Shrubs that attract hummingbirds are essential components of a wildlife-friendly garden, offering both nectar and shelter to these energetic visitors. These plants typically produce tubular, brightly colored flowers which are perfectly adapted to the beaks of hummingbirds, providing them with high-energy nectar. The vibrant reds, oranges, pinks, and purples of these blooms are like beacons for hummingbirds, signaling rich sources of food.
In addition to their floral displays, these shrubs often have structures that provide safe perching spots or nesting sites for hummingbirds. The dense foliage or branches of some shrubs can offer protection from predators and weather, while others might have leaves or stems that are used in nest construction. This dual function makes them not just feeders but also habitats, enhancing the ecological value of gardens or natural landscapes.
The blooming times of these shrubs can be strategically diverse, ensuring a continuous supply of nectar from early spring through late fall, which is crucial for supporting hummingbirds during migration, breeding, and overwintering in some regions. By planting a variety of these shrubs, gardeners can create a dynamic environment that supports hummingbird populations, contributing to local biodiversity and offering a delightful, animated spectacle in the garden.
Shrubs that Attract Hummingbirds
Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii)
Butterfly Bush is renowned for its ability to attract not only butterflies but also hummingbirds. It produces long spikes of flowers in shades of purple, pink, white, and sometimes yellow, which are rich in nectar. This shrub grows quickly, reaching heights of 5 to 12 feet, with a preference for full sun. Its blooms from late spring to fall provide a continuous source of nectar. Be cautious with its invasiveness in some areas, opting for non-invasive cultivars like ‘Blue Chip’.
Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.)
Many species of honeysuckle, especially Lonicera sempervirens (Coral Honeysuckle), are hummingbird magnets due to their bright, tubular flowers. These flowers, often red or orange, are perfectly shaped for hummingbird beaks. Honeysuckle can be trained to climb or allowed to form a sprawling shrub, blooming from spring into summer. It’s adaptable to various soil types but prefers full sun to partial shade.
Weigela (Weigela florida)
Weigela shrubs bloom with bell-shaped flowers in colors ranging from pink to red and white, attracting hummingbirds with their nectar. These deciduous shrubs can grow to about 6 feet tall and wide, with varieties like ‘Red Prince’ or ‘Wine & Roses’ being particularly attractive to hummingbirds. They thrive in well-drained soil under full sun or light shade, offering spring blooms.
Rhododendron (Rhododendron spp.)
Rhododendrons, especially species like Rhododendron catawbiense, feature large, showy flowers in various colors, including red, which hummingbirds find irresistible. These shrubs prefer acidic, well-draining soil in a location with dappled sunlight or partial shade. Rhododendrons bloom in spring, providing a burst of color and nectar when hummingbirds are most active.
Azalea (Rhododendron spp.)
A subset of rhododendrons, azaleas are known for their dense clusters of vibrant flowers. Native azaleas, like the Florida Flame Azalea, are particularly good for hummingbirds. They bloom in spring, offering tubular flowers in shades of orange, red, pink, and yellow. Azaleas require acidic soil and partial shade, contributing to both garden beauty and biodiversity.
Abelia (Abelia spp.)
Abelia shrubs are valued for their long blooming period from spring to fall, showcasing tubular flowers in shades of white and pink. Varieties like ‘Edward Goucher’ or ‘Kaleidoscope’ are known to attract hummingbirds with their nectar-rich blooms. These shrubs prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, growing to about 3 to 6 feet tall.
Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus)
This late-blooming shrub produces large, hibiscus-like flowers in colors like red, pink, purple, and white, which are perfect for hummingbirds. Rose of Sharon can grow up to 12 feet tall, blooming from mid to late summer into fall. It’s adaptable to various soils but does best in full sun, making it a valuable late-season nectar source.
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens)
Also known as Scarlet Bush, this shrub is loved for its bright red, tubular flowers that resemble fireworks, hence the name. It blooms almost year-round in warm climates, providing a constant supply of nectar. Hummingbirds are particularly fond of its blooms. Firecracker Bush prefers full sun and well-drained soil, growing to about 5 feet tall.
Fuchsia (Fuchsia spp.)
While often grown as hanging plants, some fuchsia species can be shrub-like, especially in frost-free areas. Their unique, pendulous flowers in shades of pink, purple, and red are a favorite of hummingbirds. Fuchsias prefer partial to full shade and moist, well-drained soil, blooming from summer into fall.
Camellia (Camellia spp.)
Although primarily known for their winter to early spring blooms, some camellias, like Camellia sasanqua, can attract hummingbirds with their large, showy flowers. These flowers come in colors from white to deep pink. Camellias thrive in acidic, well-drained soil under partial shade, offering a nectar source when few other plants are in bloom.
Salvia (Salvia spp.)
Many species of Salvia, commonly known as sage, produce flowers that are highly attractive to hummingbirds. Varieties like Salvia guaranitica (Blue Anise Sage) with its deep blue flowers or Salvia splendens (Scarlet Sage) with its bright red blooms, offer nectar-rich, tubular flowers. Salvias prefer full sun and well-drained soil, blooming from summer through fall.
Beautyberry (Callicarpa spp.)
While primarily known for its striking purple berries in fall, Beautyberry also has small, lavender or pink flowers in summer that attract hummingbirds. This shrub can grow to about 6 feet, thriving in partial shade to full sun with moderately moist soil. Its flowers are less showy but still provide a nectar source.
Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)
Although more of a vine, Trumpet Vine can be managed as a shrub with pruning. It produces large, trumpet-shaped flowers in bright orange or red, which are irresistible to hummingbirds. This plant requires full sun and can be quite vigorous, so it’s wise to control its growth. It blooms in summer, offering a rich nectar supply.
Viburnum (Viburnum spp.)
Some species of Viburnum, like Viburnum opulus (Cranberrybush Viburnum), have flower clusters that can attract hummingbirds. Their flat-topped or slightly convex flower heads in spring offer nectar, while their berries in fall provide for other wildlife. Viburnums prefer well-drained soil and can grow in sun or partial shade.
Mock Orange (Philadelphus spp.)
Mock Orange shrubs are noted for their sweet, orange-like fragrance but also for their white, cup-shaped flowers which can attract hummingbirds. The blooms appear in spring, providing nectar. These shrubs grow best in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil, reaching heights of 6 to 10 feet.
Elderberry (Sambucus spp.)
Elderberry shrubs produce flat clusters of tiny flowers in late spring to early summer, which can draw hummingbirds looking for nectar. Varieties like Sambucus canadensis (American Elder) are particularly appealing. Elderberries prefer full sun to partial shade and moist soil, growing to about 10 feet.
Spirea (Spiraea spp.)
Spirea shrubs like Spiraea japonica (Japanese Spirea), with their clusters of small, pink or white flowers, can attract hummingbirds. They bloom in late spring to early summer, providing a burst of nectar. Spireas are adaptable, growing in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil, typically reaching 2 to 3 feet.
Hebe (Hebe spp.)
Hebe, especially species like Hebe speciosa, offers spikes of flowers in purple, blue, or white, which can attract hummingbirds. These evergreen shrubs are ideal for borders or containers, preferring well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. They bloom from early summer into fall.
Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster spp.)
Cotoneaster shrubs, while more known for their berries, have small, white flowers in spring that can attract early season hummingbirds. Plants like Cotoneaster horizontalis (Rock Cotoneaster) provide both nectar and later, berries for other wildlife. They require full sun to part shade and well-drained soil.
Bottlebrush (Callistemon spp.)
This shrub, particularly Callistemon citrinus (Crimson Bottlebrush), is named for its unique, cylindrical, brush-like flowers that are red, pink, or sometimes yellow. These blooms are a magnet for hummingbirds due to their rich nectar content. Bottlebrush prefers full sun and well-drained soil, blooming sporadically throughout the year in warm climates, with a peak in spring or summer.
Lantana (Lantana camara)
Lantana is a vigorous shrub with clusters of small, nectar-rich flowers that change color as they age, often from yellow to orange or pink to purple. This shrub blooms almost continuously in warm climates, making it a favorite for hummingbirds. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, growing to about 3 to 6 feet.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
While primarily considered a culinary herb, Rosemary can grow into a shrub-like form with small, blue or lavender flowers that attract hummingbirds. It requires full sun, well-drained soil, and can tolerate drought, making it an easy-care option. Its blooms appear in spring and summer.
Bluebeard (Caryopteris x clandonensis)
Bluebeard, or Blue Mist Spirea, features clusters of blue or purplish flowers late in the summer when fewer plants are blooming, providing crucial late-season nectar. This shrub grows to about 2 to 3 feet, preferring full sun and well-drained soil, attracting hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.
Flowering Quince (Chaenomeles speciosa)
With its bright, early spring blooms in shades of red, pink, or white, Flowering Quince is one of the first plants to flower, offering nectar to hummingbirds returning from migration. It’s adaptable to various soil types but does best in full sun. This shrub can be trained against walls or left to grow freely.
Buddleja alternifolia (Fountain Butterfly Bush)
Unlike the more common Buddleia davidii, this species has a weeping habit with lilac-purple flowers that attract hummingbirds. It blooms once in late spring to early summer, offering a spectacular display. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, growing to about 10 feet.
Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)
Crape Myrtle is known for its colorful summer blooms in shades of pink, red, purple, or white, which can attract hummingbirds. These shrubs or small trees require full sun and well-drained soil, offering nectar during the hot summer months. They also have the benefit of attractive bark in winter.
Red Buckeye (Aesculus pavia)
Native to the southeastern United States, Red Buckeye produces large, tubular, red flowers in early spring, which are perfect for hummingbirds. This shrub-like tree grows to about 15 feet and prefers moist, well-drained soil with partial shade to full sun, making it a valuable early nectar source.
Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)
Ninebark shrubs, particularly varieties with red foliage like ‘Diabolo’, produce small, white to pink flowers in late spring to early summer that can attract hummingbirds. It’s adaptable to various soil conditions and light exposures but does best in full sun for the most vibrant foliage color. Its peeling bark adds winter interest.