Attracting Hummingbirds to Your Garden

Even a small space can become a hummingbird haven by providing five essentials: food, water, perches, shelter, and nesting sites. Since nectar fuels their high metabolism, plant a succession of blooms from May through frost.

What Hummingbirds Want in a Plant

Ruby-throated hummingbirds arrive April–May in northern regions. Choose tubular, brightly colored flowers (scent is secondary). Overlap bloom times for continuous nectar. Vary plant heights: males perch high in trees; females nest 3+ feet up in branch crotches. Shrubs offer nectar, perches, and cover.

Top Plant Picks by Category

Annuals

Fuchsia, impatiens, nicotiana, canna, cleome, calibrachoa, lantana, browallia, verbena. Petunia collections and hanging begonias are especially effective. Vines: mandevilla, thunbergia, morning glories.

Perennials

Agastache, alcea, columbine, milkweed, astilbe, campanula, delphinium, foxglove, heuchera, hosta, lobelia, lupine, bee balm, penstemon, phlox, salvia.

Trees, Shrubs & Vines

Dogwood, redbud (nectar trees). Butterfly bush, elder, lilac, flowering quince, rhododendron, viburnum (shrubs). Trumpet creeper, honeysuckle (hardy vines). Evergreen and deciduous trees provide nesting framework.

Finishing Touches

Add a bird bath for water. Hang at least one feeder in shade with fresh nectar (4:1 water:sugar, no dye). Then sit back and enjoy the aerial show.