Attracting hummingbirds to your yard is easy!
Fresh nectar from flowers is your best bet.
Here's what to expect:
- Virginia hummingbird migration
- 11 Flowers in Virginia Hummingbirds Love
- 5 Tips for Attracting Hummingbirds
When do hummingbirds leave Virginia?
Hummingbirds migrate from the south up through Virginia in mid April.
Southbound hummingbird migration wraps up in October.
Make sure your flowers are ready for hummingbird migration
Plant your perennials so they bloom at slightly different times.
You want some flowers to bloom in early March, others in the summer when they start breeding.
This ensures hummingbirds have a steady supply of nectar!
11 Flowers to Attract Hummingbirds in Virginia
Make sure to follow our 5 Tips for Attracting Hummingbirds.
1. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
- Perennial
The Cardinal Flower depends on hummingbirds for pollination since many insects find the flowers difficult to navigate.
It's basically a beacon for hummingbirds!
The summer bloom is perfect for fledglings and migration.
2. Lantana
- Annual
This drought resistant flower makes it a great hummingbird plant in Virginia.
Butterflies and bees love them, too, dubbing the it a pollinator workhorse.
3. Bee Balm (Monarda)
- Perennial
An herbaceous plant in the mint family and native to South America.
The vibrant red is preferred by hummingbirds and many butterflies.
It’s spreading behavior varies so keep an eye on it making sure it doesn’t take over your garden.
4. Foxglove (Digitalis)
- Perennial
Foxglove is great for partially shaded areas.
It’s an ideal hummingbird flower for rural or suburban yards since it’s deer resistant.
Beware— Foxglove is toxic. All plant parts cause severe poisoning.
5. Columbine (Aquilegia)
- Perennial
This drought resistant flower is a hummingbird favorite!
It blooms late spring which is an ideal for hummingbird migration in Virginia.
6. Salvia
- Perennial
Names: California hummingbird sage, pitcher sage
Hummingbird sage is a staple in any pollinator garden.
Its late spring bloom is perfect for hummingbird migration to Virginia.
Black & Blue Salvia is a popular choice by birders and gardeners alike.
7. Cuphea
- Annual
Cuphea is perfect for attracting hummingbirds to your yard!
The tube-shaped flowers bloom from spring to fall.
It's perfect for containers, hanging baskets, and gardens.
8. Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)
- Perennial
These red and orange flowers are beloved by hummingbirds everywhere.
It blooms mid to late spring when hummingbirds migrate north to Virginia.
It continues to bloom until the fall, when they head south for the winter.
9. Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)
- Perennial
If you’re looking to channel a warm sunrise vine in your garden, this is the flower to use.
This plant is a crawling and climbing vine ideal for fences and trellis.
Be careful in smaller spaces as it can easily overtake your garden.
- Related: 5 Steps to Clean Hummingbird Feeders
10. Hibiscus
- Perennial
Hibiscus are hardy, full sun flowers that offer great options for cooler climates.
Sometimes hummingbirds make nests in or near the dense foliage of hibiscus shrubs.
Turk’s Cap is the best choice for attracting hummingbirds.
11. Red Buckeye (Aesculus pavia)
- Perennial
Hummingbirds love the clusters of red flowers in early spring.
It's bloom is perfectly timed for hummingbird migration to Virginia.
It's one of the first nectar sources available for Southward-bound hummingbirds.
5 Tips for Attracting Hummingbirds
1. Use Red Flowers
Hummingbirds are red sensitive.
They visit all colors but warm hues increase the odds of them picking your flowers.
2. Avoid Invasive Plants
They can displace native vegetation.
- Butterfly Bush crowds out native plants that support Virginia's butterfly population
- Japanese Honeysuckle because it overtakes & displaces native plants
Check with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation before planting.
3. Use Hummingbird Feeders
When in doubt put up nectar feeders.
Hummingbirds will come for your feeder but stay for the flowers!
4. Group Plants Together
Grouping similar plants in clumps makes them easier for hummingbirds to spot.
Use companion planting to make sure your garden thrives!
5. Avoid Pesticides
Insecticides protect plants from destructive insects.
Many store bought pesticides can kill the insects hummingbirds eat and rely on for protein.
Opt for these eco-friendly insecticide alternatives:
What flowers do your hummingbirds like?
Share them on the Sparkbird App! Where like minded birders and nature enthusiasts go to share.
Available in the Apple App Store.
