Hummingbirds Will Keep Coming Back For More When You Plant These Two Flowers Together

Few things are more rewarding to a gardener than spotting hummingbirds flitting around your garden, whether they're attracted to the native flora or a DIY hummingbird feeder made from household items. While these feeders can be a simple way to lure them in, planting the right flowers that provide a steady supply of nectar is a much more natural way to keep them around. That's where companion planting comes in, and one of the best pairings for attracting these winged visitors is Carolina jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens) and trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens).

Carolina jessamine bursts to life with bright yellow, trumpet-shaped blooms in late winter or early spring, offering hungry hummingbirds some of the first nectar of the season when other food sources may be scarce. Trumpet honeysuckle, by contrast, keeps the momentum going with tubular red and orange blooms that are perfect plants for attracting more hummingbirds to your garden.

Planted together, these two vines create a dynamic display that pulls a double duty around your garden, feeding hummingbirds consistently across multiple growing seasons while also weaving together a visually striking mix of yellows, oranges, and reds. Carolina jessamine ensures that the season starts out strong, and trumpet honeysuckle takes over to extend feeding well into the warmer months. This combination essentially builds a buffet that encourages hummingbirds to return to your yard again and again, knowing they will always find some nectar to sip on. And beyond their benefits for pollinators, these plants look stunning scattered around your garden, especially when climbing a trellis or fence. It gives your outdoor spaces a bit of structure, texture, and color, all while serving as a decadent food source for local wildlife.

Getting Carolina jessamine and trumpet honeysuckle to thrive side by side isn't difficult, but thoughtful placement and care can make a world of difference. Both are climbing plants that benefit from a bit of support, whether it's an affordable DIY trellis for your vines, an arbor, or a simple fence. When planting, it is best to keep the two in separate holes to avoid overcrowding or one taking over the other. This will allow for healthy roots and ensure good airflow, while still letting the vines mingle naturally for an intertwined, colorful effect. Sunlight is also essential for these plants, as both thrive in full sun with at least six hours of direct light each day. Though Carolina jessamine can tolerate a bit of light shade, trumpet honeysuckle grows the best flowers with bright sunlight each day—so avoid putting it anywhere that it may not be receiving sufficient light. Soil should be well-draining to prevent water-logging.

Once established, the flowering vines need surprisingly little maintenance. In their first year, water consistently to encourage a strong root system, then reduce to occasional deep watering during prolonged dry periods. A thin layer of soil around the base can help lock in moisture and suppress competition from weeds. Pruning can keep your vines looking their best—trim Carolina jessamine after its spring blooms fade, remove tangled or dead stems, and prune trumpet honeysuckle in late winter or immediately after flowering to stimulate fresh growth. With a simple routine, these two plants will reward you with vibrant waves of color, fragrant blooms, and a steady stream of hummingbirds that return to your garden year after year.