Hummingbirds are drawn to vibrant, nectar-rich flowers, and vines are a fantastic way attract them to your yard. With their cascading, vertical wall of blooms for hummingbirds to explore and easily access, the right vines can transform your space into a hummingbird haven. In this article, we’ll explore the best vines for attracting hummingbirds and tips for growing them successfully. Whether you’re looking to enhance your garden or create a natural feeder, these vines will have hummingbirds flocking to your yard in no time!
Best Vines for Hummingbirds
Vines are a fun and versatile addition to any garden, bringing vertical interest, lush greenery, and vibrant flower to spaces big or small. Their climbing and trailing nature makes them perfect for covering fences, arbors, or trellises, creating natural privacy or shade. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, vines can attract a variety of creatures to your garden. Hummingbirds and butterflies are drawn to flowering vines like honeysuckle and trumpet vine, while birds often use dense foliage for nesting. Here are 14 types of vines that have flowers perfect for attracting hummingbirds.
1. Trumpet Honeysuckle
Scientific name: Lonicera sempervirens
Hardiness zone: 4–9
Native to the eastern United States, trumpet honeysuckle is a vigorous, twining vine that thrives in a variety of climates. It features semi-evergreen foliage with glossy, oval-shaped leaves. Its flowers are long, tubular, and come in shades of red, coral, and orange, often with a yellow interior. These blossoms are irresistible to hummingbirds and bloom from late spring through summer, providing a consistent nectar source.
Trumpet honeysuckle grows best in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained, moist soil. It is low-maintenance and can climb trellises, fences, or arbors with ease, making it a versatile addition to any garden. Regular pruning will keep the plant tidy and encourage more blooms.
The tubular shape of the flowers and their bright colors make trumpet honeysuckle an excellent choice for attracting hummingbirds. The blossoms are rich in nectar, and their extended blooming period ensures that hummingbirds will visit throughout the season. This vine is also a favorite for other pollinators like bees and butterflies, making it a great addition to a wildlife-friendly garden.
2. Trumpet Vine
Scientific name: Campsis radicans
Hardiness zone: 4–9
Trumpet vine, also known as trumpet creeper, is native to the southeastern United States but has become a popular garden plant across many regions. This fast-growing, deciduous vine produces clusters of large, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of orange, red, or yellow. The blooms typically appear in midsummer and continue through early fall, creating a striking display.
This vine thrives in full sun and well-drained soil but is highly adaptable to less-than-ideal conditions. It can quickly climb walls, fences, or trellises, sometimes reaching heights of 30 feet or more. Regular pruning is essential to manage its vigorous growth.
Trumpet vine’s nectar-rich flowers are a magnet for hummingbirds, offering them a reliable food source during the blooming season. The bright, tubular flowers are perfectly shaped for the long bills of these birds, making this vine one of the best choices for a hummingbird-friendly garden.
3. Purple Passionflower
Scientific name: Passiflora incarnata
Hardiness zone: 5–9
Purple passionflower, also called maypop, is native to the southeastern United States. This striking vine features intricate, exotic-looking flowers with a crown of frilly, purple and white filaments. The flowers bloom from midsummer to early fall and are followed by small, greenish-yellow fruits that are edible. Its foliage consists of lobed, dark green leaves that provide dense coverage.
This vine thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil, though it is tolerant of poor soils and drought conditions. It can grow 15–20 feet in a season, making it ideal for arbors, trellises, and fences.
Hummingbirds are drawn to the unique shape and color of passionflower blossoms, which are loaded with nectar. The vine also attracts butterflies, particularly the caterpillars of the Gulf fritillary butterfly, adding to its appeal for a wildlife-friendly garden.
4. Candy Corn Plant
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Scientific name: Manettia luteorubra
Hardiness zone: 9–11
The candy corn plant, native to South America, is a charming, twining vine with small, brightly colored flowers that resemble pieces of candy corn. I also think they bear a strong resemblance to the flowers of the cigar plant, another hummingbird favorite. The blooms are red with yellow tips and appear prolifically from late spring through fall. Its dark green foliage is dense and glossy, providing a striking contrast to the vibrant flowers.
This vine prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It can be grown in containers or trained on trellises and arbors in warmer climates. In cooler zones, it can be treated as an annual or grown indoors.
Hummingbirds love the candy corn plant for its nectar-rich blooms and tubular shape. Its long flowering season ensures a consistent food source for these feathered visitors.
5. Canary Creeper
Scientific name: Tropaeolum peregrinum
Hardiness zone: 9–11
Native to South America, the canary creeper is a fast-growing annual or perennial vine with delicate, feathery leaves and bright yellow flowers resembling fringed canaries in flight. The flowers bloom from midsummer to fall, adding a cheerful touch to any garden. This vine can grow up to 10–12 feet in a season and works well on trellises, fences, or as a ground cover.
Canary creeper thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It prefers cooler summer temperatures and benefits from regular watering during dry periods. It is often grown as an annual in regions outside its hardiness zone.
Hummingbirds are attracted to the vibrant yellow flowers, which offer a sweet nectar source. A nice choice for adding some late season blooms to the yard.
6. Scarlet Runner Bean
Scientific name: Phaseolus coccineus
Hardiness zone: 7–11 (grown as an annual in cooler zones)
Scarlet runner bean is a versatile vine native to Central and South America. It features lush green leaves, red or scarlet tubular flowers, and bean pods that are edible when young. The flowers appear from midsummer through fall, providing a vibrant pop of color to gardens.
This vine thrives in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. It can grow up to 20 feet in a single season, making it ideal for trellises, fences, and arbors. Scarlet runner bean is easy to grow and often used in vegetable and ornamental gardens.
The bright red flowers are a favorite among hummingbirds, offering ample nectar. Its fast-growing habit and extended bloom period ensure your yard remains a hummingbird hotspot all season long.
7. Cup And Saucer Vine
Scientific name: Cobaea scandens
Hardiness zone: 9–11
Cup and saucer vine, native to Mexico, is a vigorous climber known for its unique, bell-shaped flowers. The blooms start as pale green and mature into shades of lavender or purple, with a saucer-like calyx at the base. Flowering occurs from midsummer through fall, adding a tropical flair to the garden.
This vine grows best in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. It can reach up to 30 feet in height, making it ideal for covering walls, trellises, or pergolas. Regular watering and fertilization encourage vigorous growth and more blooms.
Hummingbirds are drawn to the tubular structure of the flowers and their nectar-rich nature. The striking appearance of the blooms also makes this vine a showstopper in any hummingbird-friendly garden.
8. Mandevilla
Scientific name: Mandevilla spp.
Hardiness zone: 9–11
Mandevilla is native to South and Central America and is prized for its large, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. The blooms appear in clusters against glossy, deep green foliage, creating a lush, tropical look. Flowering begins in late spring and continues through fall.
This vine thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is a tender perennial in warmer climates but can be grown as an annual or overwintered indoors in cooler zones. Mandevilla requires consistent watering and benefits from regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer.
The colorful, nectar-rich flowers are a magnet for hummingbirds. Their large size and bold colors make mandevilla a standout addition to any garden aiming to attract these tiny visitors.
9. Clematis
Scientific name: Clematis spp.
Hardiness zone: 4–9
Clematis, native to various regions worldwide, is a versatile vine known for its large, star-shaped flowers that come in a wide range of colors, including purple, pink, white, and blue. Depending on the variety, clematis blooms in spring, summer, or fall, offering long-lasting beauty.
This vine prefers full sun on its tops and cool, shaded roots. Plant it in well-drained soil and provide sturdy support such as trellises or fences. Pruning requirements vary by type, so it’s important to know the specific needs of your clematis variety.
Hummingbirds are likely to at least occasionally visit any type of clematis, but some varieties are better than others when targeting hummingbirds specifically. They prefer more tubular varieties over those with large and flat flowers. So when choosing clematis to attract hummingbirds, try these specific types – scarlet clematis, golden clematis, alpine clematis, solitary clematis, and Italian clematis.
10. Coral Honeysuckle
Scientific name: Lonicera sempervirens
Hardiness zone: 4–9
Coral honeysuckle is native to the eastern United States and is celebrated for its stunning tubular flowers in shades of coral-red with yellow interiors. This semi-evergreen vine has dark green, oval leaves that pair beautifully with its vibrant blooms. Flowering begins in late spring and continues intermittently through summer and early fall.
This low-maintenance vine thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. Coral honeysuckle is less aggressive than other honeysuckle varieties, making it a manageable choice for trellises, fences, or arbors. Pruning after flowering helps maintain its shape and encourages more blooms.
The tubular flowers are perfectly designed for hummingbirds, providing an abundant nectar source. Its extended blooming period ensures these birds have a reason to return throughout the season.
11. Cross Vine
Scientific name: Bignonia capreolata
Hardiness zone: 6–9
Cross vine, native to the southeastern United States, is a hardy, semi-evergreen climber with showy, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of orange, red, or yellow. The flowers bloom in clusters during spring, with sporadic blooms continuing into early summer. Its dark green leaves often turn bronze or purple in cooler weather, adding year-round interest.
This vine thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It can climb up to 50 feet using tendrils, making it an excellent choice for covering walls, fences, or pergolas. Cross vine is drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal maintenance.
Hummingbirds are drawn to the brightly colored, nectar-rich flowers, which provide an early-season food source. Cross vine’s vibrant blooms and hardy nature make it a popular choice for hummingbird enthusiasts.
12. Cypress Vine
Scientific name: Ipomoea quamoclit
Hardiness zone: 10–11 (grown as an annual in most regions)
Cypress vine, native to tropical regions of the Americas, is a delicate, fast-growing vine with feathery, fern-like foliage and small, star-shaped flowers in shades of red, pink, or white. The flowers bloom from midsummer to early fall, creating a lush, colorful display.
This vine thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It is often grown as an annual in cooler climates, easily climbing trellises or fences up to 15 feet. Cypress vine self-seeds readily, so it may return year after year even in non-tropical regions.
Hummingbirds are naturally attracted to the bright, tubular flowers (especially red ones), which offer a reliable nectar source. The airy foliage also adds texture and movement to the garden, making cypress vine both functional and visually appealing.
13. Morning Glory
Scientific name: Ipomoea spp.
Hardiness zone: 10–11 (grown as an annual in most regions)
Morning glory is native to tropical and subtropical regions but is widely cultivated in gardens worldwide. This fast-growing vine is known for its heart-shaped leaves and funnel-shaped flowers in a variety of colors, including blue, purple, pink, and white. The flowers open in the morning and close by afternoon, creating a dynamic garden display from summer to fall.
This vine thrives in full sun and tolerates poor soil, making it an easy choice for beginner gardeners. It can climb up to 15 feet, making it ideal for trellises, fences, and arbors. Morning glory can self-seed, often reappearing year after year.
Hummingbirds are drawn to the tubular shape and vibrant colors of the flowers, which are rich in nectar. Its extended bloom period ensures a steady source of food for hummingbirds throughout the growing season.
14. American Wisteria
Scientific name: Wisteria frutescens
Hardiness zone: 5–9
American wisteria is native to the southeastern United States and is a more manageable alternative to the invasive Asian wisteria varieties. This deciduous vine produces clusters of fragrant, pea-like flowers in shades of lavender or purple, blooming in late spring and early summer. Its glossy green leaves provide an elegant backdrop to the cascading blooms.
This vine thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. It can grow up to 30 feet and is ideal for arbors, pergolas, and fences. Unlike its aggressive Asian counterparts, American wisteria is less likely to overwhelm your garden, making it a better choice for controlled spaces.
The fragrant, nectar-rich flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. Its stunning appearance and wildlife-friendly nature make American wisteria a beautiful and functional addition to a hummingbird garden.
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.