Hummingbirds add magic to any Ohio garden with their swift movements and brilliant colours. These tiny birds seek specific flowers that offer abundant nectar and match their feeding habits.
With the right plants, you can transform your outdoor space into a hummingbird haven. The flowers that attract these fascinating birds often share key features: bright colours (especially red), tubular shapes that fit their long bills, and plenty of sweet nectar.
Why Hummingbirds Love Specific Flowers
Hummingbirds burn enormous energy with their rapid wing movements – beating up to 80 times per second! This means they need regular refuelling from nectar-rich flowers. In Ohio’s climate, certain flowering plants prove especially effective at attracting these beautiful birds. Among the diverse array of plants, trumpet vine and bee balm stand out as favorites for these tiny avian acrobats. However, while observing hummingbirds can be captivating, it’s important to also be aware of the dark behaviors of broadbilled hummingbirds, which may engage in aggressive tactics to protect their feeding territories. These intriguing dynamics highlight not only their delicate beauty but also their fierce competitiveness in the pursuit of sustenance.
Related post: 33 Top Plants That Attract Hummingbirds.
9 Must-Have Flowers for Ohio Hummingbird Gardens
1. Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)
Known as “hummingbird vine,” this perennial features bright orange-red, tubular flowers that bloom from July to September. It thrives in full sun and can grow up to 40 feet tall. Trumpet vine produces exactly the sort of nectar-rich, trumpet-shaped flowers that hummingbirds find irresistible. Be prepared for its vigorous growth – regular pruning helps keep it in check.
2. Red Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
This native perennial produces striking red tubular flowers from mid to late summer. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. Cardinal flower stands tall (2-4 feet) and creates impressive red spikes that act as beacons for passing hummingbirds. As a native Ohio plant, it supports local ecosystems while bringing hummingbirds to your garden.
3. Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)
A perennial with bright red, pink, or purple flowers, bee balm blooms in mid-summer and attracts hummingbirds with its abundant nectar. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. The unique, spiky flower heads resemble miniature fireworks and provide multiple nectar tubes for feeding. Bee balm also attracts butterflies and bees, creating a lively garden ecosystem.
4. Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)
These annuals bloom in bright colours like red, orange, and pink, attracting hummingbirds throughout the summer. They grow best in full sun and well-drained soil. Zinnias offer the advantage of easy growth from seed, making them economical for creating large patches of hummingbird-friendly blooms. Their flat landing platforms also attract butterflies, giving you multiple types of garden visitors.
5. Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)
This climbing vine features red or orange tubular flowers that bloom from late spring to summer. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and is less aggressive than trumpet vine. The sweet scent and nectar-rich flowers make trumpet honeysuckle perfect for growing on trellises, fences, or posts. Unlike invasive Japanese honeysuckle, this native species behaves well in garden settings.
6. Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)
A spring-blooming perennial with bell-shaped flowers in red, pink, or yellow. It grows well in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. The unique spurred flowers provide early-season nectar for hummingbirds when they first arrive in Ohio. Columbine self-seeds readily, creating natural drifts throughout your garden over time.
7. Salvia (Salvia spp.)
Salvia plants, particularly red or purple varieties, are excellent for attracting hummingbirds. They bloom from late spring to early fall and thrive in full sun. The long-lasting blooms and drought-tolerance make salvias practical choices for Ohio gardens. Different varieties range from compact 18-inch plants to 5-foot giants, offering options for any garden size.
8. Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii)
This shrub produces elongated clusters of nectar-rich flowers in pink, purple, or blue, blooming from mid-summer to fall. It grows best in full sun. The arching branches filled with honey-scented blooms create a dramatic effect in the garden while serving as feeding stations for hummingbirds. Choose newer, non-invasive cultivars to prevent unwanted spreading.
9. Coral Bells (Heuchera spp.)
These perennials feature small, bell-shaped flowers in red, pink, or white, blooming from late spring to summer. They prefer partial shade and well-drained soil. While the flowers attract hummingbirds, coral bells also offer attractive foliage in colours ranging from silver to purple to lime green, adding year-round interest to your garden.
Creating Your Ohio Hummingbird Garden
For best results, mix several types of these flowers to provide nectar throughout the growing season. Place taller plants like trumpet vine and butterfly bush at the back of borders, with mid-sized plants like bee balm and cardinal flower in the middle, and shorter options like coral bells at the front.
By including multiple plants from this list, you’ll create a colourful, active garden that supplies hummingbirds with food from spring through autumn. Their rapid movements and jewel-like colours will reward your efforts with endless garden entertainment. Additionally, incorporating a variety of native plants for hummingbird attraction ensures that these vibrant birds have a continuous source of nectar throughout the seasons. Not only do these plants thrive in your local climate, but they also support the ecosystem by attracting other beneficial pollinators. As you observe the hummingbirds flitting from flower to flower, you’ll appreciate the beauty and harmony that a thoughtfully designed garden brings to your outdoor space.
Tips for Hummingbird Garden Success in Ohio
- Plant in groups rather than single specimens for better visibility
- Include flowers with different bloom times for continuous nectar
- Avoid pesticides that might harm these tiny birds
- Add a shallow water feature for bathing and drinking
- Supplement flowers with clean hummingbird feeders filled with plain sugar water (1 part sugar to 4 parts water)
With these nine flower types and proper garden planning, you’ll soon enjoy the unique pleasure of watching hummingbirds dart among your blooms, bringing your Ohio garden to life with their energy and beauty.
