Club Benefits
Spring has sprung and that means the birds, bees, and butterflies are returning to our yards. When I hear a loud buzzing though, my first thought is whether I need to reach for my guide on how to get rid of carpenter bees. But then, I wonder if it's actually a totally different story. Maybe the hummingbirds, one of my favorite feathered friends, have finally returned.
Each year, I'm hopeful that I can attract more of the lovely little birds to my yard. And while I adopt tips for attracting more hummingbirds annually, April itself presents the perfect time to plant some perennials, shrubs, and even vines to boost my chances of a hummingbird spot.
Article continues below1. Azalea
Azaleas are not only a high-nectar source which hummingbirds love, but they also tend to bloom in lovely, vibrant colors with pink, red, white, purple, and orange flowers all common.
Not only will your yard delight with all the hummingbirds, but you’ll also be hard-pressed to find a spring bloom that is as vibrant as an azalea. This plant thrives in well-drained soil that’s quite acidic, as well as being perfect for border or container planting.
Azaleas thrive in USDA zones 3-10.
2. Catmint
Catmint (also known as Nepeta) is a great perennial to plant in early spring if you're looking to quickly fill your outdoor space with blooms. As mentioned, hummingbirds are particularly attracted to tubular plants, and that's exactly what draws them to these blooms.
In a lovely lavender-blue color, they also have an aroma that’ll fill your yard with spring scents. They’re low-maintenance and enjoy bathing in full sun, meaning they can handle dry conditions and still grow in slightly poorer-quality soil.
Catmint will grow well in USDA planting zones 3-8.
3. Columbine
Columbine is a pretty tubular perennial, which is why it’s earned its nickname, granny’s bonnet. The multi-colored flowers bloom in spring, which ties in very nicely with the return of the hummingbirds.
It’s worth noting, though, that they prefer some partial shade to grow, rather than being placed in the full sun. And with so many colors to choose from, you can attract hummingbirds with blue, red, purple, yellow, pink, and white throughout spring, often in dual combinations,
Columbine is suitable for USDA planting zones 3-8.
4. Lungwort
Early to mid-spring bloomers, Lungwort is the perfect introductory plant to your yard if you’re trying to get the hummingbirds’ attention as early as possible. Blooming from March to May (and sometimes even late February), they can easily become a hummingbird’s first stop on their nectar hunt.
And it’s simple to attract them with Lungwort, not only for the nectar, but because of their bright colors, including some of hummingbirds’ favorites — pink, blue, and purple. They’re one of the rare shade-loving choices for hummingbirds, which means you may find you have more opportunity to spot them.
Lungwort generally thrives in USDA zones 3-8.
5. Salvia
If you’re looking for a plant that towers above the rest, Salvia is a great pick for giving hummingbirds a place to retrieve nectar at a calmer height. Vivid in color with tubular blooms, you’re probably starting to sense a pattern in what hummingbirds like.
They tolerate the hot weather well, which is great news as they’ll bloom in spring, and last well into the fall months. And there are lots of different varieties to choose from, which, fortunately, hummingbirds seem to enjoy.
Salvias prefer USDA zones 3-11.
6. Trumpet Honeysuckle
While Cape Honeysuckle is one of the plants that will attract hummingbirds to your yard in January, Trumpet Honeysuckle should be your spring pick. Why? Well, quite simply, that’s when they flower.
Potentially lasting up into fall, this vining plant is covered in red blooms that hummingbirds are attracted to. And an added bonus means you may also notice an influx of butterflies enjoying its flowers. But it’s worth noting it can have stems that reach up to 20 feet, so make sure you’ve got the space.
Trumpet Honeysuckle grows well in USDA zones 4-9.
7. Weigela
Rich in nectar and vibrant in color, weigela is a shrub that’s perfect for long beaks and long tongues to reach into. It’s a late-spring bloomer, so not one if you’re trying to attract the hummingbirds early.
But, they’ll often rebloom in the summer months, meaning you’ll keep those zippy little birds coming back for more. You’ll also want to make sure you’ve picked a sunny spot with well-draining soil to give your weigela a chance to thrive and bloom its tubular flowers.
Weigela thrives in USDA zones 4-8.
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