Did you know hummingbirds visit up to 2,000 flowers a day in search of nectar? If you love to see these little birds flitting around your garden but don’t have hours to spend on upkeep, you’re in luck. The University of California found that certain fast-growing, low-maintenance flowers can attract hummingbirds just as effectively as high-care blooms. Let’s find out 15 flowers that grow quickly, require little care, and are known to bring in hummingbirds by the dozen. It does not matter if you’re a beginner or a seasoned gardener; these picks will keep your garden lively and vibrant all season long.
1. Autumn Sage
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Autumn Sage is a tough, drought-tolerant plant that grows fast and blooms heavily from spring through fall. The Audubon Society ranks Autumn Sage as one of the best plants for hummingbirds due to its high nectar production and long blooming season. Autumn Sage blooms more prolifically when lightly pruned in early spring. Its compact size (2-3 feet tall) makes it an excellent fit for small gardens or containers. For a drought-tolerant plant that delivers months of color and hummingbird activity, Autumn Sage is a no-brainer. Just plant it in full sun and forget about it—these little shrubs handle the rest.
2. Bee Balm (Monarda)
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Bee Balm grows fast and adds a burst of red, pink, or purple to your garden in just weeks. These plants thrive in sunny spots with well-drained soil, and once they get going, they spread quickly. The flower’s tubular shape makes it a favorite for hummingbirds searching for nectar. A single Bee Balm plant can attract dozens of hummingbirds in a season. Bee Balm also attracts bees and butterflies. Further, Bee Balm’s tubular flowers are shaped for hummingbirds’ long beaks, which makes it perfect for your garden. Plant it in well-draining soil, water occasionally, and enjoy the show as hummingbirds dart from bloom to bloom all summer.
3. Zinnia
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Zinnias are colorful, fast bloomers that thrive in the summer sun. You can scatter the seeds straight into your garden, and they’ll sprout in days and start blooming in just 6–8 weeks. These flowers come in many bright shades—perfect for drawing in hummingbirds. Zinnias are not particular about soil and require little care, besides regular watering. Their wide, open blooms also attract butterflies and bees. Plant them once, and they’ll keep flowering until the first frost, adding nonstop color to your yard.
4. Trumpet Vine
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Trumpet Vine is a climbing plant that grows super fast, often stretching 20 to 40 feet in a season. Its trumpet-shaped orange or red flowers are loaded with nectar, making it a hummingbird magnet. You can grow it on a fence or trellis for a dramatic look. Once established, it’s nearly indestructible, tolerating poor soil and drought. If you need quick coverage and nonstop hummingbird visits, Trumpet Vine delivers with almost no effort. It can spread aggressively, so it’s best to plant it where it has space to roam. A yearly trim keeps it under control and blooming strong.
5. Petunia
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Petunias are extremely easy to grow and come in a wide range of colors. Wave petunias, in particular, grow fast and spill beautifully over containers or garden beds. Hummingbirds love their open blooms and sweet scent. Petunias can bloom all summer with regular deadheading (removing old flowers) and a bit of fertilizer. They’re also pest-resistant and drought-tolerant once mature. Whether in pots or hanging baskets, they’re a low-stress way to welcome hummingbirds.
6. Cardinal Flower
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The bright red spikes of Cardinal Flower are like beacons for hummingbirds. These perennials prefer moist soil and partial sun, making them perfect for rain gardens or near ponds. They grow quickly in spring and bloom by mid-summer. The University of Wisconsin-Madison shares that this native perennial is specially adapted to hummingbird pollination with its long tubular blooms. Hummingbirds time their migration to coincide with Cardinal Flower blooms. This plant self-seeds readily but isn’t invasive, creating beautiful natural colonies over time. For a stunning native that requires just occasional watering, the Cardinal Flower delivers exceptional hummingbird action with minimal care.
7. Hibiscus
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