8 Flowers That Hummingbirds Adore: Container Plants for Up-Close Views

Hummingbirds are irresistible — wings beating 75×/second, bodies weighing a penny. Plastic feeders are problematic (forgotten water changes, unattractive). Native flowers draw other pollinators but hummingbirds remained elusive until the author discovered the key: red flowers.

Justicia brandegeana (shrimp plant) — reddish, alien-looking flowers resembling shrimp — planted near the back door brought daily hummingbird visits. If you want hummingbirds at your doorstep, try these container-friendly flowers (colors work with fall plantings). Most are annuals; check hardiness for your zone.

1. Shrimp Plant (Justicia brandegeana)

Zones: 9–11 | Water: Medium–moist, well-drained | Light: Tolerates full sun, prefers partial shade with late-afternoon protection | Size: 1–3 ft tall/wide

2. California Fuchsia (Zauschneria californica)

Tubular blossoms perfect for nectar gathering.
Zones: 6–9 | Water: Medium moisture, well-drained | Light: Full sun | Size: 3–5 ft tall/wide

3. Flowering Tobacco, Starmaker Series (Nicotiana)

Dwarf variety works in containers. Dark pink blossoms most attract hummingbirds.
Zones: 10–11 | Water: Medium moisture, well-drained | Light: Full sun to partial shade | Size: 10–12" tall/wide

4. Pineapple Sage (Salvia elegans)

Salvia family hummingbird magnet. Culinary herb with faint pineapple scent when crushed. ‘Golden Apple’: yellow-green leaves, bright red tubular flowers.
Zones: 8–10 | Water: Medium moisture, well-drained | Light: Full sun | Tolerance: Deer | Size: 2–3 ft tall/wide

5. Mexican Bush Sage (Salvia leucantha)

Late-blooming annual, great in fall arrangements. Tall — place toward back of planters.
Zones: 8–10 | Water: Medium moisture, well-drained | Light: Full sun | Tolerance: Deer | Size: 2–3 ft tall/wide

6. Cigar Plant (Cuphea)

Orange-red flowers resemble burning cigar tip. Bushy, up to 3 ft wide.
Zones: 9–12 | Water: Medium moisture, well-drained | Light: Full sun | Size: 1.5–2.5 ft tall, 2–3 ft wide

7. Cypress Vine (Ipomoea quamoclit)

Twining tropical vine (morning glory family) — needs trellis. Scarlet tubular flowers attract hummingbirds. Deeply cut leaves = ferny appearance.
Zones: 11–12 | Water: Medium moisture, well-drained | Light: Full sun | Tolerance: Deer | Size: 6–10 ft tall, 1–2 ft wide

8. Fuchsia (Fuchsia)

Shade-tolerant, perfect in hanging baskets (drooping habit).
Zones: 9–12 | Water: Medium–moist, well-drained | Light: Partial to full shade | Size: 1–2 ft tall/wide

Share your hummingbird successes in the comments!