Hummingbirds are easily one of the most sought-after visitors in a garden due to their gorgeous color and helpful nature. While red flowers are typically the go-to for these winged beauties, there are lots of options that will help bring them to your yard. When choosing the best flowers for hummingbirds, select nectar-rich flowers in a variety of colors so both you and the hummingbirds can enjoy them all summer long. Here are a few of our favorites. 
Flowering tobacco – Tobacco flower, you say? Yes! This annual is available in a wide spectrum of colors, including green, pink, white, red, and lavender. There are shorter, colorful varieties that work well in containers or in beds or borders, and there’s also a taller white-only types which can reach 5 feet tall and are particularly fragrant with a charming sweet smell in the evening.
Trumpet vine – These coral flowers are a perennial favorite of both butterflies and hummingbirds, and the vines grow up to 40 feet tall. Trumpet vine is easy to grow and works best on a hardy trellis or study fence, as it will need good support.
Bee Balm – As the name implies, bee balm is a great option for attracting bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. The bright red color on these blooms grow up to 4 feet tall in full sun and start flowering mid-summer. Bee balm is a member of the mint family, so if you’re feeling adventurous it also doubles as a garnish for garden salads, fruit salads, cakes, and preserves.
Petunias – A favorite for hanging baskets, petunias are most common in their red, white, pink and purple varieties. Petunias are also a go-to for a beginning gardener, as they thrive in sun and are low-maintenance. If you’re looking for something a little different, try pairing black velvet petunias with white or red.
Salvia – Salvia is a good drought-resistant plant that grows 1 to 5 feet tall in gorgeous shades of purple, indigo, maroon and red. These flowers grow in tall stems of densely-packed flowers and are available in both annual and perennial varieties.
If you simply can’t get enough red in your garden, you can also try geraniums, daylillies, phlox and dianthus to help lure hummingbirds in. If you have any questions about the best plants for attracting hummingbirds, stop by Autumn Hill Nursery at either location so we can help you select the best options for your yard.
Photo via Flickr.
