Finding the right flowers to brighten up a shady yard while attracting hummingbirds can feel like a challenge. Many popular hummingbird plants thrive in full sun, leaving those with shady spaces wondering if it’s even possible to create a hummingbird-friendly garden. Shade often limits your options, but don’t worry—there are plenty of beautiful, shade-tolerant flowers that can still bring these tiny birds to your yard.
Best Shade-Tolerant Flowers for Hummingbirds
These plants are not only well-suited for lower light conditions but also offer the nectar that hummingbirds love. Whether your garden is in partial shade under a canopy of trees or tucked into a corner that gets only a few hours of dappled sunlight, there are flowers that will thrive and draw in these tiny pollinators. With the right plant choices and a little care, you can transform your shaded garden into a haven for these energetic visitors.
1. Red Turtlehead (Chelone obliqua)
Hardiness zones: 3-9
Soil requirements: Moist, rich, and well-draining soil. Good for rain gardens, wetlands, areas of low drainage.
Light requirements: Partial to full shade
Red turtlehead is a striking perennial native to the southeastern United States, particularly in wetland areas and along stream banks. The plant features upright stems topped with clusters of tubular, pink flowers that resemble the head of a snapping turtle, giving it its unique name. Its glossy, dark green leaves form a dense, bushy clump that adds texture and interest to the garden.
Regular watering is essential to keep the soil from drying out, especially in shady spots where competition with tree roots might occur. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and keep the roots cool. This plant is an excellent choice for attracting hummingbirds, as the tubular pink flowers are a rich nectar source. For the best blooms, provide partial shade with some indirect light, though it will tolerate deeper shade with slightly fewer flowers. Regular deadheading can prolong the blooming season and maintain the plant’s tidy appearance.
2. Coral Bells (Heuchera spp.)
Hardiness zones: 4-9
Soil requirements: Well-drained soil, slightly acidic to neutral
Light requirements: Partial shade (some varieties tolerate full shade)
Coral bells are a versatile and beautiful perennial known for their colorful foliage and delicate, bell-shaped flowers. These plants form low mounds of striking leaves that come in a variety of shades, from vibrant green to deep burgundy, depending on the variety. Tall, wiry stems rise above the foliage, bearing clusters of tiny flowers in shades of red, pink, or white, which are a magnet for hummingbirds. Coral bells are native to North America, thriving in woodland settings and rocky outcrops.
3. Columbine (Aquilegia spp.)
Hardiness zones: 3-9
Soil requirements: Well-draining soil, tolerates a range of pH levels
Light requirements: Partial shade
Columbines are enchanting perennials prized for their unique, spurred flowers and delicate, fern-like foliage. Their blossoms come in a dazzling array of colors, including blue, purple, red, yellow, and white, often in bi-color combinations. The intricate, nodding blooms are a favorite of hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. Columbines are native to the Northern Hemisphere, with species adapted to a variety of habitats, from woodlands to meadows and rocky slopes.
If you have the option, an especially good choice is Eastern Red Columbine, Aquilegia canadensis. The red coloring on the flowers will be even more attractive to hummingbirds. Eastern Red Columbine prefers well-drained, humus-rich soil and thrives in light to moderate shade. It tolerates poor, rocky soil, making it a low-maintenance choice for naturalistic gardens. Allow some flowers to go to seed for self-sowing, which helps this perennial naturalize in suitable conditions.
4. Weigela (Weigela florida)
Hardiness zones: 3-8
Soil requirements: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil
Light requirements: Partial shade to full sun
While most weigela thrive in sun, varieties like Weigela florida ‘Red Prince’ perform well in partial shade and produce nectar-rich red flowers. Weigela florida, commonly known as old-fashioned weigela, is a deciduous shrub celebrated for its showy, trumpet-shaped flowers and arching growth habit. The blooms, which range from pink and red to white, appear in clusters along the stems and attract hummingbirds and pollinators in abundance. The plant’s oval, green foliage often takes on a bronzy hue in certain varieties, and some cultivars even offer striking variegated leaves for added interest. Native to parts of northern China, Korea, and Japan, this ornamental shrub has become a staple in gardens worldwide for its beauty and resilience.
Weigela florida thrives in well-draining soil and appreciates consistent moisture, though it is relatively drought-tolerant once established. Pruning immediately after the first bloom encourages a compact shape and may promote a second flush of flowers. Mulching helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, while fertilizing in early spring supports vigorous growth.
5. Red Buckeye (Aesculus pavia)
Hardiness zones: 4-9
Soil requirements: Moist, well-drained soil
Light requirements: Sun to Partial shade
Red buckeye is a stunning deciduous shrub or small tree prized for its clusters of tubular, bright red flowers that appear in early spring. These vibrant blooms are a magnet for hummingbirds and other pollinators, making it a favorite for wildlife-friendly gardens. Its attractive, palmately compound leaves add texture to the landscape, while the smooth, rounded seeds (buckeyes) provide interest in the fall. Native to the southeastern United States, red buckeye thrives in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, stream banks, and floodplains.
Red buckeye prefers moist, well-drained soil but is adaptable to a range of conditions, including clay and sandy soils. It thrives in partial shade, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens. Mulching helps retain moisture and protect roots during hot summers. Pruning is generally not necessary but can be done in late winter to maintain shape. Be mindful that the seeds, leaves, and bark are toxic if ingested, so place carefully in areas away from pets or livestock.
6. Bleeding Heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis)
Hardiness zones: 3-9
Soil requirements: Moist, rich, well-drained soil that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged.
Light requirements: Partial to full shade
Bleeding heart is a beloved perennial known for its iconic, heart-shaped flowers that dangle gracefully along arching stems. The blooms, typically pink with a white tip, create a romantic and delicate look in spring gardens. The fern-like foliage provides an elegant backdrop and remains attractive even after the flowers fade. Red and bright pink varieties are best for attracting hummingbirds, who have no problem accessing the nectar within the blooms. Bleeding heart thrives in shaded garden spaces, adding charm to woodland settings or shaded borders.
Bleeding heart thrives in cool, shady conditions and benefits from mulching to keep its roots moist and cool. Regular watering is essential, especially during dry spells, but avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot. Once the blooming season ends, the plant may go dormant in summer—this is natural. Leave the foliage intact until it yellows to allow the plant to store energy for the next season. Pairing bleeding hearts with shade-loving perennials like hostas or ferns fills the space with greenery during the dormant phase.
7. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
Hardiness zones: 3-9
Soil requirements: Consistently moist, rich soil. It tolerates wet conditions, making it ideal for rain gardens, pond edges, or poorly drained areas.
Light requirements: Full sun to Partial shade
Cardinal flower is a striking native perennial known for its vivid scarlet-red, tubular flowers that bloom on tall spikes. These showy blooms are a favorite of hummingbirds, making the plant a standout choice for pollinator gardens. The lance-shaped green leaves form a basal rosette that remains attractive throughout the growing season. Native to wetlands, stream banks, and meadows across North America.
Cardinal flower requires regular watering, especially in dry periods, to maintain the moist soil it prefers. Mulching helps retain soil moisture and keep the roots cool during hot weather. Deadheading spent flowers can extend the bloom period, and allowing some flowers to go to seed ensures natural reseeding. In colder zones, a protective layer of mulch over the winter helps safeguard the roots. Division every few years keeps the plant vigorous and prevents overcrowding.
8. Fuchsia (Fuchsia spp.)
Hardiness zones: 6-11 (varies by species; some are grown as annuals in cooler climates)
Soil requirements: Moist, fertile, well-draining soil Consistent moisture is key, but avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot
Light requirements: Partial to full shade
Fuchsia is a stunning ornamental plant admired for its unique, pendulous flowers that resemble delicate, colorful lanterns. The blooms, often in shades of pink, purple, red, and white, hang gracefully from the stems and are an irresistible attraction for hummingbirds. Fuchsia plants range from compact shrubs to trailing varieties, making them perfect for containers, hanging baskets, or as accents in shaded garden beds.
Regular watering is essential to keep the soil evenly moist, especially during hot or dry periods. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every two to three weeks during the growing season to support continuous blooming. Pinching back the stems encourages bushier growth and more abundant flowers. Fuchsias are sensitive to extreme heat, so provide afternoon shade in warmer climates. In cooler regions, overwinter tender varieties indoors or treat them as annuals.
9. Dragon Wing Begonia
Hardiness zones: Annual in most areas, perennial in zones 10-11
Soil requirements: Well-drained, fertile soil
Light requirements: Partial to full shade
Dragon wing begonia is a lush, tropical-looking plant prized for its glossy, wing-shaped leaves and clusters of vibrant, bell-like flowers. The blooms, which appear in shades of red or pink, cascade gracefully over the foliage, making this begonia a favorite for hanging baskets, containers, and garden beds. Its robust nature and continuous flowering make it a low-maintenance choice for adding color and texture to shady or partially sunny spaces.
Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, especially during hot weather, but avoid overwatering. Apply a balanced fertilizer every two to three weeks during the growing season to encourage lush growth and abundant blooms. Deadheading isn’t necessary as the flowers naturally drop off, but occasional pruning can maintain shape and prevent legginess. In cooler climates, bring containers indoors before frost or treat the plant as an annual.
10. Impatiens (Impatiens walleriana)
Hardiness zones: Annual in most zones, perennial in zones 10-11
Soil requirements: Moist, well-draining soil
Light requirements: Partial to full shade
Impatiens walleriana, often simply called impatiens, is a classic annual known for its prolific blooms and versatility in shady gardens. These low-growing plants produce an abundance of brightly colored flowers in shades of pink, red, orange, white, and purple, adding vibrant color to shaded beds, borders, and containers. Impatiens thrive in humid, temperate conditions, making them a popular choice for both beginners and experienced gardeners.
Water regularly to maintain evenly moist soil, especially during dry spells, but avoid waterlogged conditions. Fertilize every two to three weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer to support continuous blooming. Pinching back the plants early in the season promotes bushier growth.
Impatiens are ideal for filling shady spaces with long-lasting color and pair beautifully with other shade-loving plants like Dragon Wing Begonia or Bleeding Heart. Their low-maintenance nature and non-stop flowering make them a go-to choice for brightening up garden beds, window boxes, and hanging baskets.
11. Hosta (Hosta spp.)
Hardiness Zones: 3–9
Soil and Light Requirements: Hostas thrive in rich, well-drained soil with consistent moisture. They prefer partial to full shade, making them ideal for woodland or shaded gardens.
Hostas are shade-loving perennials known for their large, attractive foliage, which comes in various colors and variegated patterns. You may not think of hummingbirds when you think of hosta, but in summer they produce tall stalks adorned with bell-shaped or tubular flowers. Flowers typically appear in mid to late summer, depending on the variety. The tubular flowers of hostas are nectar-rich and accessible to hummingbirds. Great choice if you have a lot of shade or are trying to fill in some shady borders areas. ‘Royal Standard’ and ‘Guacamole’ are varietals particularly favored by hummingbirds due to their fragrant, nectar-rich flowers.
Melanie is an environmental scientist, birdwatcher, and amateur photographer. She’s been a birding hobbyist for years and loves feeding and learning about birds of all types. Over the years, Melanie has identified more than 250 bird species, with sightings of the Atlantic Puffin, Hawaiian Goose, and Arctic Tern among her most cherished.