Few backyard visitors bring as much joy and energy as hummingbirds. Their glittering feathers and constant motion make any garden or balcony feel magical. But what if you’re wondering what are the best plants for hummingbirds—especially if you’re new to gardening or short on space? Good news: with the right plant choices, you can turn even a small patio into a hummingbird haven.
Let’s take the mystery out of attracting hummingbirds. I’ll walk you through what are the best plants for hummingbirds, why these favorites work, and easy tips to help your new plantings thrive.
Why Are Hummingbirds Drawn to Certain Plants?
Before we pick out specific plants, let’s answer a common beginner question: what makes some plants irresistible to hummingbirds, but not others?
Hummingbirds are most attracted to brightly colored flowers—especially red, orange, and pink—with tubular shapes. That’s because their long beaks and tongues are perfectly adapted for sipping nectar deep inside these blooms. The more nectar a flower produces, the better!
Quick tip: It’s totally fine if your space is limited. Many hummingbird-friendly plants do beautifully in pots or railing planters.
What Are the Best Plants for Hummingbirds? (Top 10 Options)
Ready to attract these flying jewels? Here’s a list of fantastic, easy-to-grow plants for small spaces that hummingbirds adore:
1. Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)
- Clusters of bright orange-red flowers—perfect for trellises or big containers.
2. Salvia (Sage)
- Many colorful, nectar-rich varieties; grows well in pots and boxes.
3. Fuchsia
- Stunning drooping blooms in pinks and purples; loves hanging baskets.
4. Bee Balm (Monarda)
- Firework-like flowers, often in red, pink, or purple tones; ideal for larger pots.
5. Cuphea (Cigar Plant)
- Small, tube-shaped orange or red blossoms; thrives in containers.
6. Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)
- Twining vine with coral-red flowers; works on balconies with railing supports.
7. Lantana
- Sun-loving with clusters of yellow, orange, or red blossoms.
8. Penstemon
- Spiky stems of tubular flowers in a range of bright colors.
9. Petunia
- Easy, classic, and endlessly colorful; great for window boxes or baskets.
- Zinnia
- Daisy-like, comes in strong reds and pinks; grow from seed in any size pot.
What Are the Best Indoor Plants for Hummingbirds?
Many people ask if you can attract hummingbirds with indoor plants. The truth: hummingbirds almost never visit inside your home, but you can move some of the above varieties—like fuchsia or petunia—outside a sunny window. Just open the window or place them on your balcony for best results.
Practical Tips for Balcony or Apartment Hummingbird Gardens
You don’t need a big yard to see hummingbirds. Here’s how to make your space irresistible:
- Mix flower sizes and shapes: Diversity attracts more birds.
- Aim for blooms all season: Use early, mid, and late-season bloomers.
- Skip pesticides: Harmful to hummingbirds and their food sources.
- Keep flowers healthy: Water regularly and remove faded blooms for more flowers.
- Add a water feature: Even a shallow dish with marbles can let hummingbirds drink and bathe.
Common Myth: Do Hummingbirds Only Love Red Flowers?
It’s true that red is highly attractive to hummingbirds, but it’s not the only answer to what are the best plants for hummingbirds. Hummers will flock to flowers of many colors—orange, purple, pink, and even blue—as long as the shape and nectar content are right.
Quick-Glance List: Best Hummingbird Plants for Small Spaces
- Trumpet Vine
- Salvia
- Fuchsia
- Bee Balm
- Cuphea
- Coral Honeysuckle
- Lantana
- Penstemon
- Petunia
- Zinnia
Summary: What Are the Best Plants for Hummingbirds?
No matter your experience or the size of your outdoor space, you can grow plants that hummingbirds will love. When you ask, *what are the best plants for hummingbirds*, look for colorful, nectar-rich flowers—red and orange are great, but variety wins! Mix a few potted favorites from this list, and soon you’ll have hummingbirds zipping by, brightening your days and offering a little magic right outside your window.
