27 Native Plants That Attract Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds are tiny, acrobatic birds with dazzlingly colorful plumage. At least a dozen species frequent U.S. gardens, but fortunately, you don’t need a fancy bird feeder to attract them. By planting native plants for hummingbirds and offering them water and shelter, you can create a safe haven for these fluttering beauties.

Here, we will introduce 27 beautiful nectar-producing native flowers for hummingbirds, plus some tips for welcoming these birds to your landscape.

Hummingbirds can eat several tiny insects but are best known for feeding on calorie-rich flower nectar. Native plants provide an ideal source of nectar for hummingbirds. Research shows that they are especially attracted to red tubular and trumpet-shaped flowers, although they also feed on flowers of various colors and shapes.

If you want to provide a safe-haven environment for hummingbirds, remember to:

These 27 native plant species are sure to lure in these fascinating birds.

Anise hyssop, or blue giant hyssop, is native to the northern United States and Canada. Anise hyssop is a member of the mint family and has fragrant leaves, making it resistant to browsing deer. This plant has a long flowering period, blooming throughout the summer and into early fall. The flowers are fragrant and attract butterflies and hummingbirds. The flower heads are showy spikes of densely-packed, small, pale purple blossoms.

Anise hyssop grows well from seed and will self-seed in ideal conditions. Plants will also be spread by rhizomes, and larger clusters can be easily divided. Grow anise hyssop in full sun with dry to medium-moisture, well-drained soil. Provide good air circulation to minimize powdery mildew and avoid wet soils, which can lead to root rot.

Bearberry, sometimes