There’s a common thread amongst this list of plants: tubular flowers.  As I’m one to take a balanced approach to gardening for nature, you’ll see native and cultivated plants on this list and a few notes of observation as well. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but these are six of my favorite plants for attracting hummingbirds.

Columbine: I use the native option and allow it to reseed at will in my gardens. It’s not a plant to outcompete other plants, so I see no harm in this native, orange blooming beauty making itself at home in the landscape.

Cuphea: An annual that forms a nice little clump about two feet tall, its orange flowers add a great pop of color, and are hummingbird magnets. I have no qualms purchasing this plant each year for it performs without fail with very little attention from me.

Monarda:  We have a variety of Monarda plants at our gardens including Monarda fistulosa which is desired by the hummingbirds. But I will confess, my favorite is ‘Jacob Cline’ Monarda. I love its height, its intense red color, and that it never fails to draw in the hummingbirds. Teh bees love it, too.

Salvias: There are so many wonderful Salvia options to choose from. ‘Black and Blue’ a popular choice in our area, is 40 inches tall and up to two feet wide. This one plant has a strong visual presence in the garden.

Annual blue salvia is one of my go-to plants. It blooms through the season until the first frost and the color of the blooms stays true. While my Agastache ‘Blue Fortune’ holds its blooms, they may fade. Therefore, I often plant these two together, to ensure my blue blooms continue strong through the entire season.

Lantana: Another easy to grow annual that blooms all season, never needs deadheading, and is available in many colors. I opt for yellow lantana: it looks marvelous with my blue salvia.  Hummingbirds may have to wait their turn with this plant, for it is also a native bee magnet!