Not everyone has the luxury of having birds visit their garden. But by choosing the right flowers you can easily attract a whole range of birds to whatever space you have.
These 15 fantastic flowers will not only add some beauty to your garden but also attract various bird species for you to enjoy.
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
Sunflowers are a classic choice for any garden aiming to attract birds. Their large, sunny faces are a magnet for seed eating birds like finches, sparrows and chickadees.
Growing Conditions: Sunflowers thrive in full sun and can tolerate a variety of soil types although they do prefer well draining soil.
Watering Needs: Water regularly during the growing season, especially in dry periods.
Location Tips: Plant in a sunny spot with good air circulation. Avoid overcrowding to prevent fungal diseases.
Bee Balm (Monarda)
Bee Balm is not only a favorite among bees but also hummingbirds. Its lovely vibrant flowers provide a rich source of nectar.
Growing Conditions: Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Needs rich, well drained soil.
Watering Needs: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Location Tips: Ideal for garden borders or wildflower gardens. Space plants to ensure good air circulation.
Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
With its striking red blooms the Cardinal Flower is a natural hummingbird magnet. These flowers provide the perfect perch for feeding too.
Growing Conditions: Likes moist, rich soil and partial to full shade.
Watering Needs: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells.
Location Tips: Perfect for pond edges, rain gardens or shaded borders.
Black Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Black Eyed Susans are not only cheerful and easy to grow but also attract a variety of birds that feed on their seeds like goldfinches.
Growing Conditions: Full sun and well drained soil.
Watering Needs: Water regularly during dry periods.
Location Tips: Ideal for wildflower meadows or mixed borders. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
Columbine (Aquilegia)
Columbine’s unique, spurred flowers are perfect for hummingbirds. These flowers come in a variety of colors so add some real beauty to your garden as well as attracting birds.
Growing Conditions: Partial shade and well-draining soil.
Watering Needs: Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Location Tips: Best planted in woodland gardens or shaded areas of the garden.
Coral Bells (Heuchera)
Coral Bells have small, bell-shaped flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Their foliage also adds color and texture to your garden.
Growing Conditions: Prefers partial shade and rich, well draining soil.
Watering Needs: Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist.
Location Tips: Great for borders, rock gardens or as ground cover.
Salvia (Salvia spp.)
Salvia is another favorite of hummingbirds due to its tubular flowers. It blooms from late spring to fall and provides a long lasting nectar source.
Growing Conditions: Full sun and well drained soil.
Watering Needs: Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Location Tips: Suitable for garden borders or containers. Prune after flowering to encourage more blooms.
Fuchsia (Fuchsia magellanica)
Fuchsias are known for their hanging, lantern like flowers that hummingbirds find irresistible. They thrive in cooler, shaded areas.
Growing Conditions: Partial to full shade and well draining, moist soil.
Watering Needs: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Location Tips: Ideal for hanging baskets, containers or shaded garden beds.
Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)
Trumpet Vine is a climber with bright, trumpet-shaped flowers that hummingbirds adore. Be cautious though as it can become invasive.
Growing Conditions: Full sun and well drained soil.
Watering Needs: Water regularly during the growing season.
Location Tips: Perfect for trellises, fences or pergolas. Prune regularly to control growth.
Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii)
Butterfly Bush is not just for butterflies. Its fragrant, cone shaped flowers attract hummingbirds and other pollinators.
Growing Conditions: Full sun and well drained soil.
Watering Needs: Water deeply but infrequently allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Location Tips: Best for mixed borders or as a stand alone shrub. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)
Cosmos are easy-to-grow annuals with daisy-like flowers that attract a variety of birds and pollinators. Their seeds are a favorite of finches.
Growing Conditions: Full sun and well drained soil.
Watering Needs: Water regularly during dry periods.
Location Tips: Ideal for wildflower gardens or cottage gardens. Deadhead to prolong blooming.
Hollyhock (Alcea rosea)
Hollyhocks are tall, stately plants with flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
Growing Conditions: Full sun and rich, well drained soil.
Watering Needs: Water regularly, especially during dry spells.
Location Tips: Perfect for the back of borders or along fences. Stake tall plants to prevent flopping.
Milkweed (Asclepias)
Milkweed is essential for monarch butterflies but also attracts hummingbirds with its clusters of small tubular flowers.
Growing Conditions: Full sun and well drained soil.
Watering Needs: Water regularly during the growing season.
Location Tips: Suitable for wildflower gardens or butterfly gardens. Plant in groups for best results.
Petunia (Petunia spp.)
Petunias are popular bedding plants with a variety of colors and forms. Hummingbirds are especially fond of their tubular flowers.
Growing Conditions: Full sun and well drained soil.
Watering Needs: Water regularly keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Location Tips: Ideal for containers, hanging baskets or garden beds. Deadhead to encourage more blooms.
Verbena (Verbena spp.)
Verbena’s small, clustered flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds and other pollinators. They bloom from spring to frost and so provide a long lasting supply of nectar.
Growing Conditions: Full sun and well drained soil.
Watering Needs: Water regularly, especially during dry periods.
Location Tips: Great for garden borders, containers or hanging baskets. Cut back after the first flush of flowers to encourage more blooms.
As you can see – bringing birds to your garden is easier than you think. With these 15 flowers you can create a colorful, bird friendly environment that both you and your feathered friends will enjoy.
