarily attracted to nectar. The simplest way to bring them into your yard is by offering nectar-filled feeders.

Choose a feeder that is brightly colored, preferably red, as hummingbirds are naturally drawn to these colors. Place it in a shaded area to keep the nectar from spoiling too quickly.

Here is my favorite hummingbird feeder. The Hummzinger Ultra hummingbird feeder with ant moat and bee guard tips.

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Homemade Nectar Recipe

You don’t need to buy expensive nectar. You can make your own easily by mixing 1 part white sugar to 4 parts water. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Fill the feeder with this mixture, and make sure to clean the feeder every 3 to 4 days, especially in hot weather, to prevent mold growth.

A clean feeder is essential to the health of the birds. Mold and bacteria can quickly build up, causing harm to the hummingbirds. Here is more thorough information on how to clean a hummingbird feeder.

To view more information about hummingbird feeding click on what do hummingbirds eat.

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Use Songbird Essentials Nectar Aid Self Measuring Pitcher and never measure ingredients again. Make any amount and the ingredients are  measured for you.

 

2. Plant Hummingbird-Friendly Flowers

While feeders are a great start, planting nectar-rich flowers ensures a natural food source for the birds. Hummingbirds are especially attracted to flowers with bright colors like red, pink, orange, and purple, and those with tubular shapes. Let’s explore four categories of flowering plants that hummingbirds love:

 

 

1. Perennials

Perennials are plants that come back year after year, making them a great long-term investment for your garden. Many perennials are perfect for attracting hummingbirds.

Examples of Hummingbird-Friendly Perennials:

 

Bee Balm (Monarda didyma): Known for its vibrant red and pink flowers, bee balm is a favorite of hummingbirds.

 

Columbine (Aquilegia spp.): The bell-shaped flowers are available in colors ranging from red to yellow and are a top choice for hummingbirds.

 

Penstemon (Penstemon spp.): These tall, tubular flowers come in shades of red, pink, and purple, making them irresistible to hummingbirds.

 

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): This beautiful perennial offers a steady source of nectar and is a wonderful addition to any garden.

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2. Annuals

Annuals complete their life cycle in a single growing season, so they offer instant color and a nectar source for hummingbirds. They need to be replanted every year but provide a lot of blooms in a short period.

Examples of Hummingbird-Friendly Annuals:

Salvia (Salvia spp.): Annual salvias, with their tubular red, pink, or purple flowers, are a hummingbird favorite.

 

Fuchsia (Fuchsia spp.): These drooping, tubular flowers are particularly attractive to hummingbirds and come in a variety of bright colors.

 

Zinnia (Zinnia spp.): Zinnias bloom in vibrant colors and are loved by hummingbirds for their rich nectar.

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3. Vines

Vines can quickly cover fences, trellises, and arbors, creating a lush environment for hummingbirds. Many vines offer long-lasting blooms and can provide both shelter and nectar.

Examples of Hummingbird-Friendly Vines:

Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans): With its large, trumpet-shaped flowers in orange or red, this vine is an excellent attractor for hummingbirds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clematis (Clematis spp.): Clematis vines produce beautiful, colorful blooms that are very appealing to hummingbirds.

 

Morning Glory (Ipomoea spp.): The trumpet-like flowers in shades of purple, blue, or pink are favorites for hummingbirds.

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4. Shrubs

Shrubs can provide both nectar and shelter for hummingbirds. They often bloom for extended periods and create a perfect habitat for these little birds.

 

Examples of Hummingbird-Friendly Shrubs:

Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia uvaria): This shrub has striking, tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds with their rich nectar.

 

 

Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii): Known for its long-lasting blooms in purple, red, and white, the butterfly bush is a hummingbird magnet.

 

 

Hummingbird Sage (Salvia spathacea): This shrub has fragrant purple flowers and attracts hummingbirds all season long.

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3. Flowering Plants for Every Season

To ensure that hummingbirds have access to food throughout their stay, it’s essential to choose flowering plants that bloom in spring, summer, and fall. Below, we’ll explore some of the best flowering plants for each season.

Spring Blooms For Hummingbirds

Video: Hummingbird Plants For Spring

Spring is when hummingbirds return from migration, so it’s important to have plants in bloom to attract them right away. Look for early-blooming flowers that provide a rich source of nectar.

These plants are great for attracting hummingbirds and can help you create a beautiful, colorful garden full of nectar during the spring. You can choose plants based on your area’s climate and your garden’s needs, whether you want annuals for seasonal beauty or perennials, shrubs, and vines that offer long-lasting appeal.

This list provides plants in each category: Annuals, Perennials, Shrubs, and Vines, all known for attracting hummingbirds with their spring blooms.

Summer-Blooming Plants:

By summer, hummingbirds are in full swing, visiting gardens throughout the day. This is when many plants are at their peak, so you’ll want to have a variety of flowers blooming.

This list provides 20 different plants in each category: Annuals, Perennials, Shrubs, and Vines, all known for attracting hummingbirds with their summer blooms

 

Annuals	Perennials	Shrubs	Vines
Red Salvia	Trumpet Vine	Red-twig Dogwood	Clematis
Zinnia	Columbine	Winter Honeysuckle	Morning Glory
Fuchsia	Astilbe	Spicebush	Wisteria
Bee Balm	Coral Honeysuckle	Azalea	Passionflower
Petunia	Hosta	Summersweet	Trumpet Creeper
Impatiens	Penstemon	Beautyberry	Kiwi Vine
Coral Bells	Butterfly Bush	Bayberry	Dutchman’s Pipe
Lobelia	Lupine	Purple Sandcherry	Honeysuckle
Marigold	Salvia	Forsythia	Clematis
Impatiens	Echinacea	Potentilla	Sweet Potato Vine
Calendula	Black-eyed Susan	Viburnum	Crossvine
Cosmos	Coneflower	Mock Orange	Climbing Hydrangea
Verbena	Gaillardia	Bluebeard	Clematis
Geranium	Monarda	Mountain Laurel	Sweet Pea
Nicotiana	Daylilies	Privet	Morning Glory
Snapdragons	Phlox	Lilac	Clematis
Alyssum	Yucca	Rose of Sharon	Chilean Jasmine
Sunflower	Catmint	Weigela	Trumpet Vine
Celosia	Geranium	Spirea	Purple Bougainvillea
Scavola	Beebalm	Chokecherry	Climbing Rose

 

 

Fall-Blooming Plants

In the fall, hummingbirds prepare for their migration south. It’s important to offer flowers that bloom later in the season. These plants help provide the fuel they need for their journey. These plants, blooming in the fall, are particularly attractive to hummingbirds as they seek nectar sources before migrating.

 

Annuals	Perennials	Shrubs	Vines
Fuchsia	Coral Bells	Red-twig Dogwood	Trumpet Vine
Begonia	Bee Balm	Butterfly Bush	Hops
Impatiens	Autumn Joy Sedum	Spicebush	Clematis
Zinnia	Japanese Anemone	Chokecherry	Morning Glory
Salvia (Splendens)	Hardy Fuchsia	Winterberry	Carolina Jessamine
Petunia	Turtlehead	Beautyberry	Passionflower
Impatiens (New Guinea)	Crocosmia	Purple Smokebush	Wisteria
Calibrachoa	Anise Hyssop	Summertime Sweetshrub	Sweet Potato Vine
Lantana	Goldenrod	Mountain Laurel	Clematis (Fall-blooming)
Marigold	Coneflower (Echinacea)	Red Chokecherry	Grape Vine
Verbena	Monkshood	Snowberry	Morning Glory
Coleus	Aster	Common Witchhazel	Dutchman’s Pipe
Lobelia	Japanese Knautia	Viburnum	Sweet Pea
Celosia	Wild Ginger	Summersweet	Akebia
Geranium	Lamb’s Ear	Blueberry	Clematis (Jackmanii)
Nasturtium	Acanthus	Blackhaw Viburnum	Scarlet Runner Bean
Nicotiana	Phlox	Red-twig Dogwood	Cucumber Vine
Balsam	Anemone (Autumn)	Pineapple Guava	Climbing Hydrangea
Sweet Alyssum	Trillium	Azalea	Bougainvillea
Snapdragons	Heliopsis	Witch Hazel	Kiwi Vine

 

4. Offer Water and Shelter

In addition to nectar, hummingbirds need water and safe spaces to rest. By providing a birdbath or misting system, you can ensure they have everything they need.

Water Sources

Hummingbirds enjoy fresh water to drink and bathe. A shallow birdbath with a fine spray from a mister is ideal. Just make sure the water is changed regularly to keep it clean.
Here’s a solar powered bird bath.

Hummingbird misters at Amazon.com

 

Shelter and Safe Spaces

Hummingbirds need safe places to rest between feedings. Planting small trees, shrubs, and vines can provide these resting spots. Avoid predators like cats, which can scare or harm the birds.

 

5. Be Patient and Consistent

Attracting hummingbirds takes time. It may take a few weeks for them to discover your garden, but once they do, they’ll return frequently. Be patient and consistent, providing nectar, water, and shelter throughout the year.

 

Shade hummingbird gardening

Creating a shady hummingbird garden can be both rewarding and enchanting, offering a peaceful retreat while attracting the beauty and wonder of these tiny, energetic creatures. Hummingbirds are drawn to colorful flowers that provide nectar, and while many plants thrive in full sun, there are plenty of beautiful options that do well in shady spots too. Whether you have a woodland garden, a shady patio, or a space with partial sunlight, you can still enjoy the presence of hummingbirds by selecting the right plants.

The key to designing a shade-friendly hummingbird garden is choosing plants that thrive in lower light conditions while also offering the nectar-rich flowers that hummingbirds love. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of flowering plants, shrubs, and vines that fit the bill, from delicate columbine and fuchsia to the vibrant trumpet vine and honeysuckle. These plants not only provide sustenance for hummingbirds but also bring color, texture, and interest to your garden throughout the growing season.

In addition to providing food, shade plants can create a cool, inviting atmosphere, perfect for both birds and gardeners alike. Many of these plants are also low-maintenance, making them ideal for gardeners who want to attract hummingbirds without a lot of effort. Whether you’re looking to transform a shady corner of your yard or design a full garden dedicated to hummingbirds, there are plenty of options to consider. With the right plant selection, your shaded space can become a sanctuary for both hummingbirds and humans, offering a delightful blend of beauty and wildlife right outside your door.

Flowers for a Shady Hummingbird Garden

Columbine
Prefers partial shade.
Bright, tubular flowers attract hummingbirds.

Fuchsia
Thrives in shade.
Hanging, tubular blooms are ideal for hummingbirds.

Bleeding Heart
Grows well in the shade.
Its unique flowers draw hummingbirds.

Coral Bells (Heuchera)
Performs well in shade.
Small flowers with nectar appeal to hummingbirds.

Astilbe
Thrives in shady spots.
Delicate flowers provide food for hummingbirds.

Shrubs for a Shady Hummingbird Garden

Rhododendron
Tolerates shade.
Large, colorful blooms attract hummingbirds.

Mountain Laurel
Grows in partial shade.
Attractive clusters of flowers draw hummingbirds.

Mahonia
Prefers shady areas.
Bright yellow flowers provide nectar.

Azalea
Grows well in shaded areas.
Vibrant blooms attract hummingbirds.

Spicebush
Tolerates shade.
Small, fragrant flowers attract hummingbirds.

Vines for a Shady Hummingbird Garden

Clematis
Thrives in partial shade.
Large, colorful flowers attract hummingbirds.

Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)
Grows in shaded spots.
Tubular flowers provide plenty of nectar.

Honeysuckle (Lonicera)
Prefers partial shade.
Sweet-smelling flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds.

Dutchman’s Pipe
Tolerates shade.
Curved flowers attract hummingbirds.

Passionflower
Grows well in shade.
Exotic flowers draw hummingbirds for nectar.

Groundcover Plants for a Shady Hummingbird Garden

Lungwort (Pulmonaria)
Prefers shaded areas.
Small flowers attract hummingbirds.

Toad Lily (Tricyrtis)
Grows in the shade.
Unique flowers attract hummingbirds.

By planting a variety of these flowers, shrubs, and vines, you can create a lush and vibrant shady garden that will attract and nourish hummingbirds all season long.

Final Thoughts

Attracting hummingbirds to your yard is a rewarding experience. By planting the right flowers for each season—spring, summer, and fall—you’ll ensure a continuous source of nectar for these stunning little birds. With a variety of perennials, annuals, vines, and shrubs, your garden will be a welcoming haven for hummingbirds all year round. Happy bird watching!

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How to ease hummingbird aggression video

 

How long does it take to attract hummingbirds?

Assuming that there are already hummingbirds in your area, to answer the question, how long does it take to attract hummingbirds? ….. I would say about 5 minutes.

The very first time I tried to attract hummingbirds, I went to the garden center and bought 2 pots of  honey suckle vines that were about 3 feet tall and had some blooms on them. I had read that they would attract hummingbirds.

So I took them out of the car and set them in the backyard and went into the house. I came out 5 minutes later and to my surprise there was already a hummingbird feeding on them. Yes they do attract hummingbirds!

That was the first one I had seen in the area. So, according to my own experience, how long does it take to attract hummingbirds? …I would say about 5 minutes. If I had walked a litter faster I might have found that you could attract hummingbirds in 4 minutes or less.

 

Here is an excerpt on attracting hummingbirds from the “How To Hand-Feed Hummingbirds” video available elsewhere on this site Hand-Feeding Hummingbirds how-to video

 

How to plant a pot of mixed annuals to attract hummingbirds – video

In this video you will find info about attracting hummingbirds, flowers for attracting hummingbirds, tips on hummingbird feeders, making hummingbird nectar, hanging feeders and keeping ants away from your hummingbird feeder.

Video: Plants that attract hummingbirds and butterflies

 

video: What Kind Of Flowers Attract Hummingbirds

 

If you found this article helpful please share it with your friends using the social bookmarking buttons on the left side of this page. Help everyone to increase their enjoyment of feeding hummingbirds. Do it for the hummingbirds!

 

Hummingbird Resources

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History – Birds: Hummingbirds
This resource provides educational materials on the role of hummingbirds in pollination and biodiversity, backed by scientific research and exhibits from the Smithsonian.

U.S. Geological Survey – Hummingbird Studies
The USGS offers research on hummingbird migration patterns, population dynamics, and environmental threats, including studies on climate change impacts.

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology – Hummingbirds
While not strictly a government site, Cornell partners with federal agencies to provide valuable scientific insights into hummingbird behavior, conservation, and field guides.

 

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