How to Attract Hummingbirds with Native Plants

Plant native flowering species like bee balm, cardinal flower, and trumpet vine in clusters to create a hummingbird haven that provides natural nectar sources year-round.

1. Know Your Native Plants. Contact your local extension office or native plant society to identify which native flowering plants naturally attract hummingbirds in your area. Focus on tubular, red, orange, or pink flowers that bloom at different times throughout the growing season. Common favorites include bee balm, cardinal flower, wild bergamot, native honeysuckle, and trumpet creeper, but the specific varieties that thrive depend entirely on your climate zone.
2. Cluster for Maximum Appeal. Design clusters of the same plant species rather than scattering individual plants. Hummingbirds prefer dense patches of flowers they can work efficiently. Plan for continuous blooming by selecting plants with overlapping bloom periods from early spring through late fall. Include early bloomers like wild columbine, mid-summer performers like bee balm, and late-season options like wild bergamot.
3. Ready Your Garden Beds. Choose locations that receive at least six hours of sunlight daily, as most native flowering plants need full sun to produce abundant blooms. Remove existing grass and weeds from planting areas. Add compost to heavy clay soils to improve drainage, but avoid fertilizers since native plants typically prefer lean soils similar to their natural habitat.
4. Get Plants in the Ground. Plant native perennials in early fall or early spring when temperatures are moderate and rainfall is typically more consistent. Dig holes twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper. Plant at the same depth the plant was growing in its container. Space plants according to their mature spread to allow proper air circulation and prevent overcrowding.
5. Create the Full Ecosystem. Include native trees and shrubs to provide nesting sites and perching spots between feeding sessions. Plant native trees like red maple, tulip tree, or native fruit trees that also provide nesting materials and insects for protein. Create a water feature like a shallow fountain or dripper, as hummingbirds need fresh water for drinking and bathing.
6. Keep Blooms Coming All Season. Water new plantings regularly the first year until established, then rely on natural rainfall as native plants are typically drought-tolerant once mature. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continued flowering throughout the season. Avoid pesticides completely, as hummingbirds also eat small insects and spiders for protein, especially when feeding young.