It always feels like a special occasion when a hummingbird darts from flower to flower in the garden. These visits can be regular occurrences with a little planning. Because hummingbirds use sight to find flowers rather than scent, a good strategy is to plant colors with long wavelengths (such as orange and red) that contrast with the background colors (such as greens). Also, flowers that attract hummingbirds often have a tubular shape, to accommodate their long bills and tongues.

For an extended season of hummingbird watching, try to have flowers they love in bloom throughout the season. They depend on nectar to fuel their high metabolisms.

Think Red!

Salvias

Salvias are very attractive to hummingbirds, and easy to grow from seed. Tall red salvias, such as Salvia coccinea and Salvia splendens “Lighthouse Red” are excellent choices. Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the average last frost in your area.

Columbine

Aquilegia spp. comes in purples and crimsons and a variety of other colors. It’s a good choice for early in the growing season, when most annual flowers are just getting started. A short-lived perennial, columbine is easy to grow from seed. Direct sow in late fall or early spring.

Zinnias

Don’t overlook the easy-from-seed Zinnia, a butterfly favorite that’s often visited by hummingbirds as well. Plant seeds in the ground in late spring, when night temps are reliably above 50°F (10°C).

Flowering Tobacco

Nicotiana alata has tubular flowers that hummingbirds love. The seeds are miniscule, smaller that a grain of pepper, but plants can range from 1 to 3 feet in height. Plant seeds in late spring, when night temps are reliably above 50°F (10°C).

Vines Are Popular Too

Scarlet Runner Bean

Scarlet Runner Bean, Phaseolus coccineus, is a particular favorite. This vigorous vine can grow to more than 10 feet in height, and flowers for a long period. Plant seeds in late spring, when night temps are reliably above 50°F (10°C).

Hyacinth Bean Vine

Likewise, Hyacinth Bean Vine, Lablab purpureus, is a tall, vigorous summer flowering vine. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are attracted to the purple flowers, which are followed by deep burgundy pods.

Spanish Flag

Spanish Flag, Ipomoea lobata, (also known as Exotic Love Vine) is a lesser known member of the morning glory family. Sow this graceful beauty outdoors in late spring, when night temps are reliably above 50°F (10°C), or start it indoors about 6 weeks before the last expected frost in your area.

Cardinal Climber

Cardinal Climber, Ipomoea x multifida, another morning glory relative, sports crimson flowers against green foliage—perfect for attracting hummingbirds. Direct sow as with Spanish Flag, or start indoors.

Other Easy to Grow Hummingbird Favorites

Cleome

Cleome, Cleome hassleriana, can be sown directly in the garden in spring for a long season of tall, butterfly and hummingbird attracting blooms.

Globe Amaranth

And look closely at Globe Amaranth flowers, Gomphrena globosa, and you'll see that each inflorescence is made up of dozens of small, tubular flowers—just what hummingbirds love!

Four O’Clocks

Four O’Clocks, Mirabilis jalapa, are old-fashioned favorites. Started from seed in spring, they grow into fragrant, substantive plants that are heat and drought-tolerant. The fragrant flowers bloom in the afternoons and evenings beginning in midsummer.