10 Plants That Will Have Hummingbirds Flocking To Your Yard

Small, fast, and somewhat elusive, hummingbirds are a beloved creature that it seems everyone wants to get a glimpse of. Due to their high-energy needs, they are constantly on the lookout for food in the form of their favorite types of plants; if your yard happens to have some of their go-to treats, you are probably lucky enough to see them regularly. However, if you haven't had much luck luring these fast-flying avian amigos to your property, there are a number of plants that you can install, which will have hummingbirds flocking to your yard in no time.

A hummingbird's hunt for food is truly relentless. They generally need to collect energy by eating from as many as 2,000 flowers every day. While you cannot do much to keep a hummingbird in one place for long, planting flowers that they love to nibble on will increase the odds of seeing them frequent your yard. Some of the plants that are most well-loved by hummingbirds include salvia, hibiscus, honeysuckle, and alstroemeria, to name a few. Regardless of the region you live in, you will be able to find delicious and inviting plants that will transform your space into a hummingbird heaven.

Hibiscus plants produce bright and beautiful flowers that hummingbirds are fond of. They are often found in warmer, southern states in the U.S. The Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) is a particularly colorful variety of the plant, with orange, yellow, and red blooms. Best grown in USDA zones 9a and 11b, you'll be sure to see hummingbirds buzzing around this flower.

These flowers are unmistakable by their beautiful blooms that feature interesting patterns and markings. You'll have success with bringing hummingbirds to your alstroemeria if you live in USDA zones 6 through 10. Remember to plant your alstroemeria in full sun and provide it with well-draining soil for healthy flowers that will keep hummingbirds coming back for more.

Anise sage (Salvia guaranitica) is a favorite among hummingbirds (it is also fittingly called hummingbird sage at times), thanks to the conveniently shaped tubular flowers that make it easy for them to retrieve nectar from. While it's native to the warmer South American regions of Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina, it can be grown in USDA zones 8 through 10.

Perfectly shaped for hummingbirds to enjoy, petunias offer brightly colored flowers that are a delight to behold. If you want to attract the most hummingbirds possible, opt for a plant with red blooms, as this color is known to be irresistible. You'll have the best luck growing petunias year-round in USDA zones 9 through 11, although you can keep petunias as annuals during warmer months in cooler zones.

Coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) is an aptly named plant that is brightly colored and deliciously sweet — two things that hummingbirds cannot say no to. It's found in USDA zones 4 through 10, and since it is a vine, this plant will grow with ease on a trellis or other structure. In order to bring the most hummingbirds possible to it, try to plant in a location where it will receive full sunlight and produce more blooms.

Foxglove (Digitalis) is a favorite plant of hummingbirds thanks to the shape of the flowers. You'll have success growing them if you live in USDA zones 4 through 9, and will likely find that they do best in full sun with well-draining soil. You can opt for a brightly colored version of it to draw even more hummingbirds to your yard.

If you're looking for a sweet garden flower that you can use as hummingbird bait, the zinnia (Zinnia elegans) is a great choice. Brightly colored and easy to grow, zinnias can thrive in USDA zones 2 through 11 as annuals, making them a widely popular option for most of the country. They crave full sun and can be found in a wide range of colors, depending on your preferences.

Made up of tiny flowers clustered tightly together, lantana plants do well in USDA zones 8 to 10, loving lots of bright sun. If you're craving ample colors, try the trailing lantana (Lantana montevidensis), which will attract hummingbirds and other pollinators. Remember also that hummingbirds will be especially drawn to the brightest and deepest hues of these flowering plants.

The popular flowering ground cover that hummingbirds and butterflies love, creeping phlox (Phlox subulata), is sure to generate lots of interest in your garden from feathered friends. Suited to USDA zones 3 through 9, you'll want to plant your phlox in partial or full sun with well-draining soil. Be prepared to have the plant spread on its own, which will make for a pretty addition to sloping yards. 

Despite its name, bee balm (Monarda didyma) is popular among all sorts of pollinators, hummingbirds included. It can grow well in USDA zones 4 through 9 and loves conditions where the sun is bright and the soil drains well. Remember to water the soil until moist, and you'll soon see hummingbirds flocking to the bright blooms of these nectar-filled flowers.