In order to attract hummingbirds, it’s important to find flowers that can thrive and survive in your specific weather conditions. There is a wide variety of flowers that can catch the attention of these tiny creatures, but they must be able to withstand the heat or cold of your area.
The United States is divided into different zones based on average minimum temperatures, as shown on the USDA plant hardiness zone map. Within a state, there may be multiple zones. Different plants thrive in different zones, and while they can tolerate minimum temperatures, they may not survive if it gets too cold.
Take Mississippi, for example. It experiences mild winters and hot summers, with the southern region being hotter than the north. Most of Mississippi falls under plant hardiness zone 8, except for the northern part, which is in zone 7, and a small area in the south, which falls under zone 9.
It’s not just extreme cold that can be detrimental to plants. Some flowers may not survive in excessively hot temperatures. To address this concern, the American Horticultural Society created the plant heat-zone map. It indicates the average number of days an area experiences temperatures over 86 degrees Fahrenheit. In Mississippi, the plant heat zones range from 6 to 9. Therefore, it’s important to select plants that can withstand the heat if you want them to flourish in this region.
All the flower options listed have been carefully checked against both cold and heat zones in Mississippi to ensure that they not only have beautiful nectar-rich flowers that hummingbirds love, but also that they will thrive in the specific weather conditions of the state. So, if you want to attract hummingbirds in Mississippi, make sure to plant as many of these flowers as you can.
1. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are trailing flowers that are perfect for hanging baskets. They have deep flowers filled with rich nectar that attracts hummingbirds. They come in various types, such as trailing or bush, and are usually grown as annuals. Plant the seeds after the last frosts, provide water during the growing season, and remember to deadhead them.
2. Zinnia
Zinnias are flowering shrubs native to North America, specifically the scrub and dry grasslands. They belong to the sunflower tribe and the daisy family. There are three main types of zinnias based on their petals: single-flowered, double-flowered, and semi-double-flowered. Zinnia elegans is a classic variety that reaches 4 feet tall, blooms from early summer to frost, and attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Plant them directly where you want them, as they don’t like being transplanted.
3. Agastache
Agastache, also known as “hummingbird mints” or “Giant hyssops,” are aromatic herbaceous perennials. They have long clusters of tiny flowers in striking purple and red colors, which hummingbirds love. Start them indoors in May and then transplant them into flower beds in the summer. They require full sun and regular watering initially but become drought-tolerant once established.
4. Morning Glory
Morning Glory is a flowering vine that blooms early in the morning and closes during the day. It has bright and colorful trumpet-shaped flowers that attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. Morning Glory flowers are annuals but may be considered perennials in milder climates. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil. Be cautious, as they can become invasive.
5. Impatiens
Impatiens are bright and colorful annual flowers that thrive in dark and shady areas. They attract hummingbirds and prefer moist and well-draining soil. They can be grown from plants bought in trays and should be planted close together to create a dense mat of flowers and leaves.
6. Columbine
Columbines are perennial plants that come in a range of vibrant colors and grow well in partial shade. They have spiky, bell-shaped blooms that attract hummingbirds. Columbines are shade-tolerant, drought-tolerant, and deer-resistant. Sow the seeds directly in the ground or start them indoors before the last frosts.
7. Coneflower
Coneflowers, also known as Echinacea, are popular backyard ornamental flowers. They have large, attractive flowers in colors like white, yellow, orange, pink, red, purple, and green. Their bright colors, particularly the reds and purples, are highly attractive to hummingbirds. Coneflowers prefer full sun and well-draining soil.
8. Penstemon
Penstemons are herbaceous perennials with many different species and varieties. They are drought-tolerant, easy to care for, and have colorful spires of tubular flowers. Penstemons attract hummingbirds and bees. Plant them in full sun with lean, fast-draining soil.
9. Summersweet
Summersweet, also known as coastal sweet pepperbush, is a flowering shrub that attracts hummingbirds. It has vertical spikes of white, spicy-smelling flowers and lush green foliage. Summersweet thrives in moist to wet soil and shade. It is a great addition to wetlands and pond edges.
10. Yarrow
Yarrow is a flowering plant with folklore and medicinal uses. Its flowers come in vibrant colors like white, yellow, pink, or red. Yarrow is aromatic and has feather-like leaves. It attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. Plant yarrow in full sun and well-draining soil.
11. Butterfly Weed
Butterfly Weed, also known as Pleurisy Root, is a bushy plant with bright orange-red flowers. It belongs to the milkweed family but does not have a milky sap. Butterfly Weed blooms from mid-summer to early fall and attracts butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. It prefers full sun and medium-moisture, well-drained soil.
12. Hydrangea
Hydrangeas are flowering shrubs that add beauty to shady areas. They attract hummingbirds and prefer moist soil. Hydrangeas should be pruned after the flowers have died back in the winter.
13. Daylily
Daylilies are perennial plants with attractive flowers in various colors. They are easy to grow and attract hummingbirds. Daylilies thrive in full sun and slightly acidic to neutral soil.
14. Tulip Tree
Tulip trees are tall deciduous trees with bright yellow flowers that attract hummingbirds. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and full sun.
15. Bee Balm
Bee Balm, also known as bergamot or Oswego tea, is a flowering plant with aromatic leaves. It has bright and colorful flowers that attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. Bee Balm grows best in rich, moist, well-draining soil.
16. Trumpet Honeysuckle
Trumpet Honeysuckle is a fast-growing vine with bright orange-red flowers that attract hummingbirds. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
17. Eastern Redbud
Eastern Redbud is a deciduous shrub or small tree with beautiful flowers that bloom before the leaves. Its flowers range from light pink to deep magenta and attract hummingbirds and long-tongued bees. Eastern Redbud grows well in full sun or partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.
18. Cardinal Flower
Cardinal Flower is a perennial plant with vibrant red flowers that attract hummingbirds. It thrives in moist soil and partial shade.
19. Lantana
Lantana is a colorful flowering plant that blooms in clusters of small flowers in various hues. It attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. Lantana prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
20. Salvia
Salvia, also known as sage, is a versatile plant with beautiful spikes of flowers in various colors. It attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Salvia thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
21. Coral Honeysuckle
Coral Honeysuckle is a twining vine with tubular, coral-colored flowers that hummingbirds adore. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
22. Black-Eyed Susan
Black-Eyed Susan is a bright and cheerful flower with yellow petals and a dark brown center. It attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. Black-Eyed Susans prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
23. Petunia
Petunias are popular annual flowers available in a wide range of colors. They are easy to grow and attract hummingbirds. Petunias prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
24. Mexican Sunflower
Mexican Sunflower is a tall plant with bright orange or red flowers that hummingbirds find irresistible. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
25. Bleeding Heart
Bleeding Heart is a delicate perennial plant with heart-shaped flowers hanging from arching stems. It attracts hummingbirds and prefers partial shade and moist soil.
26. Foxglove
Foxglove is a tall and elegant biennial or perennial plant with bell-shaped flowers in various colors. It attracts hummingbirds and prefers partial shade and moist soil.
27. Weigela
Weigela is a deciduous shrub with trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, or white. It attracts hummingbirds and prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
28. Hollyhock
Hollyhock is a tall and stately flowering plant that blooms in a range of colors. It attracts hummingbirds and prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
29. Cleome
Cleome, also known as spider flower, is an annual plant with unique clusters of flowers in shades of pink, white, or purple. It attracts hummingbirds and prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
30. Verbena
Verbena is a low-growing plant with clusters of small flowers in vibrant colors. It attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. Verbena prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
31. Lupine
Lupine is a perennial plant with spiky flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, or white. It attracts hummingbirds and prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
32. Fuchsia
Fuchsia is a colorful flowering plant with unique pendant flowers in shades of pink, red, purple, or white. It attracts hummingbirds and prefers partial shade and moist soil.
33. Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle is a climbing vine with tubular flowers in shades of pink, yellow, or white. It attracts hummingbirds and prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
34. Gladiolus
Gladiolus is a tall and elegant flower with showy spikes of blooms in various colors. It attracts hummingbirds and prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
35. Gaillardia
Gaillardia, also known as blanket flower, is a vibrant perennial plant with daisy-like flowers in red, orange, and yellow hues. It attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. Gaillardia prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
36. Monkey Flower
Monkey Flower is a low-growing perennial plant with trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of red, orange, yellow, or pink. It attracts hummingbirds and prefers partial shade and moist soil.
37. Bleeding Heart Vine
Bleeding Heart Vine is a climbing plant with heart-shaped flowers in shades of red, pink, or white. It attracts hummingbirds and prefers partial shade and moist soil.
38. Nicotiana
Nicotiana, also known as flowering tobacco, is a fragrant annual plant with trumpet-shaped flowers in various colors. It attracts hummingbirds and prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
39. Scarlet Sage
Scarlet Sage, also known as Salvia coccinea, is a vibrant red flowering plant that hummingbirds love. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
40. Nasturtium
Nasturtium is an annual flower with bright, trumpet-shaped blooms in shades of red, orange, and yellow. It attracts hummingbirds and prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
41. Agastache
Agastache, also known as hyssop or hummingbird mint, is a perennial plant with spikes of tubular flowers in various colors. It attracts hummingbirds and prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
42. Jacob’s Ladder
Jacob’s Ladder is a perennial plant with clusters of bell-shaped flowers in shades of blue, pink, or white. It attracts hummingbirds and prefers partial shade and moist soil.
These flowers should provide a diverse and attractive environment to attract hummingbirds to your garden. Enjoy the beauty and the delightful presence of these fascinating birds!