If your hummingbird-friendly flower garden isn’t working, your daily birdwatching may be akin to staring out a window like in a sad music video. If your feeders aren’t being used, you may need to employ some clever tricks to bring hummingbirds in. While there are many different ways to attract hummingbirds to your garden, some may work better than others.
A Simple Ribbon Trick
If you’re want to try something easy that doesn’t require you to plant flowers or invest in a new feeder, try this simple hack. It may just bring more feathered friends to your feeder. Secure a red ribbon (or several) to your feeder. Basically, this could help catch hummingbirds’ attention and convince them to stop by your yard. Once there, they can enjoy the nectar and any other flowers you have to offer to feed their appetite. Perhaps they just didn’t notice your feeder while flying around. Unquestionably, this hack can help get their attention, so they keep coming back.
Red Lovers
It’s become fairly common knowledge among avid bird lovers that red is one of the colors that draws hummingbirds in. This is due to the cones in their eyes, which allow them to see red and yellow well. They undeniably seek these colors while finding food. Many flowers in these colors produce the nectar these birds need. Nectar is a source that fuels their high-energy burn. While many other flower species can also produce this nectar, their sight brings them to the red florals first. This is why using red ribbons to your feeders and even around your yard can help.
So, Tie Red Ribbons to Attract Hummingbirds
You can tie a few pieces of red ribbon along the pole where your feeder is attached, or to other areas like the hanging chain. Avoid placing ribbons where they could cover the holes where the birds sip. Pesky winds can blow these pieces of fabric onto them and deter feeding. Keep in mind when trying this that it doesn’t take away from the aesthetic of your garden.
In fact, you can use red ribbon that is attached via a bow or in a small knot, so it can blow in the wind. Doing this can actually create an aesthetic effect that not only pulls in hummingbirds but also elevates your space. You may want to try different tactics, such as tying on nearby trees to see if that draws them in. You can also attach red ribbons to the surrounding area, especially if there are flowers that the hummingbirds can feed from.
Once they are acquainted with your yard, they will likely come back on their own. However, the red does help to initially alert them to your space. If you have more than one hummingbird feeder in your yard, make sure to keep a good distance between each. Also, keep the ribbons close to each feeder rather than placing everything in a general area. These birds can be territorial and don’t always share their food well.
We love attracting hummingbirds to our gardens with native plants and flowers. It’s also fun to watch them sipping fresh nectar from hummingbird feeders we set out. But if you’re looking for other ways to support these tiny, jeweled beauties, you may have seen products advertised as hummingbird swings. Will hummers actually use them—or are they just a cute addition to your garden decor?
First, it helps to understand the habits of hummingbirds. “Hummingbirds perch regularly despite their reputation for constant, hovering flight,” says Chad Witko, specialist, avian biology with the National Audubon Society. “Males often choose exposed perches to watch over feeding territories, and perching is especially common between feeding bouts and during territorial defense.”
In nature, that means they prefer to perch where they can check things out in safety. They tend to favor thin, exposed-to-semi-exposed branches and dead twigs that provide a clear view of their surroundings, especially on small shrubs or larger trees. “Perches are typically lightweight but stable, allowing for quick takeoff,” says Witko. “They are often located near nectar sources or along established feeding routes, where visibility helps with both foraging and predator detection. Hummingbirds rarely venture deeper into vegetation.”
With all the energy they burn up zipping about your garden, they also need to take a break occasionally. “They sometimes just need to rest their wings! The energy it takes to fly and get around means hummingbirds almost constantly need to be hunting down food—they have really high metabolisms,” says Holly Grant, Project Assistant, NestWatch at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. “On the complete opposite side of the spectrum, albatrosses can ride the air currents that crest over ocean waves and the updrafts continually keep them airborne over the sea. But most other birds, including hummingbirds, have to use a lot more energy to keep themselves airborne and need a lot more rest stops.”
Will Hummingbirds Use a Hummingbird Swing?
There are no guarantees but adding one could be a fun add-on to your hummingbird-friendly garden. “A swing likely mimics the thin, flexible, exposed perches that hummingbirds naturally prefer, such as small twigs,” says Witko. “The fact that it is a ‘swing’ likely offers no particular benefit, but it also isn’t a deterrent—hummingbirds routinely perch on branches that move in the wind.”
For us humans, it’s decorative. But when placed strategically, it can serve as a convenient resting and lookout point for the birds. “In effect, it functions as an artificial perch in spaces where natural options may be limited,” says Witko.
Interestingly, some species, like Anna’s Hummingbirds specifically, have been reported to have built their nest on a swing like this. “I would say it’s too uncommon of a behavior to ‘expect’ them to nest on it,” says Grant. But you certainly can provide a swing, if you like, to see what happens in your own backyard!
Where Should I Put a Hummingbird swing?
Place swings near nectar sources such as flowering plants or feeders, ideally within a few feet. “Positioning them in partially shaded areas can provide cooler resting spots, especially in warmer climates. Elevated placement—near eye level or slightly higher—likely will help hummingbirds feel secure while maintaining good visibility,” says Witko.
You will want to avoid dense cover where predators could ambush. Also, be mindful of placing swings in areas where window collisions can be a problem. “Just like feeders, the safest swings are likely those close to windows, 3 feet or less, or far enough away that windows are not an issue,” says Witko.
Along those same lines, a perch in the sun can help hummingbirds stay warm on chilly spring days. “Some hummingbirds go into ‘torpor’ at night, which is a state where they have a very slowed-down heartbeat to help them save energy,” says Grant. “But the sun is a big help to warm them up faster when it’s time to wake up.”
Want an easy way to attract hummingbirds to your garden? Grow a hummingbird mint plant! Pollinators can’t resist these colorful tube-shaped flowers.
How to Grow a Hummingbird Mint Plant
Common name: Hummingbird mint
Agastache spp.
Zones 4 to 11
Size: 1 to 5 feet tall
Full sun
Attracts: hummingbirds, bees and butterflies
Planning your butterfly and hummingbird garden? Be sure to include some agastache. It’s no coincidence that a common name for agastache species is hummingbird mint. Hummingbirds visit the flower spikes in droves. Hummingbird mint is drought tolerant and thrives in well-draining moist to dry soils, where it grows up to 5 feet tall.
Agastache is native to North America, and no matter where you live in the U.S., you’re likely to find at least one species that will work for you. These members of the mint family are guaranteed magnets for hummingbirds and butterflies of all kinds. They require little care once you plant them in the right place.
Tiny tubular flowers on slender stalks grow in a variety of colors and shapes. Full sun and excellent drainage are essential for keeping plants happy. Agastache is in the same family as catnip, however, deer and rabbits leave it alone.
Hummingbirds Love Hummingbird Mint
Bushy and studded with violet, orange, yellow, pink or blue flower spires from mid- to late summer, agastache is a favorite of hummingbirds, butterflies and bees. Hummingbirds register the color red very well, which is why they are drawn to bright red flowers. But hummingbirds are just as likely to visit purple blooms (and other colors) as long as they’re vibrant, tube-shaped and easily accessible.
Anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum), a North American native plant, produces spikes of flowers in late summer. This wildflower releases a sweet licorice fragrance when you brush against the leaves. You’ll want to give this 2- to 4-foot plant plenty of room to spread because it readily reseeds. This species has a wide native range, covering much of the north central U.S., and is capable of growing nearly anywhere in the country. It thrives in northern, wetter climates. In warmer climates, grow it in the cool season.
Hummingbird Mint Varieties for Your Garden
Blue Fortune anise hyssop (zones 3 to 8) is a multipurpose perennial that checks all the boxes. It’s pest resistant and drought tolerant, and it flowers for months, producing clouds of pale lavender blooms. Pair it with rudbeckia or purple coneflower for an impressive late summer display of sturdy, upright blooms that continue well into fall. Its edible leaves and flowers have the fragrance and flavor of black licorice. Steep them for an aromatic cup of tea, or add them to salads and smoothies. This plant is a magnet for late season bumblebees, butterflies and other pollinators.
Texas hummingbird mint (Agastache cana) – This native of Texas has another feature to keep in mind; some say the foliage of this plant repels mosquitoes. The crushed leaves have a minty bubblegum fragrance. Grow it in well-drained soil with regular water.
Hummingbirds are truly remarkable and fascinating creatures. You can attract, feed and nourish hummingbirds in your backyard with a few easy steps. Flowers, perches, insects, and water are the key ingredients to a healthy yard that will attract these amazing jewels.
We’ve rounded up 16 nectar rich perennials for hummingbirds. Plants that attract these beautiful birds to your garden space. And plants that’ll invite them to return for more nectar throughout the season. Take a look and let us know what you think.
BEE BALM
Bee Balm is also known as Monarda, Bergamot, and Oswego Tea. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are attracted to Monarda. A North American native perennial and part of the mint family. Bright colorful blooms with fragrant foliage. Bee Balm is a great attraction to hummingbirds and other pollinators. Use for making potpourri or herbal wreaths and teas.
16 Perennials That Attract Hummingbirds to Your Garden – Raspberry Wine Monarda
Raspberry Wine Monarda has berry red tubular flowers. Early formed buds resemble raspberries. Blooms from early Summer to early Fall. Grows in zones 4 to 9 in part Sun and part shade to full Sun. Reaches 30 inches tall. Beneficial to pollinators. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Deer and rabbit resistant. Fragrant long blooming perennial that can be used as cut flowers too. Tolerant of clay soil and wet site conditions.
Balmy Rose Monarda has bold rose-pink flowers. Blooms from late Spring to midsummer. Grows in zones 4 to 9 in full Sun to mostly sunny. Reaches 10 to 12 inches tall. Beneficial to pollinators. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Deer and rabbit resistant. Long blooming perennial that can be used as cut flowers too. Tolerant of clay soil and wet site conditions.
Balmy Pink Monarda has spiky pink flowers, similar to the finale of a fireworks display. Blooms from late Spring to midsummer. Grows in zones 4 to 9 in full Sun to mostly sunny. Reaches 10 to 12 inches tall. Beneficial to pollinators, attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Deer and rabbit resistant. Long blooming perennial that can be used as cut flowers too. Tolerant of clay soil and wet site conditions.
2. Hibiscus
16 Perennials That Attract Hummingbirds to Your Garden! – Rose Mallow Hibiscus
Rose Mallow Hibiscus has lavender pink blooms. Hibiscus Rose mallow blooms are 7 to 8 inches wide with ruffled petals and a cherry red eye. Blooms from midsummer to early Fall. Grows in zones 4 to 9 in part shade and part Sun to full Sun. Topping out between 40 to 48 inches. Attracts hummingbirds. Deer resistant. A densely compact shrub-like North American native. Rose Mallow is part of the Summerific series.
3. Salvia
Salvia is also known as Meadow Sage. A tried-and-true perennial. Ideal for dried or cut flower arrangements. Produces an intense show of color over the summer months. Pollinators are drawn to Salvia floral spikes. Performs best in full Sun. Deer resistant.
Salvia
Perennials for Hummingbirds – Midnight Model Salvia
Midnight Model Salvia has vibrant-blue flower spikes with lush foliage. Blooms late Spring to early Summer. Forms a dense mounding growth habit. Grows in zones 3 to 8 in mostly sunny to full Sun. Reaches 22 to 24 inches tall. Beneficial to pollinators, attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Deer and rabbit resistant. Long blooming perennial that can be grown in containers. Ideal for cut flowers. Tolerant of sandy soil conditions. Plant on a slope or bank. Tolerant of hot dry site and seaside/salt conditions.
Perennials for Hummingbirds – Pretty in Pink Salvia
Pretty in Pink Salvia has bright lavender pink flowers with lush foliage. Blooms late Spring to early Summer. Grows in zones 3 to 8 in mostly sunny to full Sun. Reaches 18 to 20 inches tall. Beneficial to pollinators, attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Deer and rabbit resistant. Long blooming perennial that can be grown in containers. Ideal for cut flowers. Tolerant of sandy soil conditions. Plant on a slope or bank. Tolerant of hot dry site and seaside/salt conditions. Hybridized at Walters Gardens.
16 Perennials That Attract Hummingbirds to Your Garden! – Bumbleblue Salvia
Perennials for Hummingbirds – Bumbleblue Salvia
Bumbleblue Salvia has intense violet blue flowers with deep green foliage. Blooms early to mid Summer. Grows in zones 3 to 8 in mostly sunny to full Sun. Reaches 12 to 14 inches tall. Beneficial to pollinators. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Deer and rabbit resistant. Long blooming, petite perennial that can be grown in containers. Ideal for cut flowers. Tolerant of sandy or clay soil conditions. Plant on a slope or bank. Tolerant of hot dry site and seaside/salt conditions.
4. Phlox
Phlox is also known as a garden phlox. Considered the perennial garden “backbone”. Phlox provides unrivaled flowering over the summer months. Crisp colors and fragrant blooms. Makes excellent cut flower bouquet. A great selection for colder climates.
16 Perennials That Attract Hummingbirds to Your Garden! – Orange Perfection Phlox
Orange Perfection Phlox has salmon orange blooms. Blooms late Summer to early Fall. Grows in zones 4 to 8 in full Sun. Reaches 36 inches tall. Fragrant perennial attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. A long blooming perennial that can be used for cut flowers.
Cosmopolitan Phlox has bright pink blooms. Blooms from mid Summer to early Fall. Grows in zones 4 to 8 in full Sun. Tops out at 12 to 16 inches tall. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Long blooming fragrant perennial that can be used as cut flowers. Tolerant of sandy and clay soil conditions. Mid-Summer color at its best.
Cloudburst Tall Cushion Phlox has lavender purple flowers with bright pink eyes. Foliage has dark green leaves. Blooms in the Summer. Grows in zones 4 to 8 in full Sun. Reaches 26 to 28 inches tall. Fragrant long blooming perennial. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Mounding growth habit and native North American perennial. Plant Cloudburst in garden borders, containers, or in mass plantings. Use as cut flowers.
5. Agastache
Agastache is known as Hyssop or Hummingbird Mint. Blooms are attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies. Goldfinches are drawn to the seeds. Scented foliage can be used to flavor drinks. Plant in a garden border or in a container.
16 Perennials That Attract Hummingbirds to Your Garden! – Firebird Agastache
Perennials for Hummingbirds – Firebird Agastache
Firebird Agastache has nectar rich filled blooms that are fiery coppery, orange-coral in color. Foliage is a striking gray-green. Blooms early Summer to early Fall. Grows in zones 6 to 10 in mostly sunny to full Sun. Reaches 2 to 3 feet tall. Beneficial for pollinators. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Deer and rabbit resistant. Long blooming fragrant perennial. Plant in garden beds or in containers. Tolerant of hot dry garden sites.
Perennials for Hummingbirds – Rosie Posie Agastache
Rosie Posie Agastache has bicolor masses of hot-pink flowers with magenta-purple calyxes. Foliage is bright-green minty aromatic. Blooms from early Summer to early Fall. Grows in zones 6 to 9 in full Sun. Reaches 18 to 22 inches tall. Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Deer resistant. Plant in garden beds and borders. Once established, tolerant of drought conditions.
The first tip is the most logical one. Putting up a bird feeder designed explicitly for hummingbirds is one of the best ways to attract them.
There is no need to buy birdseed, they are not going to visit your normal bird feeders. Instead, you will need to buy a feeder that holds nectar (sugar water), which is a primary food source for hummingbirds.To fuel their active lifestyle, hummingbirds drink all day long. Check your feeder often.
Feeder formula
1-part refined table sugar, 4 parts warm water
Mix together until the sugar has dissolved
Seriously, it’s that easy. Regular table sugar is just sucrose, and when mixed with water, it closely resembles the natural nectar sources that hummingbirds find in flowers. Note: Do not use red food-coloring dye. It is hazardous to their health!
Location of your feeder
You don’t want to put your hummingbird feeder just anywhere in your yard! It’s best to be strategic with its placement, which will help attract more birds.
Here are a few things to keep in mind as you look around for the best places to hang your feeders:
Look for areas near flowers that hummingbirds are already visiting.
Place it close to shelter or perching areas, such as trees or shrubs. Try not to put it in the middle of your barren yard, as the hummers won’t feel protected.
Think about yourself! Make sure you can see the feeders easily from inside your home so you can watch the show.
Keep the feeder out of the sun. The shade will help slow the fermentation process of the sugar, which will help the nectar last longer. The video below shows that my hummingbird feeders almost NEVER have the sun shining on them.
Hummingbirds are naturally attracted to the color red, which is why most nectar feeders you see have a red base or top. Make sure that yours does too.
To initially attract hummingbirds, some people will put red streamers, ribbon, or tape hung around their yard. This helps to get the birds to investigate and hopefully find the feeder filled with delicious sugar water.
There are many plants that will help you attract hummingbirds to your home garden.
So what are the key qualities hummingbirds look for? Tubular flowers, bright colors (specifically red) and nectar production are particularly important. Nail all three, and these lively birds will be flocking to your flower sanctuary.
Here, we’ve listed flowers that check off all the hummingbird’s boxes. Keep in mind that you’ll want to plant a variety of these species so that nectar production is consistent throughout the season.
Like the bird with the same name, cardinal flowers are a gorgeous red, which just happens to be a hummingbird’s favorite color. They’re also not lacking in shape, either. Their tubular flowers allow hummingbirds easy access to their abundant nectar.
Hardiness Zone: Zones 3-9
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Trumpet Vine (Campsis Radicans)
As their name suggests, these flowers resemble the horn of a trumpet. Their bright orange color and long tubular flowers make them the perfect food source for hummingbirds on the hunt.
Hardiness Zone: Zones 4-9
Sunlight: Direct sunlight
Lantana
Known for their versatility, lantana flowers bloom from spring all the way to fall, making them a consistent source of nectar for hummingbirds.
Hardiness Zone: Zones 9-11
Sunlight: Direct sunlight
You might ask, how will I know it’s a hummingbird at the feeder?
Well, I only have Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds in my yard. The female is green, smallish. The male, however, is the real star with its bright red throat (and also small.) And both will fly like jets and hover like helicopters. Amazing! All I can tell you is that you will know one when you see one.
Now, let’s continue with our hummingbird attraction story. Check out this post for more flower info. Good stuff here!
