Vermont’s climatic conditions present a challenge when it comes to finding suitable plants that can attract hummingbirds. It is essential to choose plants that can withstand the varying temperatures and thrive in this region. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has created a plant hardiness zone map that divides the country into different zones based on minimum temperature averages. Vermont falls within zones 3 to 5, with the northern areas experiencing colder winters compared to the southern parts.
In addition to cold temperatures, the American Horticultural Society has devised a plant heat-zone map to indicate the number of days with temperatures exceeding 86 degrees Fahrenheit. While Vermont doesn’t have excessively hot days, it still falls within zones 3 to 5 on the plant heat zone map. Thus, the primary concern for hummingbird plants in Vermont is the cold winters rather than extreme heat.
To ensure the suitability of hummingbird plants in Vermont, it is crucial to consider both the cold and heat zones. The following plants have been carefully selected to thrive in the weather conditions of Vermont while providing nectar-rich flowers that hummingbirds adore.
1. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are trailing edible flowers that create beautiful hanging baskets. Their rich nectar and deep flowers attract hummingbirds. They are usually grown as annuals and come in trailing or bush types. Ensure well-drained soil, full sun, and regular watering for optimal growth.
2. Zinnia
Zinnias are flowering shrubs native to North America, known for their vibrant colors. With different types based on petal structure, they provide a stunning display. They require full sun and well-draining soil, and once established, they can tolerate drought conditions.
3. Agastache
Agastache, also known as “hummingbird mint,” is a perennial herb with attractive purple and red flowers. These flowers stand out and are irresistible to hummingbirds. Start them indoors in May and transplant them into flower beds. They prefer full sun and are drought-tolerant.
4. Morning Glory
Morning Glory flowers open early in the morning and add a touch of beauty to any garden. They are annual vines that require full sun and moist, well-draining soil. Morning Glory flowers come in various colors, and their trumpet-shaped blooms attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
5. Impatiens
Impatiens are bright and colorful annuals that thrive in shady areas. They require moist, well-draining soil and can be grown from plants or seeds. Plant them close together to create a dense mat of flowers and leaves, and keep them well-watered during the growing season.
6. Columbine
Columbines are perennial plants that attract hummingbirds with their vibrant, bell-shaped flowers. They prefer partial shade and grow well in Vermont’s climate. Columbine seeds can be sown directly in the ground in spring, and the plants will self-seed for future blooms.
7. Coneflower
Coneflowers, also known as Echinacea, are attractive to hummingbirds and other pollinators. These perennials have large, colorful flowers and thrive in full sun. They can tolerate various soil conditions and provide nectar-rich central cones that hummingbirds love.
8. Penstemon
Penstemons are versatile perennials that attract hummingbirds and bees. With many species and vibrant colors, they are easy to grow. Penstemons prefer full sun and lean, fast-draining soil. They are drought-tolerant once established and require minimal maintenance.
9. Summersweet
Summersweet, also called coastal sweet pepperbush, is a flowering shrub that thrives in moist to wet soil. It produces vertical spikes of fragrant white flowers and is a favorite among butterflies and hummingbirds. Summersweet grows well in full sun to partial shade.
10. Yarrow
Yarrow, also known as Achillea, is a flowering plant with clusters of tiny flowers in various colors. These dainty flowers attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. Yarrow is drought-tolerant and prefers full sun, making it an excellent addition to any garden.
11. Butterfly Weed
Butterfly Weed, also known as Pleurisy Root, is a bushy plant with bright orange flowers that attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. It requires full sun and moist soil to thrive. Removing seed pods can prevent self-seeding if desired.
12. Hydrangea
Hydrangeas are stunning flowering shrubs that can brighten up shady areas. They prefer shade, moist soil, and regular watering. Pruning can be done in winter, and they provide interest even during the winter months.
13. Veronica
Veronicas are flowering plants that come in many varieties, from low-growing ground covers to tall, upright flower spikes. They attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies with their colorful flowers. Veronicas prefer full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil.
14. Bleeding Heart
Bleeding Hearts are perennial plants that thrive in shady corners. Their delicate flowers and low maintenance make them an excellent choice. They prefer well-drained, moist soil and can tolerate full sun or partial shade.
15. Cardinal Flower
Cardinal Flowers have long, bright red tubular flowers specifically designed for hummingbirds. These herbaceous perennials bloom in late summer and prefer moist soil. Planting them in pots with a water tray can help maintain moisture levels.
16. Phlox
Phlox is a versatile genus with various species suitable for different garden settings. They attract hummingbirds and come in different colors. Phlox plants require full sun to part sun and moist, fertile soil.
17. Viburnum
Viburnums are flowering plants with attractive flowers, foliage, and berries. They offer a variety of nectar-rich flowers that hummingbirds love. Viburnums thrive in full sun or partial shade and prefer moist, well-drained soil.
18. Coral Bells
Coral Bells, also known as Heuchera, are perennial plants appreciated for their colorful foliage and delicate flowers. They come in a variety of shades, including vibrant reds, oranges, and purples. These plants prefer partial shade and well-draining soil.
19. Salvia
Salvia, commonly known as sage, encompasses a large genus of flowering plants. Many varieties of Salvia attract hummingbirds with their vibrant flowers and aromatic foliage. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
20. Bee Balm
Bee Balm, or Monarda, is a flowering herbaceous perennial that produces clusters of vibrant flowers in shades of red, pink, and purple. These flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies. Bee Balm thrives in full sun to partial shade and moist soil.
21. Lantana
Lantana is a tropical flowering plant known for its clusters of small, brightly colored flowers. It is a favorite of hummingbirds due to its nectar-rich blooms. Lantana prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
22. Foxglove
Foxglove, or Digitalis, is a biennial or perennial plant with tall spires of tubular flowers. These flowers come in various colors and have distinctive speckled throats. Foxgloves are highly attractive to hummingbirds and thrive in partial shade to full sun.
23. Red Hot Poker
Red Hot Poker, or Kniphofia, is a perennial plant with torch-like flower spikes in fiery shades of red, orange, and yellow. These unique flowers are irresistible to hummingbirds. Red Hot Pokers prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
24. Trumpet Vine
Trumpet Vine, or Campsis radicans, is a vigorous climbing vine that produces vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of red, orange, or yellow. These flowers are a magnet for hummingbirds. Trumpet Vines thrive in full sun and well-drained soil.
25. Fuchsia
Fuchsias are flowering shrubs with distinctive pendulous flowers that come in various colors, including shades of pink, purple, and red. These intricate flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds. Fuchsias prefer partial shade and well-drained soil.
26. Four O’Clocks
Four O’Clocks, or Mirabilis jalapa, are annual flowering plants that produce fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers in the late afternoon. These flowers come in an array of colors and are a favorite of hummingbirds. Four O’Clocks prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
27. Penstemon digitalis
Penstemon digitalis, commonly known as Beardtongue, is a perennial plant with tubular flowers in shades of white or pink. These flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Penstemon digitalis prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
28. Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle vines are known for their sweetly scented, tubular flowers that come in various colors, including shades of pink, orange, and yellow. These fragrant blooms are highly attractive to hummingbirds. Honeysuckle prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
29. Red Columbine
Red Columbine, or Aquilegia canadensis, is a perennial plant with unique red and yellow flowers. These flowers have long spurs that are irresistible to hummingbirds. Red Columbine prefers partial shade and well-drained soil.
30. Scarlet Sage
Scarlet Sage, or Salvia coccinea, is an annual plant with vibrant red flowers that hummingbirds find irresistible. These flowers bloom throughout the summer and thrive in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil.
31. Cardinal Climber
Cardinal Climber, or Ipomoea sloteri, is a fast-growing vine that produces vibrant red, trumpet-shaped flowers. These flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds. Cardinal Climber thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
32. Cuphea
Cuphea, also known as Mexican Heather or Cigar Plant, is a compact perennial plant with tubular flowers in shades of red, purple, and pink. These flowers have a unique shape that attracts hummingbirds. Cuphea prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
33. Black and Blue Salvia
Black and Blue Salvia, or Salvia guaranitica, is a perennial plant with striking blue flowers and black calyxes. These flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds. Black and Blue Salvia prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
34. Bottlebrush
Bottlebrush, or Callistemon, is a shrub with cylindrical flower spikes that resemble a bottlebrush. These flowers come in shades of red and are a favorite of hummingbirds. Bottlebrush thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
35. Verbena
Verbena is a versatile flowering plant that comes in various cultivars and colors, including shades of purple, pink, and red. These flowers attract hummingbirds with their nectar-rich blooms. Verbena prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
36. Agastache foeniculum
Agastache foeniculum, also known as Anise Hyssop, is a perennial plant with spikes of lavender-blue flowers. These flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies. Agastache foeniculum prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
37. Gladiolus
Gladiolus is a flowering bulbous plant that produces tall flower spikes in a range of colors. These showy flowers are a delight for hummingbirds. Gladiolus prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
38. Beard Tongue
Beard Tongue, or Penstemon barbatus, is a perennial plant with tubular flowers that come in shades of red, pink, or white. These flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds. Beard Tongue prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
39. Weigela
Weigela is a deciduous shrub that produces tubular flowers in shades of red, pink, or white. These flowers are attractive to hummingbirds. Weigela prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
40. Bleeding Heart Vine
Bleeding Heart Vine, or Clerodendrum thomsoniae, is a climbing vine with unique, pendulous flowers that resemble bleeding hearts. These flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds. Bleeding Heart Vine thrives in partial shade to full sun and well-drained soil.
41. Delphinium
Delphinium is a perennial plant that produces tall spikes of flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, or white. These flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds. Delphinium prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
42. Lobelia
Lobelia is a flowering annual or perennial plant with vibrant flowers that come in shades of blue, purple, pink, or white. These flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Lobelia prefers full sun to partial shade and moist soil.
43. Painted Tongue
Painted Tongue, or Salpiglossis, is an annual plant with trumpet-shaped flowers that come in a variety of colors and patterns. These flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds. Painted Tongue prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
44. Jacobinia
Jacobinia, or Justicia carnea, is a tropical perennial plant with clusters of tubular flowers in shades of pink or red. These flowers are a magnet for hummingbirds. Jacobinia thrives in partial shade and well-drained soil.
45. Firecracker Plant
Firecracker Plant, or Russelia equisetiformis, is a perennial plant with cascading stems and tubular red or orange flowers. These flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds. Firecracker Plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
46. Balloon Flower
Balloon Flower, or Platycodon grandiflorus, is a perennial plant that produces balloon-shaped buds that open into star-shaped flowers in shades of blue, pink, or white. These flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds. Balloon Flower prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
47. Verbascum
Verbascum, also known as Mullein, is a biennial or perennial plant with tall spikes of flowers in shades of yellow, pink, or white. These flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Verbascum prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
48. Mexican Sunflower
Mexican Sunflower, or Tithonia rotundifolia, is an annual plant with large, vibrant orange or red flowers. These flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds. Mexican Sunflower thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
These are just a few examples of plants that attract hummingbirds. There are many more options available, each with their own unique beauty and characteristics.