Discover the top 10 container plants that attract hummingbirds, plus care tips and hummingbird planter ideas from Ashley Scott to transform your patio into a hummingbird haven!
There’s something magical about watching a hummingbird zip around your garden, its tiny wings buzzing as it sips nectar from vibrant flowers. I’ve been gardening for over 10 years, and I still get a thrill every time one visits my patio. You don’t need a big yard to enjoy these little wonders—container plants that attract hummingbirds can turn any small space into a hummingbird paradise.
Whether you’ve got a sunny balcony, a cozy porch, or just a corner by the window, this guide will show you the best plants to grow in pots, how to care for them, and some tricks I’ve learned to keep hummingbirds coming back. Let’s dive into my top 10 picks and get your garden buzzing with life!
Top 10 Container Plants That Attract Hummingbirds
Here’s my list of the best container plants that attract hummingbirds. These beauties are perfect for pots, packed with nectar, and loved by hummingbirds across the USA.
1. Salvia (Sage)
Salvia’s tubular flowers in red, purple, or pink are like a neon sign for hummingbirds. My favorite is ‘Black and Blue’—it’s been a star in my container garden for years.
- Why Hummingbirds Love It: Bright colors and plenty of nectar.
- Care Tip: Plant in full sun with well-draining soil. Water when the top inch dries out.
2. Fuchsia
Fuchsia’s dangling blooms are a hummingbird favorite. I hung a basket of fuchsia on my porch once, and within a week, I had regular visitors!
- Why Hummingbirds Love It: Bell-shaped flowers in red and purple.
- Care Tip: Keep in partial shade and water consistently.
3. Petunia
Petunias are easy to grow and bloom all summer. The red and pink varieties are especially good for attracting hummingbirds to my pots.
- Why Hummingbirds Love It: Trumpet-shaped flowers full of nectar.
- Care Tip: Deadhead faded blooms to keep them flowering.
4. Lantana
Lantana’s colorful clusters are a nectar buffet. I’ve got a big pot of it on my patio, and it’s always buzzing with hummingbirds.
- Why Hummingbirds Love It: Bright blooms and drought tolerance.
- Care Tip: Full sun and minimal watering once established.
5. Bee Balm (Monarda)
Bee balm’s spiky red flowers are irresistible to hummingbirds. Last summer, I added it to my containers, and it was an instant hit.
- Why Hummingbirds Love It: Nectar-rich and vibrant.
- Care Tip: Moist soil and full sun or light shade.
6. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
With its bold red spikes, cardinal flower is a standout in any container garden. I put mine in a tall pot at the back of my arrangement.
- Why Hummingbirds Love It: Tubular flowers and bright color.
- Care Tip: Loves wet soil—keep it moist.
7. Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)
Trumpet vine’s big, orange-red flowers are perfect for hummingbirds. I’ve trained mine up a small trellis in a pot, and it’s a showstopper.
- Why Hummingbirds Love It: Large, nectar-filled blooms.
- Care Tip: Full sun and regular pruning.
8. Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)
This vine’s red flowers are a hummingbird magnet. It’s less invasive than other honeysuckles and works great in containers.
- Why Hummingbirds Love It: Tubular shape and sweet nectar.
- Care Tip: Sun to partial shade with a small trellis.
9. Penstemon
Penstemon’s tall flower spikes in red or pink are a hummingbird delight. It’s a reliable bloomer in my small container plants that attract hummingbirds.
- Why Hummingbirds Love It: Tubular flowers and vivid colors.
- Care Tip: Well-draining soil and full sun.
10. Columbine (Aquilegia)
Columbine’s spurred flowers add charm to my pots, and hummingbirds adore the red and yellow varieties.
- Why Hummingbirds Love It: Unique shape and nectar supply.
- Care Tip: Partial shade and moist soil.
How Do I Care for These Potted Plants That Attract Hummingbirds?
Growing potted plants that attract hummingbirds is simple once you know the basics. Here’s what I’ve learned over the years to keep them thriving.
Pick the Right Pot
- Size: Use pots at least 12-18 inches wide. Bigger plants like trumpet vine need more space.
- Drainage: Always choose pots with holes. I lost a fuchsia to soggy soil once—lesson learned!
Soil and Feeding
- Potting Mix: Go for a light, well-draining mix. Check out my guide on choosing the best potting mix for more tips.
- Fertilizer: Feed every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer to keep blooms coming.
Watering
- Containers dry out fast, so water when the top inch of soil feels dry. I use a moisture meter to avoid overwatering.
Sunlight
- Most of these plants love full sun (6+ hours), but fuchsia and columbine prefer some shade. Group them by light needs for easier care.
Hummingbird Planter Ideas: Arranging Your Containers
Wondering how to make your garden irresistible? Here are my top hummingbird planter ideas to maximize visits.
Mix Heights and Colors
- Height: Pair tall cardinal flowers with low-growing petunias for a tiered look.
- Color: Use red salvia, orange lantana, and pink fuchsia for a hummingbird-friendly palette.
Group by Needs
- Keep sun-lovers like lantana and salvia together, and shade-lovers like fuchsia in their own spot. It’s a time-saver!
Add Water
- Hummingbirds love misters or small fountains. I added a solar fountain near my pots, and it’s a game-changer.
Place Strategically
- Set your containers near a window or in a sunny, sheltered spot. Hummingbirds feel safer with some cover nearby.
What Attracts Hummingbirds the Most?
Understanding hummingbird preferences can take your garden to the next level. Here’s what I’ve noticed they love.
Bright Colors
- Red is their top pick, but orange and pink work too. That’s why container flowers that attract hummingbirds like salvia and cardinal flower are so effective.
Tubular Flowers
- Their long beaks fit perfectly into tubular blooms like fuchsia and honeysuckle.
Nectar
- High-nectar plants keep them coming back. All 10 on my list are nectar powerhouses.
What’s the Hummingbird’s Favorite Bush?
- In containers, I’d say coral honeysuckle or bee balm—both bushy and nectar-rich!
Bonus: Potted Plants That Attract Hummingbirds and Butterflies
Want a two-for-one deal? Many of these plants, like lantana, bee balm, and salvia, double as potted plants that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. For more ideas, see my post on creating a butterfly-friendly garden.
Conclusion
Inviting hummingbirds to your space is easier than you think. With these 10 container plants that attract hummingbirds, a little care, and some creative arranging, you’ll have a front-row seat to nature’s tiniest acrobats. I’ve loved watching them visit my patio over the years—now it’s your turn. Grab some pots, pick your favorites, and let the humming begin!