QUESTION: Which red flowers attract hummingbirds? I am looking to get more red in my flower garden this year, but I also want my garden to be hummingbird friendly so I want to make sure to avoid anything they don’t like or is bad for them. – Anne R
JENNIFER POINDEXTER AT GARDENING CHANNEL REPLIES: There is a plethora of red flowers which attract hummingbirds. Let’s discuss a few of your options, their hardiness zones, and growing conditions, so you can have a basic foundation to grow them if you’d like to invite hummingbirds into your growing space.
Here are ten options for red flowers which attract hummingbirds:
1. Lantana
Lantana is a beautiful flowering plant with clusters of small blooms which form larger heads. This plant grows well in areas with plenty of shade and consistently damp soil. Expect lantana to remain hardy in planting zones seven through eleven.
2. Coral Bells
Coral bells is a plant recognized for its colorful foliage. It’s a great plant to grow in a variety of spaces as it thrives in both sun and shade. It can handle different soil types as long as its growing space drains adequately. Coral bells remain hardy in planting zones four through nine.
3. Red Salvia
Red salvia has the vibrant coloring which typically draws hummingbirds. This plant has a rich, green base of foliage, long stems, and bright blooms which grow vertically. Salvia needs ample sunlight and well-draining soil. It should remain hardy in planting zones nine and higher.
4. Trumpet Honeysuckle
Trumpet honeysuckle is a gorgeous vining plant that produces rich foliage and bright red blooms which resemble a trumpet. If you’d like to incorporate this plant into your landscape, select a growing location with full sunlight and soil that’s well-draining. Trumpet honeysuckle remains hardy in planting zones four through nine.
5. Zinnias
Zinnias grow on long stems and produce leafy blooms with dark centers. This plant produces vibrant colors and is great at attracting hummingbirds and pollinators. Zinnias grow well in well-draining soil and where they’ll receive full sunlight. These flowers are grown as annuals, but can grow in planting zones two through eleven.
6. Foxglove
Foxglove is another plant that has a rich base of foliage with long stems and trumpet-shaped blooms which grow vertically up the stem. This plant can handle full to partial sunlight but should be provided soil that’s nutrient-dense, well-draining, and well aerated. Foxglove should remain hardy in planting zones four through nine.
7. Fuchsia
Fuchsia comes in an array of colors ranging from red, pink, orange, purple, and white. This plant grows to be as tall as three feet and is unique and aesthetically pleasing. If you grow fuchsia around your home, select a location with plenty of morning sunlight and dappled sunlight during the warmer part of the day. Fuchsia also needs well-draining soil. This plant is typically grown as an annual as it’s only hardy in planting zones ten and eleven.
8. Petunia
Petunias are some of my favorite flowers. Hummingbirds love them, and they come in so many colors and designs. If you’d like to grow petunias, be sure to provide a location with full to partial sunlight and well-draining soil. Petunias are usually grown as annuals but can serve as tender perennials in planting zones nine and higher.
9. Cardinal Flower
The cardinal flower stands out for its magnificent red blooms. This plant certainly draws attention, so hummingbirds should love it. It’s also a durable plant which remains hardy in planting zones three through nine. Cardinal flowers enjoy full sun to partial shade and enjoy soil that’s well-draining but consistently and evenly damp.
10. Bee Balm
Bee balm is a whimsical plant with unique and colorful blooms. It thrives in areas with full sunlight and soil that’s evenly damp and well-draining. Bee balm can thrive in partial sunlight, but it will hinder its blooms. Bee balm should remain hardy in planting zones three through nine.
You now have ten different plants to choose from when planting flowers around your home to attract hummingbirds.
Hopefully, these vibrant red plants will create an oasis for the hummingbirds in your area, so they can enjoy your landscape while you enjoy the view of both your plants and birds.
Red Flowers that Attract Hummingbirds Quick Reference Growing Chart
| Plant | Hardiness Zones | Preferred Growing Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Lantana | 7-11 | Shady areas with consistently damp soil |
| Coral Bells | 4-9 | Versatile; tolerates various soil types and light conditions |
| Red Salvia | 9 and higher | Ample sunlight and well-draining soil |
| Trumpet Honeysuckle | 4-9 | Full sunlight and well-draining soil |
| Zinnias | 2-11 (as annuals) | Full sunlight and well-draining soil |
| Foxglove | 4-9 | Nutrient-dense, well-aerated, and well-draining soil |
| Fuchsia | 10-11 (as an annual) | Morning sunlight and well-draining soil |
| Petunia | 9 and higher (as annuals or tender perennials) | Full to partial sunlight and well-draining soil |
| Cardinal Flower | 3-9 | Full to partial sunlight and evenly damp, well-draining soil |
| Bee Balm | 3-9 | Full to partial sunlight with evenly damp, well-draining soil |
More About Hummingbirds
https://nationalzoo.si.edu/migratory-birds/hummingbirds
https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/hummingbirds-and-butterflies
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/hummingbirds-in-the-garden/
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