April 15, 2019

Best Plants to Attract Hummingbirds

planting a garden to

Support Hummingbirds

The Ruby-Throated Hummingbird is the only species we encounter in Northeast Ohio, so they’re particularly fascinating to attract and observe as they flit from flower to flower. Planting large masses of vibrant blooms with funnel or cup-shaped flowers is a great way to attract these beloved pollinators to the landscape. Providing a diverse selection of plants also helps draw them in — but what are their favorites?

Attracting Hummingbirds with

Annual Flowers

The key attributes to look for when selecting annuals that attract hummingbirds are bloom shape and color. Hummingbirds are attracted to dark reds, pinks, oranges, and magentas. They also prefer blooms with funnel or cup-shaped flowers that contain nectar hidden deep inside because they provide an easily accessible food source.

Annuals for Hummingbirds

Annual Flowering

Cuphea

Cuphea is quickly becoming one of our favorite hummingbird-attracting annuals because it is loaded with vibrant tubular flowers on tall stems and they can’t seem to resist it! Also known as Firecracker Plant, this continuous bloomer makes a fantastic thriller or filler in annual container gardens and performs best in full sun environments.

Attracting Hummingbirds with

Perennials

Similar to annuals, the perennials hummingbirds tend to visit most often possess vibrant, tubular-shaped flowers. Planting early, mid, and late-season bloomers is a great way to keep hummingbirds and other pollinators happy all season long!

Perennials for Hummingbirds

Attracting Hummingbirds with

Trees & Shrubs

There are plenty of flowering trees and shrubs perfect for providing nectar for hummingbirds. Did you know trees, shrubs, and vines are also great plants for protection? Hummingbirds tend to gravitate towards landscapes that provide both nectar-rich plants and plants that provide shelter, perches, and windbreaks.

Trees & Shrubs for Hummingbirds

Pollinator Spotlight

Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are the only species we have the privilege to attract into our gardens in NE Ohio. These fascinating creatures appear in a flash of red and green, hover just long enough to negotiate a nectar source, and then zip away to the next opportunity. Want a garden abuzz with these jewel-toned companions? Read our blog for more information.

Learn More About

Attracting Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds love a variety of plants from Lilies, Hosta and Coral Bells to Weigela, Honeysuckle and Salvia. Watch this video with Noelle, Horticulturist and Education Manager with Petitti’s, to learn more about what types of plants attract hummingbirds. When planning for your pollinator garden, be sure to select plants for early, mid and late season blooming to provide food for hummingbirds all season long.

bringing it all together

like a boss

Attracting these beautifully bejeweled birds each spring and summer is quite simple when you provide nectar-rich, tubular and trumpet-shaped flowers in colors of red, deep pink, and orange. Check out our gardening guide for more information and a complete plant list including annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs, and vines the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird frequents in gardens.

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