Hummingbirds are a delight to watch as they flit through gardens, their vibrant colors shimmering under the sun. To bring these tiny, energetic creatures into your own garden, it’s essential to plant flowers that appeal to their favourite colours and nectar preferences. Hummingbirds are particularly drawn to bright red, orange, and pink flowers. In this article, we’ll explore 10 exquisite red and orange flowers that can help you create a hummingbird haven in your yard.

1. Trumpet Vine

The trumpet vine is a stunning perennial that thrives in full sun. Its large, trumpet-shaped flowers in bright orange or red are perfect for attracting hummingbirds. These flowers offer an abundance of nectar, making them a favorite of these feathered visitors. Plant it near a trellis or fence, and you’ll have a beautiful display that will bring hummingbirds all season long.

2. Coral Honeysuckle

Coral honeysuckle features tubular, red to orange flowers that hummingbirds love. This vine is not only attractive to birds but also to bees and butterflies, making it a fantastic choice for biodiversity in your garden. It’s easy to grow and will bloom profusely from spring to summer, providing nectar throughout the warm months.

3. Salvia

Salvia, commonly known as sage, is a highly attractive flower for hummingbirds. With its red, orange, or pink tubular flowers, salvia is a great way to draw hummingbirds into your garden. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Salvia is also drought-tolerant, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners.

4. Bee Balm

Bee balm, also known as wild bergamot, has red or pink flowers that are shaped like tubes, which are ideal for hummingbirds. These flowers are packed with nectar, and hummingbirds can’t resist them. Bee balm grows well in sunny to partially shaded areas and is known for its ability to attract a wide range of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

5. Red Hot Poker

The red hot poker is a striking plant with tall spikes of red and orange flowers. This perennial plant’s vibrant flowers make it a standout in any garden. Its nectar-rich blooms attract hummingbirds from miles around. Red hot poker is perfect for adding a touch of drama to your garden, and it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.

6. Hummingbird Sage (Salvia spathacea)

Hummingbird sage, as its name suggests, is designed to attract these tiny creatures. Its flowers range from soft purple to deep red and orange shades. This perennial is ideal for a hummingbird-friendly garden, thriving in sunny, dry conditions. It also produces aromatic foliage that adds an extra layer of interest to your landscape.

7. Fuchsia

Fuchsias are another classic flower that hummingbirds love. Their hanging, tubular flowers come in red, purple, and pink hues, but the red and orange varieties are particularly attractive to hummingbirds. Fuchsias are perfect for containers, hanging baskets, or shaded areas where other plants may struggle to thrive. They provide continuous blooms through the summer.

8. Scarlet Pimpernel

Scarlet pimpernel produces tiny, bright red flowers that draw hummingbirds into your garden. This trailing plant works beautifully in hanging baskets, containers, or as a ground cover. It thrives in well-drained soil and sunny locations, making it a great addition to any garden looking to attract these beautiful birds.

9. Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)

Zinnias are hardy annuals that come in a wide variety of colors, including red and orange. These flowers are known to attract hummingbirds due to their large, flat blooms and rich nectar. Zinnias are easy to grow from seed and bloom prolifically throughout the summer. They’re perfect for filling your garden with both color and hummingbird activity.

10. Canna Lily

Canna lilies are tropical plants that thrive in warm climates, producing stunning orange, red, and yellow flowers. These flowers are large and offer a lot of nectar, making them irresistible to hummingbirds. The bold, dramatic blooms of the canna lily make it a perfect choice for adding a splash of color and attracting hummingbirds to your yard.

Why Red and Orange Flowers?

Hummingbirds are attracted to brightly colored flowers, particularly those that are red or orange. These colors are visible to them from a distance, signaling that the flower contains nectar, which is their primary food source. Red and orange flowers are often tubular in shape, which suits the feeding habits of hummingbirds. Their long, specialized bills allow them to reach deep into the flower and drink nectar while also helping to pollinate the plants.

Creating a Hummingbird-Friendly Garden

If you’re looking to create a garden that’s not just beautiful but also attracts hummingbirds, consider planting a variety of red and orange flowers. These plants not only provide essential food sources for hummingbirds, but they also contribute to the aesthetic appeal of your garden. Adding a water feature, such as a birdbath, can also help attract these fascinating creatures.