Hummingbirds are truly captivating creatures that bring joy to any garden with their vibrant colors and agile flight.
To consistently attract these charming birds year after year, planting perennial flowers is an excellent strategy.
Perennials not only promise reliable blooms but also establish stable food sources for hummingbirds over time.
Below is a guide to the top 10 perennial flowers that will transform your garden into a hummingbird haven:
Salvia (Salvia spp.)
Known for their vibrant spikes of flowers, Salvia varieties like Salvia guaranitica and Salvia elegans bloom profusely from late spring to fall, providing continuous nectar.
They thrive in sunny spots with well-drained soil.
Liatris (Liatris spp.)
Also called Blazing Star or Gayfeather, Liatris produces tall spikes of fluffy purple or white flowers in mid to late summer, ideal for full sun environments.
Columbine (Aquilegia spp.)
Delicate bell-shaped flowers in various colors bloom from spring to early summer, thriving in partial shade and well-drained soil.
Monarda (Monarda spp.)
Also known as Bee Balm, Monarda’s showy flowers in shades of red, pink, purple, and white attract hummingbirds from mid to late summer.
They prefer full sun to partial shade and moist soil.
Penstemon (Penstemon spp.)
Beardtongues with tubular flowers in red, pink, purple, and blue bloom from late spring to midsummer, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil.
Agastache (Agastache spp.)
Known as Hummingbird Mint or Hyssop, Agastache features spikes of tubular flowers in shades of orange, pink, and purple from midsummer to fall.
They prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.)
Vigorous climbers or shrubs with fragrant, tubular flowers that bloom from late spring through summer,
best suited to full sun to partial shade and fertile soil.
Gaura (Gaura lindheimeri)
Also known as Butterfly Bush or Wand Flower, Gaura produces delicate, star-shaped flowers from late
spring to fall, attracting hummingbirds with its continuous nectar.
It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
Hosta (Hosta spp.)
Shade-loving perennials admired for their foliage and occasional bell-shaped flowers that some hummingbirds may visit.
They grow well in partial to full shade with moist soil.
Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
Native to North America, Cardinal Flower boasts tall spikes of vibrant red flowers from midsummer to early fall, thriving in partial shade with moist, rich soil.
By incorporating these top 10 perennial flowers into your garden, you can create a sanctuary that not only attracts hummingbirds but also enhances your connection with nature’s marvels.
Don’t forget to complement your plantings with shallow water sources and perches for these energetic birds to rest and observe their surroundings.
With thoughtful planning and care, your garden can become a vibrant haven for hummingbird watching and outdoor enjoyment. Happy gardening!