38 Perfect Native Plants For Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds and native plants have evolved together, so they form a perfect match, which means both benefit from the relationship. Native plants are best to grow as they thrive in the growing conditions and are less at risk of being invasive.

Many of the flowers that hummingbirds prefer are tubular shaped and open in bright colors, such as red. All of these plants are native, and hummingbirds love them for their nectar, so you are sure to find some native flowers for hummingbirds in this list that suit your growing conditions and your taste.

Native plants are those that developed naturally in a particular area or region over time. Choosing native plants for hummingbirds will ensure hummingbirds come flocking to your yard, and the plants will thrive.

Native plants may not be native to your state, but the hardiness zone growing zones will help you decide if they will thrive in your conditions. You can also check out all the suitable plants for your state in the state drop-down menu.

So try out some of these native plants for hummingbirds in your yard this year.

38 Native Flowers For Hummingbirds:

1. Foxglove

Foxglove is a beautiful woodland flower that grows dramatically tall stems with many bell-shaped blossoms. Due to the fact they are often found in woodlands, they are great shade-tolerant plants that hummingbirds’ long bills and tongues can reach into.

These are biennial plants, which means you need to plant them two years in a row as in their first year, they do not produce flowers and then die off after their second year of flowering. However, they readily self-seed, so you will get their dramatic display for many years.

Foxgloves are easy to grow from seed outside in late spring or late summer when temperatures are cooler.

Common Name: Foxgloves
Scientific Name: Digitalis
Growing Zones: 4 – 8
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Slightly acidic, well-drained but moist.
Colors: Purple, pink, white
Height: 5 foot
Plant Type: biennials

2. Red Buckeye

Red Buckeye (Aesculus pavia) is a large shrub or a small tree that’s native to the Southeastern United States. Its other names include Scarlet Buckeye and Firecracker plant. They can be single-trunked trees or shrubs or multi-trunked trees, depending on how you prune them.

The attraction of the Red Buckeye are numerous red, tubular flowers that bloom in the spring. These red flowers belong to the typical Red Buckeye, but there are also yellow flowers that are the flavescens variety of the Aesculus pavia.

These red flowers are extremely attractive to hummingbirds and bees because they rise upright from the leaves.

The leaves of the Red Buckeye are a good contrast to the bright red flowers. They are composed of 5 leaflets connected to a central point. They’re shiny and glossy, dark green above and whitish on the underside.

Red Buckeyes are easy to grow and maintain because they can be grown in any soil texture, but they thrive when in moist and well-drained soil. You can grow them in the shade, but you may stunt their growth, and they will remain as small shrubs.

While the Red Buckeye looks brilliant when it is in full bloom, caution must be exercised as almost all their parts, bark, flowers, fruits, leaves, seeds, and stems, are poisonous and toxic to humans.

Common Name: Red Buckeye
Scientific Name: Aesculus pavia
Growing Zones: 4 – 8
Sun: Full sun or partial shade
Soil: all soil textures
Colors: red or yellow
Height: 15 – 20 feet tall
Spread: 15 – 25 feet wide
Plant Type: Perennial, Deciduous flowering tree

3. Clematis

Clematis belongs to a large group of about 300 species of flowering vines under the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae. Originally from Japan and China, Clematis are among the most popular ornamental plants because they come in a variety of colors, there are many varieties suitable for your type of climate, and they never fail to attract hummingbirds and other pollinators to your backyard.

If you’re thinking of filling your trellis, arbor, or fence with beautiful and colorful flowers, then clematis are your best vine choice. They are mostly star-shaped flowers that come in large and small sizes. They have a wide range of colors – white, yellow, pink, blue, purple, and some are dual-colored, that bloom in spring or late summer, depending on the variety.

Aside from color, clematis also feature different flower types. There are flowers in loose clusters, bell-shaped flowers, and flat or open flowers. The large flowers are about 6-10 inches across and, with their color, are bound to attract hummingbirds and butterflies alike. Smaller varieties often have fragrances.

Clematis generally thrive under full sun, at the latest 6 hours of direct sunlight. What makes them different is that while they need that much sunlight, their soil needs to be constantly moist and must never dry up if you want gorgeous and plentiful flowers.

Depending on how tall you want your clematis to grow, pick a suitable support system for it. Larger clematis will be more suited for arbors, while smaller varieties can be grown on poles, fences, and trellises.

Give them space for their sunlight and shade for their roots. When they’re in flower, you’ll have a feast for your eyes, not just with the flowers but with all the hummingbirds that will visit your garden.

Common Name: Clematis, woodbine, old man’s beard
Scientific Name: Clematis
Growing Zones: 4 – 8
Sun: Full sun
Soil: Moist, well-drained soil
Colors: white, yellow, pink, blue, purple
Height: 2 – 5 feet, 8 – 12 feet, 20 – 30 feet
Spread:2 – 6 feet wide
Plant Type: Perennial, Woody deciduous, herbaceous, and evergreen vines

4. Crab apples

Crab Apples are small deciduous trees that belong to the genus Malus and the rose family, Rosaceae. Their origins may be traced to Russia and Asia, but they now inhabit temperate regions of North America. They are popular ornamental, fruit-bearing trees with colorful blossoms and great leafy foliage.

Crabapples put on quite a display during spring when their flowers bloom. You’ll see a profusion of white, pink, magenta, red flowers opening from darker-colored buds generally for a 4-5 week period.

There are many varieties of crabapple trees, so their flowers also come in many different forms. There are single (five petals), semi-double (6-10 petals), and double (more than ten petals) blossoms. Hummingbirds keep coming back to these large, colorful, and bountiful flowers.

Aside from crabapple blossoms, their foliage is also a sight to behold in the fall. Ordinarily, they have green and dark green leaves, while some varieties have reddish and purplish leaves. But come fall, their leaves turn gold-yellow, red, orange, or bronze before they fall on the ground.

Crabapple fruits are also a reason why these trees attract birds and other mammals. From fall into winter, the trees are filled with orange, bright red, yellow, and many shades or variations of fruits. They come in many sizes, too depending on the trees.

Whether you go for a large crabapple tree or a small crabapple tree, you can look forward to many blooms and fruits that also bring hummingbirds to your backyard.

Common Name: Crab apple, Crabapple
Scientific Name: Malus sylvestris
Growing Zones: 4 – 8
Sun: Full sun
Soil: rich, loamy, well-drained soil
Colors: white, pink, or red
Height: Small-10-15 ft, Med – 15-20 feet, Large – up to 40 feet
Spread: up to 12 meters wide
Plant Type: Perennial

5. Northern Catalpa

The Northern Catalpa, or Catalpa speciosa, is a medium-sized deciduous tree native to the midwestern United States. However, some trees have found their way to New England and east of the Rocky Mountains. They are mostly treated as ornamental lawn, roadside, and sidewalk trees because they’re tough and can survive a wide range of moisture conditions.

The flowers of the Northern Catalpa are beautiful, to say the least. They bloom in late spring to early summer and are white, bell-shaped, with yellow, orange, or purple streaking on the inside. Hummingbirds are attracted to them because of the showy flowers.

The leaves of the Northern Catalpa are an attraction themselves. They’re huge, around a foot long, heart-shaped, bright green on the topside and dark green on the underside. They turn yellow before dropping down to the ground in the fall.

The Northern Catalpa also has seed pods, which look like cigars, that’s why they’re sometimes called cigar trees. These pods are about 2 feet long, like a green bean, but they turn dark brown in the fall when they split open to let the seeds free to fall on the ground.

When growing the Northern Catalpa, you have to consider that its flowers, leaves, seedpods, and seeds naturally fall down from spring until winter. It understandably makes a mess on the ground, and its twigs and branches are brittle and easily break and fall from wind and ice damage.

Common Name: Northern Catalpa
Scientific Name: Catalpa speciosa
Growing Zones: 4 – 8
Sun: Full sun (4 hours) and partial shade
Soil: wide range of moisture conditions, even hot and dry
Colors: white
Height: 40 – 60 feet tall
Spread: 20 – 40 feet in diameter
Plant Type: Perennial, Deciduous tree

6. Viburnum

Viburnum now belongs to the family Adoxaceae with over 150 species of flowering plants. It used to be classified under the honeysuckle family, Caprifoliaceae. Deciduous shrubs and trees are native to temperate North America, while some varieties are evergreens from the tropical regions of Southeast Asia.

Viburnum flowers are attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies because they have a variety of nectar-rich shapely flowers. You will also love them because some of them have intoxicating fragrances, like Cayuga and Burkwood. They also have very interesting leaf colors, like purplish-red or blue-green. Finally, their berries also have eye-catching colors, like red, pink, purple, blue, and black.

Early spring to late summer is the flowering season for Viburnum for most varieties. However, there are some like the Bodnant Viburnum that flower in winter. After these flowers bloom, get ready for the showcase of brilliantly-colored fruits and captivating fall foliage.

Most viburnums prefer to grow with their fill of sunlight, about 6 hours worth, and this will ensure the best flowers, bountiful fruits, and fall foliage. There are some varieties that will also thrive with partial shade. While they may vary in sunlight needs, they all prefer well-draining soil and a bit of pruning after flowering to remove old, dead, and broken branches.

Viburnums are a perfect asset to your backyard – they have fragrance, colorful flowers, and foliage, and they even have eye-catching fruits. Hummingbirds will surely find their way toward your viburnums.

Common Name: Viburnum
Scientific Name: Viburnum
Growing Zones: 2 – 9
Sun: Full sun, Partial sun
Soil: Moist but well-drained soil
Colors: white, pink
Height: 3 – 8 feet, 8 – 20 feet
Spread: 3 to 12 feet wide, depending on the type
Plant Type: Perennial, Evergreen, Deciduous shrub

7. Bleeding heart

Bleeding Heart flower during the spring and have a lovely sweet smell. They are perennial and require little maintenance, and can be planted in full sun or partial shade.

They make a fantastic addition to a shady corner, and the delicate flowers look amazing arching out of a hanging basket.

If they get too hot or too much sun, they will die back, but the roots will be fine, and the plant will come back the following year. Keep them well watered in the growing season, with the soil moist but not too wet.

It goes dormant in the fall and can be cut back once it starts to yellow, but it will grow back.

Common Name: Bleeding heart
Scientific Name: Dicentra spectabilis
Growing Zones: 3 – 9
Sun: Partial shade
Soil: Well-drained, moist
Colors: Red, White, Pink
Height: 3 feet
Spread: 3 feet
Plant Type: Perennial

8. Cardinal flower

The long bright red tubular flowers of Cardinal flowers are designed for hummingbirds’ long bills.

These herbaceous perennials flower in late summer. The bright red flowers appear on terminal spikes.

Cardinal flowers are not drought tolerant and prefer moist soil that does not dry out.

When planting cardinal flowers in pots, ensure they are set in a tray of water that can be topped up easily.

Common Name: Cardinal flower
Scientific Name: Lobelia cardinalis
Growing Zones: 3 – 9
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Rich, moist
Colors: Red, pink, white
Height: 2 – 4 feet
Spread: 1 – 2 feet
Plant Type: Perennial

9. Columbine

Columbines are one of the best plants to attract hummingbirds because their flowers come in a range of vibrant colors, and they grow well in partial shade.

Columbine is an elegant perennial plant with spiky, bell-shaped blooms that measure anywhere from 3 to 6 inches long. They are also known as Aquilegia.

There are many different varieties of columbine, but most grow in the sun to full shade and flower as early as spring, so they are a great option to start with if you’re trying to attract hummingbirds.

This hard-working flower is not only shade-tolerant, but they are also drought tolerant and deer resistant.

Sow the Columbine seeds directly in the ground in spring, and then they will self-seed if left at the end of the flowering season. If you want to get ahead, then sow the seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frosts. Flowers will not appear on seed-grown plants until their second year.

Common Name: Columbine, Aquilegia
Scientific Name: Aquilegia
Growing Zones: 3-9
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Neutral PH, moist but not wet soil
Colors: Red, Pink, Blue, Orange, White, and Yellow
Height: 1 – 3 feet
Spread: 1 foot
Plant Type: Perennial

10. Penstemon

Penstemon is a genus belonging to the plantain family (Plantaginaceae), with over 250 different ornamental flowering plants, like snapdragons and foxgloves. It is also called Beardtongue because the pollen-free stamen that protrudes from the flowers has a tuft of small hairs.

With a wide number of species, there are many varieties of Penstemon to choose from to suit your backyard. They may have different sizes and different colors, but they all share these things- they’re all drought-tolerant, they attract hummingbirds and bees, they’re easy to take care of, and their lovely blooms brighten up any backyard.

Flowers of the Penstemon genus bloom in early summer. They become a focal point in a garden setting because of their spires and a colorful cluster of tubular flowers. There are many colors to display depending on the variety you’ve chosen. There are blue, purple, red, orange, white, pink, and yellow.

Hummingbirds always flock to Penstemon because they’re bright and colorful, and they’re nectar-rich.

The best place to plant penstemons is where they can get full sunlight. Flowers will bloom profusely, and stems will remain upright instead of drooping because of shade. They prefer nutrient-poor soil with moist conditions. They can tolerate drought, but it’s also good to give them a good watering every once in a while. It’s better to choose a variety suited to your soil condition and climate to make them last longer.

Common Name: penstemon, foxglove beard-tongue, foxglove beardtongue, talus slope penstemon, and white beardtongue
Scientific Name: penstemon
Growing Zones: 3 – 9
Sun: Full sun
Soil: lean, fast-draining soil
Colors: Blue, Purple, Red, Orange, White, Pink, Yellow
Height: 6 to 12 inches, 1 to 3 feet, 3 to 8 feet
Spread: 8 to 20 inches
Plant Type: Perennial

11. Summersweet

Summersweet is a flowering shrub that looks great and attracts hummingbirds to your backyard.

Clethra alnifolia is the scientific name of the coastal sweet pepperbush or Summersweet. It is a flowering plant from the Clethraceae family that is native to eastern North America. It thrives in most climates but primarily in wetlands and edges of ponds and streams.

Summersweet is characterized by vertical spikes of spicy-smelling white flowers against dark green foliage. Their green leaves turn yellow or gold in autumn. Their name “pepper” comes from the brown seed capsules that look like peppercorns that are dropped after the flowers bloom.

Summersweet flowers bloom between July and August. They are 2 to 6 inches long and are colored white or pink. They give off a hint of fragrant scent that is extremely attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds. Also, the pepper-like seeds attract birds during autumn.

Since they’re coastal flowers originally, these flowers grow best in moist to wet soil and in the shade. In fact, flowers bloom larger when they’re in the shade than when exposed to too much sunlight. When the weather gets too dry, it’s best to keep them well-hydrated. They can even tolerate salty air as they are originally from that region.

The best care you can give Summersweet is to give them room when you plant them, as they can spread pretty wide. Maintain the wetness of the soil and prune old branches during spring to encourage new growth and redefine the shape of your Summersweet shrub.

Common Name: Summersweet, coastal sweet pepperbush
Scientific Name: Clethra alnifolia
Growing Zones: 3 – 9
Sun: full sun or partial shade
Soil: moist to wet soil, slightly acidic
Colors: white, pink, or rose-colored
Height: 4 – 8 feet tall
Spread: 4 – 6 feet wide
Plant Type: Perennial, Deciduous shrub

12. Trumpet Honeysuckle

The Trumpet Honeysuckle, Latin name Lonicera sempervirens, is a fast-growing, twining vine from the Caprifoliaceae family, perfect for fences, arbors, or trellises. It may also be left to crawl on the ground, perfect for sprawling on concrete.

Be careful as some honeysuckle is invasive, especially the Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), so stick to Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) and check for your area what is invasive.

The Trumpet Honeysuckle is a favorite vine for attracting hummingbirds because of its bright orange-red flowers. When these flowers open, they reveal bright yellow stamens. They grow at the end of the stems in clusters of 10-20 flowers, and they flower from spring to fall. They look especially stunning amid the dark green, oblong leaves.

Aside from its long flowering season, the Trumpet Honeysuckle appreciates being in full sunlight to show off its beautiful flowers. It may still grow in partial shade, but the flowers won’t be as plentiful as when they’re given a full dose of sunlight.

Common Name: Trumpet Honeysuckle
Scientific Name: Lonicera sempervirens
Growing Zones: 4 – 9
Sun: Full sun, partial shade
Soil: Medium moisture, organically-rich, well-drained soil
Colors: orange-red
Height: 8 – 15 feet
Spread:3 – 6 feet
Plant Type: Semi-evergreen, Deciduous, Evergreen Vine, perennial

13. Eastern Redbud

The Eastern Redbud, Cercis Canadensis, is a large deciduous shrub or small tree native to eastern North America. It is grown as an ornamental specimen plant for its twisted trunk, zigzag branches, beautiful flowers, and large, heart-shaped leaves. It is also just the right size for a small to medium backyard.

What makes the Eastern Redbud interesting is that its flowers appear before the leaves when they bloom in early spring. So, they’re really the focal point of the tree once they start flowering. The half-inch wide flowers grow in clusters on the branches, each with 4-8 flowers. Only hummingbirds and long-tongued bees, like blueberry bees and carpenter bees, can reach the nectaries.

Eastern Redbud flower colors range from light pink to deep magenta, and some even have a purplish tinge. With their bright colors against the dark branches and trunk, the flowers appear to be just floating in the air in the right kind of light. You can enjoy this display for 2 to 3 weeks before the fruits appear.

Once the flowers disappear in mid-summer, their fruits or legumes appear. They look like bean pods that start out green when they first come out but will, later on, turn brown as winter approaches.

Leaves then appear as winter buds, initially bright green with a tinge of red, and when they unfurl and expand, they are heart-shaped. They are bright green, glossy, and have prominent veins.

Eastern redbuds can be grown in full sun and partial shade, but if you want them to bloom profusely, it’s better to give them 6 hours of sunlight. While they may tolerate drought, it’s still better to keep them watered regularly. You may also prune them while young to give them shape and structure.

Common Name: Eastern Redbud
Scientific Name: Cercis Canadensis
Growing Zones: 4 – 9
Sun: Full sun, partial shade
Soil: moist, well-drained soil
Colors: pink, reddish, purple
Height: 20 to 30 feet tall
Spread: 25 to 35 feet wide
Plant Type: Perennial, Deciduous tree

14. Trumpet vine

Trumpet vine, Latin name Campsis radicans, is from the family Bignoniaceae and a native of the eastern United States. It is a species of fast-growing and fast-spreading flowering vines, which can become invasive in western states if not controlled effectively through aggressive pruning. Look for hybrids if in western states.

Otherwise known as hummingbird vine, it lives up to its name because the flowers are too attractive for hummingbirds and make them come back repeatedly when they’re in bloom.

Some also call it the Trumpet Creeper because they can creep into crevices and shingles. Some find them valuable for covering rock piles and tree stumps. Their woody stems are strong enough to survive winter, but they’re also capable of destroying foundations, fences, and trees.

The Trumpet Vine is a plant that requires hardly anything to survive. It will thrive under full sunlight, with profuse flowers, when it gets at least 6 hours of direct light. It can also survive in partial shade but with fewer flowers. Regular watering is not necessary. Just keeping the soil moist is fine.

But regular pruning is necessary for the Trumpet Vine to keep it in check and prevent it from spreading too much. The best time is in late fall when you can cut it to nearly ground level. They will grow back sooner than you think, especially with full sunlight.

Common Name: Trumpet Vine, Trumpet Creeper, Cow Itch
Scientific Name: Campsis radicans
Growing Zones: 4 – 9
Sun: Full sun, partial shade
Soil: Average, moist but well-drained
Colors: orange, red, and yellow
Height: 25 – 40 feet long
Spread:5 – 10 feet wide
Plant Type: perennial, Deciduous woody vine

15. Desert willow

The Desert Willow, Latin name “Chilopsis linearis”, is a large deciduous shrub or small tree native to the Southwestern United States and Mexico. It may be named “Willow” because of its willow-like leaves, but it’s actually a member of the catalpa family.

Commonly found along desert washes and riverbanks in its native territory, Desert Willows thus thrive under full sunlight and are drought-tolerant but will occasionally need a good watering.

Rain only comes very rarely in the desert, but flash floods occasionally happen in arroyos, and that’s all that the Desert Willows need. So, in a backyard setting, give your Desert Willows the occasional “flood” to keep them happy and content and to encourage new flower growth.

The flowers of Desert Willows are usually shades of purple, like lavender, pink, purple, and white. They bloom between May and June, late spring through summer, and you’ll notice them hanging from the tree’s branch ends. They may be small, about 1 to 1.5 inches long, but they can grow profusely if you care for them properly.

Once the flowers are gone, another identifiable feature of the Desert Willow emerges – the seed pods. They are long (4 to 8 inches), thin and brown. They usually appear in autumn and will split open in half to release the seeds. You may collect the seeds for propagation.

Caring for Desert Willows is a breeze once they’re established. Their pretty flowers, drought tolerance, low pruning maintenance, and as they are also a perfect plant to attract hummingbirds, this makes them a stand-out winner.

Common Name: Desert Willows
Scientific Name: Chilopsis linearis
Growing Zones: 5 – 9
Sun: Full Sun
Soil: well-drained soil
Colors: lavender to light pink
Height: 20 – 25 feet tall
Spread: 15 -20 feet wide
Plant Type: Perennial, Deciduous large shrub or small tree

16. Flowering currant

The Flowering Currant, Latin name Ribes sanguineum, is a large deciduous shrub growing up to 10 meters tall, native to the western United States and Canada. They are considered an ornamental plant because of their lovely reddish flowers, but they’re also cultivated for food because of their edible berries for humans and animals.

The Flowering currant, also called red-flowering currant or redflower currant, is multi-stemmed with upright arching stems. With careful pruning, it can be cultivated as a tree with rounded branches. It thrives under the full sun but can be grown in partial shade. It is drought-tolerant, but ideally, you should keep the soil moist.

The flowers of the Flowering Currant are wildly attractive to hummingbirds and bees during early spring (April to May). They’re clusters of 10-30 flowers, each cluster as long as three inches. The flowers are light pink to red that seemingly cover the stems and sometimes hang from them.

The leaves are deep green that are shaped like small maple leaves. They appear at the same time as flowers, and when they’re young, they emit a type of woodsy scent. They’re essential because moths and butterfly larvae eat them.

During the fall, blue-black fruits appear. Songbirds love these berries. People may use the berries for jams and syrup.

Common Name: Flowering Currant
Scientific Name: Ribes sanguineum
Growing Zones: 5 – 9
Sun: Full sun or partial shade
Soil: well-drained soil
Colors: light pink, red
Height: 10 feet tall
Spread: 5 feet
Plant Type: Perennial, Deciduous shrub

17. Passionflower

Passionflowers, or passion vines as they’re sometimes called, belong to the Passiflora genus with about 550 species of flowering plants. They’re characterized by having tendril vines and an exotic-looking floral structure that attracts pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. In fact, the Sword-billed Hummingbird evolved with the Passiflora mixta in order to extract nectar from its long corollas.

Passionflowers are unforgettable because they look exotic and alien. They are named passion flowers because their strange structure supposedly symbolizes the Passion of Christ.

Passionflowers are truly unusual creations that will look astounding in a pot or on trellises, walls, and fences. They have a variety of colors (white, pink, red, purple, blue) that thrive under full sunlight or at least 4 hours of it. Moist, well-drained organic soil also helps them grow fast and tall.

When a hummingbird successfully pollinates the flower, the fruit will start growing. The fruits are round or elongated, and depending on the variety of the passionflower they are edible. One passionflower, Passiflora incarnata, is commonly known as “Maypop” because it’s the sound of the fruit popping when crushed.

Common Name: passionflower maypop, true passionflower, wild apricot, wild passion vine, passion vine
Scientific Name: Passiflora
Growing Zones: 5 – 9
Sun: Full sun (at least 4 hours)
Soil: well-drained, organic soil
Colors: white, pink, red, purple, blue
Height: 6 – 30 feet tall
Spread:3 – 6 feet wide
Plant Type: Perennial vine

18. Salvia

With over 1000 species of these members of the mint family, salvias are a great perennial to choose for hummingbirds. They are also drought-resistant and easy to care for.

Salvias evolved alongside hummingbirds in the Americas, and they use the hummingbirds’ long bills to enter the flower and open a trapdoor that deposits pollen on their heads and rewards them with rich nectar.

They put on a rich display of flowers and tubular blossoms all summer that keep the hummingbirds coming back.

Many native species of salvia are drought tolerant and grow happily in the heat of the South. Although salvias are heat and drought tolerant, if it is very dry, then water thoroughly once a week.

Sometimes known as sage plants, they can be grown as annuals, but also perennial varieties are available. Deadhead them during the summer to encourage more flowers but leave flowers on at the end of the season, so they reseed.

Choose Salvias with red, pink, and orange-colored flowers. Native species are best, but Salvias from Europe are hardier and will grow further north, extending the range and nectar availability for hummingbirds.

Common Name: salvia
Scientific Name: salvia
Growing Zones: 4 – 10
Sun: Full sun, but some will tolerate partial shade
Soil: Well-drained
Colors: Red, pink, purple, blue, white, yellow.
Height: 1 – 6 feet
Spread: 1 – 6 feet
Plant Type: Annual, Perennial

19. Buddleia

Buddleia or Butterfly Bush, with its striking purple, red, pink, white, and yellow pointed flowers, is a favorite ornamental plant if you want to attract butterflies (of course!) and hummingbirds to your backyard. They also produce nectar-rich flowers that are a surefire way to get hummingbirds to visit your backyard every time.

Buddleia refers to a family of over 140 species of flowering plants. They are more commonly called “butterfly bushes” because butterflies flock to them because of their nectar and honey-scented flowers.

The most common Buddleia variant is the Buddleia davidii which originates from China. Unfortunately, this species has been declared an invasive species in most US regions because it spreads its seeds and can grow unrestrained in natural areas. They tend to overcrowd native plants and have been deemed as a noxious weed. Be careful not to buy the purple davidii variety.

Butterfly bushes are low-maintenance plants. They are a hardy breed requiring full sun, so you might say they are pretty much drought-tolerant. However, during the first year, they would require regular watering as they’re trying to establish their roots. But once they’re firmly established, you only need to water them when the soil has become dry, like 2 to 4 inches deep.

The good news is, there are some Butterfly Bush variants that are sterile, and some species are available to grow in your pot or backyard, like Dwarf varieties that only grow up to 8 or 10 feet.

Some sterile or native varieties that you can grow are Rio Grande Butterfly Bush (Buddleia sessiliflora), Wand Butterfly Bush (Buddleia racemosa), Escobilla Butterfly Bush (Buddleia scordioides), and Fountain Butterfly Bush (Buddleja alternifolia).

Common Name: buddleia, butterfly bush, and summer lilac
Scientific Name: Buddleja
Growing Zones: 5 – 10
Sun: Full Sun
Soil: Well-drained
Colors: Pink, Purple, Red, White, and Yellow
Height: 4 to 10 feet
Spread: up to 5 feet
Plant Type: Perennials, Evergreen

20. Hibiscus

Hibiscus plants are from the mallow family, Malvaceae, and there are hundreds of varieties, including perennials and evergreens. Some perennials, like the Hibiscus coccineus, can grow in Zones 6 to 9, while some evergreens, like the Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, can grow year-round in Zones 9 and 10.

Hibiscus plants are characterized by large, trumpet-like flowers that may be colored red, yellow, pink, orange, and white. They may have five or more petals, and some single-bloom varieties flower for only one to three days. However, some tropical hibiscus species can repeatedly flower during their season.

Most Hibiscus plants start to flower from mid to late spring or mid to late summer, depending on the region. Some have also been known to flower until fall, but that may only be possible if the climate is mild.

If you want your hibiscus plants to flower, make sure they receive up to 6 hours of full sunlight daily. Watering your hibiscus depends on the weather. If it’s too hot, give it water daily. If it’s average, a couple of times a week will be enough, as long as the soil is moist. If it gets cold, hold off on watering until the soil is dry, and make sure to keep the plant indoors because they don’t really tolerate cold weather.

Hibiscus plants are a sight to behold when they’re in full bloom, and it’s understandable why they can attract hummingbirds. Taking care of your hibiscus will keep hummingbirds coming to your backyard for sure.

Common Name: Hibiscus
Scientific Name: Hibiscus
Growing Zones: 6 – 10
Sun: Full Sun
Soil: Well-drained,
Colors: Red, Yellow, Pink, Orange, and White
Height: 3 – 8 feet
Spread: 3 – 5 feet
Plant Type: Perennial, Evergreen

21. Impatiens

Bright and colorful annuals such as Impatiens are great at brightening up dark and shady areas, and these also attract hummingbirds.

They like moist and well-draining soil and deep shade, so hanging them on your porch will also work well.

Usually grown from plants bought in trays at nurseries and planted close together to create a dense mat of flowers and leaves.

Seeds can be collected from the plants and sown indoors 10 weeks before the last frost as they take a long time to flower. Cuttings can also be taken in the fall and grown indoors until the frost has passed.

Common Name: impatiens, jewelweed, touch-me-not, snapweed, and patience
Scientific Name: impatiens
Growing Zones: 2 – 11
Sun: Shade or partial shade
Soil: Rich, well-draining
Colors: Red, pink, purple, yellow, coral.
Height: 6 – 36 inches
Spread: 1 – 3 feet
Plant Type: Annual

22. Mandevilla

Mandevilla is a group of tropical and subtropical flowering vines from the family Apocynaceae. Mandevilla is also referred to as rocktrumpet, dogbane, or dipladenia, and these plants are native to South America, southwestern United States, and Mexico.

There are many species of Mandevilla, and most of them are climbers with large, showy, fragrant flowers that bloom between late spring to late summer, even up to fall if the weather is mild.

They may have white, pink, and red flowers that look great against fences, trellises, and arbors. The tube-shaped structure of the flowers, plus their bright colors, make them attractive to hummingbirds and other pollinators.

Mandevilla can be grown in pots on the ground or in hanging gardens. They may also be planted directly onto soil with a support structure for them to climb and twine around. They prefer full sunlight, moist soil unless the climate has turned colder, where you have to water them less to keep their roots from rotting.

Another thing to do with Mandevilla to keep them growing and flowering is to re-pot them every year. A good change of soil and pot to accommodate for new growth is essential to keeping Mandevilla healthy. Just be mindful during the process, as Mandevilla is considered toxic. Their milky sap can irritate the skin upon contact, and while they’re not totally poisonous, pets may have a reaction when they ingest any part of the plant.

Common Name: Mandevilla, rocktrumpet, dogbane or dipladenia
Scientific Name: Mandevilla
Growing Zones: 9 – 11
Sun: Full Sun, partial shade
Soil: Moist but well-drained
Colors: white, pink, red
Height: 3 – 10 feet tall
Spread: 3 – 4 feet wide
Plant Type: Perennial vine, an annual vine in colder climates

23. Petunias

These colorful and inexpensive annuals are easy to grow in a sunny location, and they work great in a container. They create abundant flowers that look great tumbling out of pots and containers.

They are often sold as young plants in flats at a nursery, but you can also grow them from seed. If growing from seed, grow them ten weeks before your last frost date and then plant out once this risk has passed.

Petunias are quite heat-tolerant, but they should get a good soaking about once a week. Prune them to about half the height to prevent them from getting thin and leggy.

Try planting the brighter colors in the reds and pinks for hummingbirds.

Common Name: Petunias
Scientific Name: Petunias
Growing Zones: 9 to 11
Sun: Full Sun
Soil: Well-drained moist soil
Colors: Red, pink, white, blue, purple
Height: 6 – 18 inches
Spread: 18 inches to 4 feet
Plant Type: Tender Perennial, Annual

24. Agastache

Agastache, pronounced as (“ah-GAH-stuh-kee”), are aromatic herbaceous perennials with as many as 22 species, most of which are native to North America. They are commonly referred to as “hummingbird mints” and “Giant hyssops”. Aside from being a hummingbird magnet, they can also be made into herbal tea.

Agastache flowers are attractive to hummingbirds because they literally stand out from among the leaves. They are about 3 to 4 inches long and appear fuzzy because they’re made of many tiny flowers growing in clusters. Their striking purple and red colors are a hummingbird’s favorite colors, and they will be unable to resist flocking to Agastache flowers, especially when they’re in full bloom in the summer.

The best way to grow Agastache flowers is to start them as indoor plants in May and then transplant them into flower beds in the summer. They require full sun and regular watering when they’re still trying to establish themselves. However, once they’re done, they are drought-tolerant and can easily be left to their own devices.

Agastache are desert plants, hence they can tolerate even the hottest days. That is also the reason why it’s not necessary to keep watering them once they’re established. Too much water will rot the roots, so make sure to just give them a good splash and then leave them alone to dry.

Common Name: Agastache, Hummingbird Mint, and Hyssop
Scientific Name: Agastache
Growing Zones: 3 – 10
Sun: Full Sun
Soil: Lean soil, well-drained
Colors: Blue, purple, red, orange, pink, and white
Height: 3 to 5 feet tall
Spread:
Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial

25. Cleome

Cleomes, commonly known as spider flowers or spider plants, are herbaceous annual or perennial plants, depending on the climate where they’re grown. They are called spider flowers because their blossoms have stamens that look like multiple “spidery legs”.

With many different varieties, you can find cleomes that are suited to your backyard. For instance, there are cleomes that have thorns, and some don’t. Some grow tall, as much as five feet, while some reach only 2 feet.

What they have in common is the pink, purple and white flowers, some with or without any scent, that are attractive to hummingbirds and bees.

It’s not hard to take care of cleomes. All you need is well-drained soil and to let them have full sunlight. Watering may be done sparingly, especially when the plants are already established.

Cleomes bloom from early summer until frost. Dead flowers will simply disappear to make way for the thin green seedpods. When they ripen, they turn brown and disperse the seeds. You can leave them to self-seed if you want, or you can keep the seeds and use them to plant Cleomes in other parts of your backyard.

Common Name: Cleomes, spider flower, Rocky Mountain bee plant, stinking clover
Scientific Name: Cleome, from the Cleomaceae family
Growing Zones: 10 – 11
Sun: Full sun, partial sun
Soil: Average, well-drained
Colors: white, pink, rose, lavender
Height: 1.5 – 5 feet tall
Spread: 1 to 2 feet wide
Plant Type: Annual

26. Flowering tobacco

Flowering tobacco plants belong to the family Nicotiana, a group of herbaceous tobacco plants. They are relatives of the true tobacco plants, are usually grown as ornamental plants, and come in different varieties.

If you want fragrant flowering tobacco plants in your garden, you may opt for Nicotania sylvestris or Nicotiana alata, two of the more common and popular varieties. They emit a jasmine fragrance every evening.

Nicotiana sylvestris have wide, oblong leaves and in the center of it rises a central flower spike that can grow several feet tall. There are many tubular, pendant, white, or cream flowers that bloom from June until the first frost. Nicotiana alata plants are also tubular, but they bloom from tall, graceful stems. Their flowers are white and star-shaped and emit sweet perfume at night.

These types of flowering tobacco are easy to plant and grow, requiring full sun or part shade and well-draining soil. What’s more, they’re a great attraction for hummingbirds with their tube-like flowers and fragrance.

However, they may be short-lived since they’re considered annual plants. But, they’re self-seeding, so you can continue to enjoy them for the following year. Just make sure to protect them from the cold and extreme heat.

Common Name: Flowering tobacco, Jasmine tobacco
Scientific Name: Nicotiana family
Growing Zones: 10 – 11
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Soil: organically-rich, moist, well-draining
Colors: white, yellow, pink, red, yellow-green, purple
Height: 6 to 12 inches, 1 to 3 feet, 3 to 8 feet, 8 to 20 feet tall
Spread:6 inches to 10 feet, depending on the variety
Plant Type: Annual

27. Calibrachoa

Calibrachoa, more commonly known as million bells or trailing petunia, are small shrubs belonging to the Solanaceae family. They are a relatively new species of ornamental plants, having been introduced only in the 1990s. But they’ve grown popular because of their prolific, colorful blooms that look like small petunias, which is why they’re also called mini petunias.

Calibrachoa plants are well-suited for containers and hanging baskets since they grow so fast and have a tendency to cascade. They can only grow to as high as 12 inches, but they do give you so many flowers you’ll hardly see any foliage.

The flowers of the Calibrachoa plant are small, bell-shaped, and pretty colorful. They come in shades of coral, yellow, orange, red, pink, blue, purple, burgundy, lavender, and cream. There are even varieties that give you dual-colors and veined and segmented petals. Regardless of the diversity of the flowers, calibrachoa flowers attract pollinators like hummingbirds.

They are not hard to grow and maintain. Calibrachoa grows well in full sun and well-draining soil. Just pay attention to the weather because if it gets too hot, you may need to adjust the amount of water that you give them.

Common Name: Calibrachoa, million bells, trailing petunia, mini petunia
Scientific Name: Calibrachoa
Growing Zones: 9 – 11
Sun: Full Sun to Part Shade
Soil: Moist, rich, well-drained
Colors: coral, yellow, orange, red, pink, blue, purple, burgundy, lavender, cream
Height: 6 – 12 inches tall
Spread: 12 – 24 inches wide
Plant Type: Perennial

28. Delphinium

Delphiniums are a genus of about 300 species of flowering plants belonging to the family Ranunculaceae. They are known for their striking, tall, colorful, nectar-rich flowers that are a feast for butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.

Many gardeners love to plant delphiniums mainly because of their rare blue flowers despite their toxicity and somewhat tricky growing conditions. But, if you’re looking for other colors, delphiniums won’t disappoint because they also have them in pink and red. You can enjoy these flowers from late spring to late summer.

Delphiniums can grow to a height of 8 feet tall in some variants. Their foliage is attractive as well, with their small, palm-shaped leaves. These plants flower well in full sun. It may need to be shielded from too much heat though, and very strong winds. As they grow vertically, you may need to create some support for their stalks, too.

These flowers grow profusely for every stalk and within each flower is a stockpile of nectar that attracts hummingbirds to them. The bright colors of the flowers are already a huge attraction, but having that much available nectar is guaranteed to draw in pollinators repeatedly.

Common Name: Larkspur, Delphinium
Scientific Name: Delphinium
Growing Zones: 3 – 7
Sun: Full sun, part shade
Soil: well-draining soil
Colors: white, pink, red, purple, blue
Height: 1 to 3, 3 to 8 feet tall
Spread: 1 to 3 feet wide
Plant Type: Perennial

29. Lupin

Lupine, or its scientific name Lupinus, comes from the family Fabaceae and is cultivated as an ornamental plant and as a food source, despite having some toxicity that can induce allergic reactions in humans and animals.

It was originally named “lupinus” because it was thought to be “wolfing” the nutrients of the soil. But in truth, it is a nitrogen-fixer plant, meaning it naturally adds nitrogen to the soil. So, if you have any plants that need nitrogen as a fertilizer, Lupines will naturally provide it for you.

With over 199 species of flowering plants, Lupines have such a diverse array of flowers. The Texas bluebonnet (Lupinus texensis) is one popular variant in the United States because of its prolific blue flower spikes. It is also why lupine is known as bluebonnet, too.

Lupines are easily recognizable because of their tall, vertical spiky flowers. Wild ones are often blue and white, while garden-variety ones come in blue, yellow, pink, red, and purple. These colorful hybrids originated from Lupinus polyphyllus and crossed with other variants.

Lupines, with their bright, numerous flowers, are a magnet for hummingbirds. They bloom in early spring when most other flowers are still in the process of growing, and that quality attracts hummingbirds because they’re the only food source available.

Common Name: lupin, lupine, bluebonnet
Scientific Name: Lupinus
Growing Zones: 4 – 8
Sun: Full sun
Soil: Rich, moist, well-drained
Colors: white, pink, red, yellow, blue, purple, bicolor
Height: 3 – 4 feet tall
Spread: 1 – 1.5 feet wide
Plant Type: Annual, Perennial

30. Zinnia

Zinnias are flowering shrubs native to the scrub and dry grasslands of North America. They belong to the genus Heliantheae or the sunflower tribe and to the much larger daisy family, Asteraceae.

There are three main types of zinnias based on the kind of petals that they have. Single-flowered zinnias have a single row of petals with a visible center. Double-flowered zinnias have numerous rows of petals with no visible center. Semi-double-flowered zinnias have numerous rows and visible centers.

The Zinnia elegans, with its tall stems and bright colors, is considered a classic and is most popular for backyards and gardens. It reaches 4 feet tall, has many brilliantly-colored flowers, has a long blooming period from early summer to frost, and attracts pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds.

Growing zinnias is easy, but you have to plant them directly where you want them because they don’t like being transplanted. But once they become established under full sun and well-draining soil, you will be able to enjoy their bright blooms for a long time.

Common Name: Zinnea, Zinnia
Scientific Name: Zinnia elegans
Growing Zones: Annuals in 2-8, Perennials in 9-11
Sun: Full sun
Soil: neutral to slightly alkaline, well-draining
Colors: white, yellow, orange, pink, red, purple
Height: 1 – 4 feet tall
Spread:12 – 18 feet wide
Plant Type: Annual, Perennial Shrubs

31. Bee Balm

Bee Balm comes from the Monarda mint family, Lamiaceae. It is called “Bee Balm” because Native Americans used it as an antiseptic salve for treating bee stings. Its “Oswego Tea” name is also a result of the Oswego Native Americans brewing its leaves for tea.

Monarda plants are not just popular for their minty aromatic leaves but also for their brightly colored, exotic-looking flowers that are a guaranteed magnet for hummingbirds. Monarda didyma flowers are the scarlet-red variants that are most preferred by hummingbirds. They are bright-red, tubular, and bloom from mid-summer to early fall.

Bee Balm thrives in full sun but will tolerate partial shade when the weather becomes too hot. It prefers moist but well-draining soil, so you may have to water regularly depending on your climate.

Planting Bee Balm in your backyard yields plenty of advantages. You get fragrant, aromatic leaves that you can use for salads or tea. You also get brilliant, colorful, long-blooming flowers that look great in your backyard. Plus, they also attract hummingbirds and other pollinators. You may also use its leaves to create your own essential oils for medicinal purposes.

Common Name: bergamot, bee balm, horsemint, oswego tea
Scientific Name: Monarda from the mint family, Lamiaceae
Growing Zones: 4 – 9
Sun: Full sun, partial shade
Soil: Rich, moist, well-draining
Colors: white, pink, red, purple
Height: 2 – 4 feet tall
Spread: 2 – 3 feet wide
Plant Type: Perennial

32. Coneflower

Coneflower is the common name for Echinacea, a genus of flowering plants that belong to the daisy family, Asteraceae. Their scientific name, Echinacea, stands for “sea urchin” in Greek because of their shiny central disk.

There are ten species of coneflowers, named so because their petals tend to point downwards once the central flower head opens, thus forming the shape of a cone. The most common backyard ornamental coneflower is Echinacea purpurea, or the purple coneflower, which is a native of eastern North America.

Coneflowers are large, about 6 inches across, and their stalks reach about 5 feet high. There are other colors available, like pink, red, orange, yellow, and white, depending on the variety. They love being in full sun, like 6 hours daily, and prefer to have well-drained soil. When these conditions are met, you’ll enjoy the flowers from summer to fall.

The brightly colored flowers, particularly the reds and purples, attract hummingbirds and other pollinators like bees and butterflies repeatedly. Their central cone is nectar-rich, and that draws them for a feast.

Common Name: coneflower
Scientific Name: Echinacea
Growing Zones: 3 – 9
Sun: Full Sun
Soil: varies
Colors: white, yellow, orange, pink, red, purple, green
Height: 2 to 5 feet tall
Spread: 1 ½ – 2 feet wide
Plant Type: Perennial

33. Phlox

Phlox paniculata (Garden phlox) in bloom

Phlox is a genus of flowering plants whose name is from a Greek word for “Flame” because of its intensely-colored flowers. While there are many varieties, it commonly has three types: Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata), Woodland Phlox (Phlox stolonifera/divaricata), and Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata).

Creeping Phlox grow low and wide, close to the ground, which is why they’re perfect as ground covers. Woodland Phlox are of medium height, so they’re usually best for filling gaps. Garden Phlox plants grow tall and erect, so even if they’re at the back, they usually stand out.

Phlox flowers are dainty and grow in clusters of twelve at the top of hardy stems. Most of the flowers are fragrant. Some flower in the spring, others in summer until fall. With many varieties, there are also many colors to choose from, like shades of white, pink, red, purple, and blue.

Since they flower profusely, sometimes it’s hard to appreciate their leaves because you hardly see them. But their leaves are also worthy of your attention. Some are oblong, pointed, and lance-shaped. Some even have border colors, but they’re mostly bright or deep green.

Regardless of their differences, they all attract hummingbirds and other pollinators. Luckily, they’re also easy to grow, and some can spread by self-seeding, so you really have nothing to do except give them the occasional water and let them have a full dose of sunlight.

Common Name: Garden Phlox, Creeping Phlox, Woodland Phlox
Scientific Name: Phlox
Growing Zones: 2 – 9
Sun: Full sun, part sun, shade
Soil: Moist, fertile soil with a layer of compost
Colors: white, pink, red, purple, blue
Height: 4 to 6 inches, 8 to 12 inches, 2 to 4 feet tall
Spread: 4 to 6 inches wide, 8 to 12 inches wide, 2 to 3 feet wide
Plant Type: Perennial

34. Indian Pink

Indian Pink, or Spigelia marilandica, is a herbaceous perennial native to areas in the southeastern United States. It is an uncommon yet attractive plant that is considered threatened in some areas due to indiscriminate harvesting.

Pinkroots, as they are sometimes called, bloom strikingly beautiful flowers from late spring to summer. They are tubular, bright red or burgundy, flowering one at a time from the bottom up, on a single side of a stem. The tip of the flowers opens up to five red petals that curve downward.

When viewed from the top, these flowers resemble a five-pointed bright red star. Each flower is about 2 inches long, and there are about 6 to 12 flowers along the stem. These flowers are a definite magnet for hummingbirds because they’re bright red and they’re tubular.

Once established, you can collect ripe seed capsules in the summer. Indian Pink is easy to grow and is one of the few flowering plants that grow well even in partial shade. 2 to 6 hours of sunlight is enough for them to grow best.

They love good rich, moist soil and can even tolerate a few days of drought. But those that are exposed to more sunlight will do well with regular watering, just avoid too much watering to prevent root rot.

Common Name: Indian Pink, Pinkroot, woodland pinkroot
Scientific Name: Spigelia marilandica
Growing Zones: 5 – 9
Sun: Partial shade
Soil: high organic, well-draining
Colors: red, yellow
Height: 1 – 2 feet tall
Spread: 1 – 2 feet wide
Plant Type: Perennial

35. Fire Pink

Fire Pink, Silene Virginica, is a wildflower from the pink family, Caryophyllaceae. One species, Silene virginica var. Robusta is endemic to West Virginia, while others are found in eastern North America. It is protected as endangered species in Wisconsin and Florida and as a threatened species in Michigan.

Fire Pink is also known as Scarlet Catchfly because its hairy and sticky stems catch flies and other insects. The sticky residue discourages these insects from eating the plant. They, as well as hummingbirds, are naturally attracted to these Fire Pink plants because of their bright-red, nectar-rich flowers.

There are about 3 to 10 scarlet flowers that grow loosely from the stems. Each flower is five-petaled and deeply notched on the tips. They flower from mid-spring to summer. One of its principal pollinators is the ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris).

Fire Pink is best suited to growing in beds and borders. If you want them to self-seed, plant them in prairies and meadows. They thrive in part shade with dry to medium moisture and well-drained soils.

Common Name: Cliff Pink, Fire Pink, Scarlet Catchfly
Scientific Name: Silene Virginica
Growing Zones: 4 – 8
Sun: Partial Shade
Soil: dry, moist
Colors: Red
Height: 6 inches – 2 feet tall
Spread: 10 inches to 2 feet wide
Plant Type: Perennial

36. Butterfly Weed

Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) Milkweed Wildflower

Butterfly weed, Asclepias tuberosa, is a bushy, showy plant that is also known as Pleurisy Root because its tough root was chewed by Indians as medicine for pleurisy and other pulmonary diseases. It is also called Orange Milkweed, as its flowers are orange and it belongs to the Milkweed family, but it doesn’t have a milky sap.

If you want to attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds to your garden, you need to plant Butterfly Weed. The orange to yellow, nectar-rich flowers grow in clusters atop thick, hairy stems amid a bright green, lush foliage.

Enjoy the blooms from late spring to summer but be careful to remove their seed pods if you don’t want them to self-seed, as they can be invasive.

Butterfly weed plants are easy to grow, but they take a long time, as long as three years, before you can see them flower. It’s also best to plant them in a permanent place because their roots are tuberous, and they don’t like to be moved. But they thrive in full sunlight and will rarely require regular watering once they’re established.

Planting Butterfly Weed does not only beautify your garden and provides nectar to hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. It also prevents the extinction of monarch butterflies that rely on the milkweed leaves as food for monarch caterpillars.

Common Name: Butterfly Flower, Butterfly Weed, Orange Milkweed, Pleurisy Root
Scientific Name: Asclepias tuberosa
Growing Zones: 3 – 9
Sun: Full sun
Soil: poor, dry, well-drained soil
Colors: orange, yellow or red
Height: 1 to 2 feet tall
Spread: 12 to 18 inches wide
Plant Type: Perennial

37. Veronica

Veronicas are flowering plants that have about 500 species, making them the largest genus in the family Plantaginaceae. They are categorized as herbaceous annuals or perennials that are native to the temperate Northern Hemisphere.

Veronica plants come in many different varieties. Some are low-growing that are perfect as ground covers, and these tend to flower in the spring. However, some also grow tall and high with upright, vertical flower spikes, and these bloom during the summer.

Of the many Veronica varieties, Veronica spicata is one of the most popular. It is known for its colorful vertical spikes of flowers. These flowers are tiny and clumped at the end of the spike in colors of white, pink, purple, and blue. They’re attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees.

Speedwells, as they are also known, are hardy plants and will tolerate almost any kind of soil. They hardly have any pest problems, and when you deadhead them, you can extend their flowering season. They thrive in full sunlight but need to be watered regularly when they’re young to ensure the best flowers.

Common Name: Veronica, Speedwell
Scientific Name: genus Veronica from the family Plantaginaceae
Growing Zones: 3 – 11
Sun: Full sun, partial shade
Soil: well-drained
Colors: white, pink, purple, blue
Height: 6 inches to 3 feet tall
Spread: 6 inches to 2 feet wide
Plant Type: Perennial

38. Yarrow

Yarrow, or Achillea millefolium, has a lot of folklore attached to its name. “Achillea” stands for the mythical Greek hero Achilles, who supposedly used yarrow to treat his soldier’s wounds.

It was also known as “Nosebleed” for its use in either starting or stopping nosebleeds. “Millefolium” translated means “thousand leaves,” referring to its feather-like leaves, which appear divided into a thousand leaves.

The Common Yarrow is grown in many backyards because of its attractive clusters of tiny flowers that may be white, yellow, pink, or red, depending on their variant. Flowers on a cluster can range from 15 to 40, growing tightly from their stems.

Their feathery leaves are beautiful to look at as well. They’re evenly distributed along the stem and can be 2 to 8 inches long. The leaves that are near the bottom and the middle are those that grow larger. They are aromatic and have a soft, fern-like appearance.

These lovely yarrow flowers are a major attractor of pollinators like hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. Cultivating them in your garden is easy if you expose them to full sunlight and give them enough water to keep them hydrated.

Not only will you get beautiful, aromatic flowers, but you can also use the Common Yarrow for a variety of ailments, like wounds and burns, colds, fever, and headaches.

Common Name: Common Yarrow, Milfoil, Nosebleed, Thousand-leaf
Scientific Name: Achillea millefolium
Growing Zones: 3 – 9
Sun: Full sun
Soil: sandy, loamy, clay, well-draining
Colors: white, yellow, pink, red
Height: 2 to 3 feet tall
Spread: 2 to 3 feet wide
Plant Type: Perennial