It's So Easy to Create a Hummingbird Hangout – You Just Need 5 Plants

Hummingbirds are tiny miracles of motion and color, flitting through gardens with a sparkle of iridescent wings. And while it might seem like you need acres of nectar-rich planting (or a dozen feeders) to attract them, you actually just need the right five plants to create a hummingbird hangout.

Yes, even a small yard, balcony, or sunny patio can become a hotspot for these winged jewels, so long as you get the planting right. The trick is, of course, to go for the sort of native plants beloved by hummingbirds to create a low maintenance planting scheme. Bright colors, tubular flowers, and abundant nectar – that sort of thing.

Obviously, it's worth researching which plants will work within your USDA Planting Zone. And you should definitely consider planting near a window or on your patio, so you can watch all of the happy winged visitors flock to your garden. To help you get started, though, here are five plants that check all the boxes for your hummingbird hangout...

1. Bee Balm

Bee balm is a classic hummingbird magnet, with tubular, nectar-rich blooms in shades of red, pink, and purple. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil (and can flourish in a 5-10 gallon pot, too, so long as you pick one that's weather-resistant and packed with good drainage holes).

Beyond attracting hummingbirds, bee balm also draws butterflies and pollinators, creating a lively, colorful scene. Try grouping several plants together to make a dramatic visual and ecological impact; we're big fans of the Balmy™ Purple Bee Balm from Nature Hills if you want big pops of color.

2. Cardinal Flower

Cardinal flower is one of the most reliable hummingbird magnets you can grow, thanks to its tall spikes of vivid red, tubular blooms that seem almost purpose-built for their long beaks. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers consistently moist soil (making it a great choice for rain gardens or spots that don’t dry out quickly, though it can also be grown in a large, well-watered container).

Beyond hummingbirds, cardinal flower supports native pollinators and adds serious vertical drama to borders. Plant it in drifts for maximum impact, or try a native cultivar like the Great Blue Lobelia from Nature Hills if you’re looking to support local wildlife.

3. Penstemon

Penstemon, often called beardtongue, is a graceful, long-blooming perennial with elegant tubular flowers in shades of pink, red, and purple. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil and adapts well to containers, especially in smaller gardens where space is at a premium – making it an ideal addition to even the weeniest of hummingbird hangouts.

In addition to attracting hummingbirds, penstemon’s airy structure brings movement and lightness to planting schemes. Try mixing it with grasses or low-growing perennials, or look for Penstemon digitalis varieties (all hail the DAKOTA™ Verde Penstemon from Nature Hills) for a tough, pollinator-friendly option.

4. Meadow sage

Meadow sage (aka perennial salvia) is a hardworking hummingbird favorite, producing upright spires of nectar-rich flowers from late spring through summer. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil and performs beautifully in containers as well as borders, particularly when planted in a sturdy pot that won’t tip in the wind.

As well as hummingbirds, meadow sage draws bees and butterflies, making it a multitasking pollinator plant. For a long-lasting splash of color, group several plants together, or try the popular ‘May Night’ salvia from Nature Hills for reliable blooms and easy care.

5. Fuchsia

Fuchsia is the go-to choice for gardeners working with patios, balconies, or small spaces, especially those who want to create a hummingbird hangout. Why? Well, because its dangling, two-toned flowers are rich in nectar and perfectly shaped for these feathered beauties, of course.

Thriving in partial shade with consistently moist soil, fuchsia performs especially well in hanging baskets or containers, where its trailing habit can shine. Position pots near windows or doorways so you can enjoy the aerial displays up close, and choose hardy or hybrid varieties from reputable nurseries for the longest flowering season.

Grab yourself some Fuchsia Flower Seeds from the Seeds of Strength Store, then, and get to growing, stat!

Hummingbird-Attracting Essentials:

With these five plants, your yard isn't just a riot of color and life; it's a hummingbird hangout, in every sense of the word!

Honestly, you'll soon find that a little strategic planting is the best way to get hummingbirds darting through the flowers, filling your garden with motion, sparkle, and song that delights every visitor, winged or otherwise.

Good luck, and happy planting!