You don't need a garden to attract hummingbirds!
Potted plants are just as effective at luring hummers to your patio or balcony.
Here are the best potted plants to attract hummingbirds!
They can be kept in pots, hanging baskets, or railing planters.
Salvia
- Perennial
Names: California hummingbird sage, pitcher sage
Saliva grows fast and looks stunning in a large pot! Just be sure the pot is heavy, as it can get top-heavy.
Potted Black & Blue Salvia is a popular choice by birders and gardeners for attracting hummingbirds.
Consider other varieties like Hot Lips, Amistad, or Summer Jewel.
Hummingbird Mint (Agastache)
- Perennial
Names: Anise Hyssop
Hummingbird Mint thrives in pots because it demands excellent drainage—something that is often easier to control in a container than in the ground.
Hummingbird Mint has tubular, nectar rich flowers that are perfect potted plants for hummingbirds!
They bloom from summer to frost which aligns well with hummingbird winter migration.
Fuchsia
- Annual
Fushia is known for its bell shaped upside down hanging flowers.
They’re the gold standard for hanging baskets. They love the drainage and the "dangle."
Most varieties prefer partial shade.
Zinnias
- Annual
Great for pots, especially the "dwarf" or "profusion" varieties. They provide instant, easy color.
While not tube shaped they are pollinator friendly and loved by hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees.
Their summer long bloom keeps them producing nectar which the hummingbirds will love!
Firecracker Plant (Cuphea)
- Annual
Names: Red Cigar Flower, Firecracker Plant
Upright Cupha varieties are perfect potted plants for attracting hummingbirds to your yard.
They stay a manageable size for medium pots and bloom non-stop from spring to fall.
Choose varieties like David Verity, Bat-faced, or Sriracha.
Columbine (Aquilegia)
- Perennial
Columbine does surprisingly well in pots for spring color, especially in part-shade spots.
The red, yellow, and tube shape of Eastern Columbine make it a hummingbird favorite.
Western Columbine flowers are great for hummingbirds, too. Both Columbine flowers bloom in early spring when hummingbirds return from their wintering grounds.
Hibiscus
- Perennial
Names: Rose of Sharon
Hibiscus are classic plants for large patio containers. They’re hardy, full sun flowers that offer great options for humid climates
The Tropical Hibiscus are the best varieties to pot for hummingbirds this season.
Geraniums
- Perennials
Names: Crane's Bill
Geraniums are great low-maintenance, sun-loving plants for attracting hummingbirds to potted containers.
Their bright, high-contrast colors are appealing to hummers and look great in pots, window planters, and baskets.
Try common geraniums (Pelargonium) which have the same red hues of hummingbird feeders.
3 Potted Plant Tips for Success
Follow these essential tips to help your potted hummingbird plants thrive.
1. Pick the Right Soil
Always use a lightweight potting mix. Garden soil is too dense and won't drain well.
Ideal mixes contain peat moss or coconut coir for moisture, and perlite or vermiculite for drainage.
Moisture Control Potting Mix or regular potting soil are popular options.
There's also peat-free potting mix for more sustainable gardening practices.
2. Drainage Holes are a MUST
Well draining soil is the key to keeping your plants alive!
Over watering is the most common way to kill plants. Make sure there are at least a couple of drainage holes in the bottom of your planters.
No holes?
Use a diamond drill bit to make holes in your ceramic, clay, or porcelain planters.
3. Prune your Plants
Remove dead flowers and prune back dying sections. It encourages new blooms and keeps the plant healthy.
Simple cut away any dead or dying sections with scissors or pruners.
- Related: 5 Steps to Clean Hummingbird Feeders
See any hummingbirds lately?
Share them on the Sparkbird App! Available in the Apple App Store.
