Let me tell you a little secret: hummingbirds absolutely adore tubular flowers, especially red ones!
But here’s the thing – it’s not just about picking pretty flowers. These tiny aerial acrobats need consistent nectar sources throughout the season.
I’ve learned that creating a hummingbird haven is all about selecting flowers that provide both beauty and sustenance.
Top 5 Flowers For A Hummingbird Haven
1. Delphinium: The Summer Show-Stopper
Oh my goodness, let me tell you about delphiniums! These gorgeous flowers were my first attempt at creating a hummingbird-friendly garden, and they didn’t disappoint.
Their tall, bright flower spikes create the most stunning backdrop in my cottage-style garden, and the hummingbirds simply can’t resist them.
I’ve found they thrive best in my backyard’s sunny spot where I’ve enriched the soil with plenty of organic matter. Just remember to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged – these beauties can be a bit particular about their feet getting too wet!
2. Petunias: The Budget-Friendly Favorite
If you’re anything like me, you love a good bargain that delivers amazing results. That’s exactly what petunias bring to the table!
These cheerful flowers have become my go-to for containers and hanging baskets around my patio. The best part? They keep blooming and blooming, providing a constant nectar source for our tiny flying friends.
I absolutely love how versatile they are – I’ve got them in window boxes, border gardens, and even in my daughter’s fairy garden!
3. Columbine: The Elegant Charmer
When I first planted columbine along my fence line, I had no idea it would become such a conversation starter with my neighbors.
These delicate beauties grow between 1-3 feet tall and add such a lovely, whimsical touch to the garden edges.
Here’s a little trick I discovered: if you snip off the flower stems after they bloom, you’ll get a second show of flowers – talk about getting more bang for your buck!
4. Lupine: The Early Bird Special
As a morning person, I particularly appreciate lupines because they’re the early risers of my garden. They provide crucial nectar for those first spring hummingbirds when other flowers haven’t yet bloomed.
While they may be short-lived perennials, their spectacular show makes them worth replanting every few years.
I especially love the dwarf varieties in my smaller beds – they pack all the punch of their taller cousins but in a more compact package!
5. Salvia: The Low-Maintenance Superstar
If you’re a busy mom like me, you’ll appreciate salvia’s easy-going nature. This is honestly the plant that made me feel like a successful gardener!
The tall spikes covered in delicate flowers create the perfect centerpiece in my flower beds, growing anywhere from 18 to 36 inches tall.
What I love most about salvia is that it keeps getting bigger and better each year without needing to be divided – perfect for those of us who prefer to spend more time enjoying our gardens than maintaining them!
Bonus: Zinnia – The Show-Off
I just couldn’t write this article without mentioning zinnias! These were actually my daughter’s first successfully grown flowers, and now they’re a family favorite.
They come in every color imaginable and range from tiny 6-inch cuties to impressive 4-foot giants.
Not only do the hummingbirds love them, but once the flowers go to seed, we get to enjoy watching finches visit our garden too!
Tips for Success
Remember to give each plant enough space to grow and thrive. I learned this the hard way when I first started gardening!
Avoid watering the foliage directly, especially with zinnias – they can be a bit dramatic about wet leaves.
Most importantly, be patient. It took about a season for the hummingbirds to discover my garden, but now they’re regular visitors that bring joy to our whole family.