Terrifically Tubular Flowers For Hummingbirds: 9 Tube-Flowered Plants To Attract Hummers

The appeal and allure of a well-maintained pollinator garden is hard to beat. While bees and beneficial insects often take centerstage, hummingbirds can be some of the most enchanting visitors – but it helps to grow the right flowers for their feeding needs. Specifically, they love flowers that are brightly colored and rich in nectar.

Growing tubular flowers for hummingbirds will meet their needs – and in between visits from your winged friends, these flowers are also beautiful in their own right. Here are some of the best tube flowers for hummingbirds – grow these, and attract all manner of inquisitive hummers to your tubular symphony!

Choosing Tube Flowers for Hummingbirds

Growing tube flowers for hummingbirds is an easy way to boost your chances of attracting these winged wonders to your yard. It is believed that red tubular flowers for hummingbirds are especially effective, but you can also plant flowers and flowering vines for hummingbirds that spring forth with tubes in tones of magenta, pastels, oranges and even blues.

Both native and ornamental species with tubular flowers are ideal. They are perfect for a hummingbird’s feeding preferences, due to its unique long beak, allowing the creature to feed with greater ease, accessing nectar deep within the flower’s center. Tubular blooms held atop tall foliage or spikes further aid the bird, allowing them to feed whilst flying in close proximity to the plant. Here are some of the most striking.

1. Cardinal Flowers

Cardinal flowers (Lobelia cardinalis) are beloved by pollinators of all types, but hummers especially. Brilliant red blooms are held upright on tall spikes. Established plants will begin flowering in spring, persisting through summer. The deep, nectar-rich petals of the cardinal flower, available in the Gardening Know How Shop, add further appeal in mixed beds.

Where conditions are ideal, cardinal plants are likely to reach impressive sizes, upwards of 5ft (1.5m) tall at maturity. Most species will be hardy through USDA zones 3-9.

2. Cape Fuchsia

Cape fuchsia plants are among the best tube flowers for hummingbirds in pots. While larger types will be suited to use in beds and borders, dwarf cultivars offer growers immense color and vibrancy. Those growing Cape fuchsia for the first time can expect tall spiked stems, adorned by masses of brilliant blooms.

Though fuchsia range in color, red tubular flowers for hummingbirds remain amongst the most popular. Common cultivars include ‘Cherry Ripe,’ ‘Colorburst Yellow’ and ‘Colorburst Rose.’ Cape fuchsia plants are hardy to USDA zones 6-10.

3. Coral Honeysuckle

Coral honeysuckle plants are best known for their immense vines. Slender, tubular flowers are produced through summer, opening in attractive shades of peach, pink, and red. As well as adding spectacular pops of color, drought-tolerant coral honeysuckle adds plenty of vertical interest to backyard spaces.

One of the most alluring varieties of coral honeysuckle is ‘Major Wheeler,’ available in the Gardening Know How Shop. Other colorful varieties include ‘Harlequin’ and ‘Peaches and Cream.’ Plants are hardy to USDA zones 4-9. Just bear in mind that as plants can become quite large, a sturdy support structure will be needed.

4. Coral Bells

Coral bells (Heuchera spp.) are an excellent option for growers hoping to bring hummingbirds to shaded beds. Highly adaptable plants, featuring a wide range of colors and patterns, coral bells work especially well in formal arrangements and containers. Their tall flower spikes, blooming through summer, will attract a variety of pollinators as well as hummingbirds.

Hummers love the pink white flowers of cultivars such as ‘Bronze Wave’, available in the Gardening Know How Shop. Other gorgeous varieties include ‘Wildberry,’ ‘Midnight Rose’ and ‘Timeless Treasure.’ Plants are hardy to USDA zones 4-9.

5. Crocosmia

Summer-blooming bulbs are a great flowering option for attracting hummingbirds. If you are growing crocosmia for the first time, you can expect plants to produce flowers in profusion. Varieties that yield red or orange tubular flowers for hummingbirds often prove the most rewarding.

Varieties like ‘Lucifer’ and ‘Carmin Brilliant’ can be found at garden centers in spring, when bulbs are best planted. Easy-to-grow plants should return each season with only minimal attention required, and are hardy in USDA zones 5-9.

6. Cuphea

More commonly known as the firecracker plant or bat-faced plant, cuphea is cherished for its intense red tones. Cigar-like flowers begin blooming in summer and continue until the arrival of the first frost. This makes them an invaluable source of food to migrating birds and other late-season pollinators.

These especially large shrubs make for an attractive addition to mixed borders and foundation plantings. Notable cultivars include ‘Hummingbird’s Lunch,’ ‘Firefly’ and ‘Sriracha Rose’ culphea. They are hardy in USDA zones 8-11.

7. Flowering Tobacco

Flowering tobacco, or nicotiana, is a popular choice for pollinator beds as well as cut flower patches. Large clusters of colorful blooms are held high above plant foliage, allowing easy access to hummingbirds and other passing beneficial species. The plant’s allure is furthered only by its intense fragrance.

Among the best varieties of flowering tobacco for the home garden are ‘Starlight Dancer,’ ‘Scentsation Mix’ and ‘Bronze Queen.’ Flowering tobacco plants are considered hardy through USDA zones 5-10, showing some range depending upon the species.

8. Trumpet Vine

Trumpet vines (Campsis radicans) remain amongst the most nectar-rich plants for the home garden. Still, some care is needed if you hope to grow this unique native. Where conditions are ideal, vines are likely to reach great heights. A sturdy trellis and routine pruning will keep its growth properly managed and well supported.

Spectacular trumpet vine cultivars include ‘Crimson Trumpet,’ ‘Flamenco’ and ‘Madame Galen.’ These hummer-friendly plants are hardy to USDA zones 4-9.

9. Virginia Bluebells

Blooming throughout spring, Virginia bluebells are amongst the earliest buds to begin opening within pollinator beds. Their compact, clump-forming growth makes them attractive tube flowers for hummingbirds in pots as well as shaded beds. This means you can also grow them near porches or patios, as well as where light levels are especially low.

Those growing these bluebells for the first time are often surprised by the plant’s vigor. It reseeds readily when conditions are ideal. Plants will behave as perennials in USDA zones 3-9.

More Delightful Pollinator and Wildlife Ideas

• If this selection of tubular blooms has inspired you, try these clever planting plans for hummingbirds! These curated planting recipes are sure to have your hummers coming back for more!
• Make sure you grow the most appealing nectar-producing plants for honey bees and other pollinators – these nectar-rich ideas will get your yard buzzing.
• Love your butterflies and want to bring as many as possible to your floral spaces? Grow our butterfly magnet flowers for the longest season of flutter-by friends.
• Want to bring more bees and butterflies to your yard but short on space? These cute and compact potted pollinator garden plant ideas are ideal for smaller spots.
• It’s good pollinator practice to supplement your planting ideas with some well appointed feeders. These stylish Sugar Shack hummingbird feeders in the Gardening Know How Shop will keep hummers happy.

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