Attracting hummingbirds to your garden requires careful selection of flowers that meet their unique feeding preferences. Tubular flowers, with their elongated shapes and abundant nectar, are particularly appealing to hummingbirds. Their long, slender beaks and even longer tongues are perfectly adapted for accessing these blooms. By incorporating tubular flowers into your garden, you can create an inviting habitat for these hummingbirds while adding vibrant beauty to your outdoor space. This article highlights the top tubular flowers that are both attractive to hummingbirds and easy to grow in a variety of climates.
15 Tubular Flowers That Attract Hummingbirds
1. Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica)
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–8
Soil and Light Requirements: These flowers prefer rich, moist, and well-drained soil. They thrive in partial to full shade, making them ideal for woodland gardens.
Virginia bluebells are wildflowers native to North America with nodding, bell-shaped flowers that emerge pink and mature to soft purplish-blue. Virginia bluebells bloom in early to mid-spring, creating a brief but stunning display before going dormant in summer. The tubular bell-shaped flowers produce nectar that attracts hummingbirds during their spring migration. While they may not be as long-lasting as others on this list, by blooming before many other nectar producing flowers they provide an important early-season food source for pollinators.
2. Cigar Plant (Cuphea ignea)
USDA Hardiness Zones: 8–11 (grown as an annual in cooler zones)
Soil and Light Requirements: Thrives in well-drained soil and prefers full sun for prolific flowering, though it tolerates partial shade. It is moderately drought-tolerant once established.
The cigar plant is named for its small, tubular flowers that resemble glowing cigars. They have bright red-orange blooms tipped in white and purple. The flowers are set against lush, green, lance-shaped foliage. They bloom from spring through fall, providing continuous color and nectar throughout the growing season. Hummingbirds are highly attracted to their combination of red color and tubular shape. Put a few in a planter or cultivate a whole bush. These are truly a hummingbird magnet!
3. Flowering Tobacco (Nicotiana alata)
USDA Hardiness Zones: 10–11 (grown as an annual in cooler zones)
Soil and Light Requirements: This plant thrives in fertile, well-drained soil and prefers full sun to partial shade.
Description: Flowering tobacco produces tall, upright stems with clusters of star-shaped, tubular flowers in shades of white, pink, red, or green. There are many varieties but Nicotiana alata is where most modern hybrids are derived from. The flowers are highly fragrant in the evening, giving this plant the nickname “jasmine tobacco”. Flowering occurs from summer to early fall, with continuous blooms under proper care. The tubular shape and nectar-rich flowers make flowering tobacco a great source of energy for hummingbirds. Moths, including sphinx moths, are particularly drawn to this plant due to its evening fragrance. Butterflies and bees may also visit during the day. However, please note these can be toxic if ingested so avoid this plant if you have pets or kids that might chew on it.
4. Verbena (Verbena spp.)
USDA Hardiness Zones: 7–11 (varies by species; often grown as an annual in cooler zones)
Soil and Light Requirements: This plant thrives in well-drained soil and requires full sun for maximum blooming. It is drought-tolerant once established.
Verbena features clusters of small flowers in a variety of vibrant colors, including purple, pink, red, and white. If you look closely at each tiny bloom, you’ll see they do have a tubular shape. It has a spreading, mounding, or trailing growth habit, depending on the variety. Pollinators love verbena blooms and you really can’t go wrong, so choose whichever varietal you like best. Personally, we’ve been loving Verbena bonariensis (tall verbena). This is great to plant as a centerpiece in pots or among lower growing flowers to have blooms at differing heights, giving hummingbirds room to move around and explore. A great choice if you are looking to attract more butterflies too, they love to crawl around the clusters and probe each flower.
5. Red-Hot Poker (Kniphofia uvaria)
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–9
Soil and Light Requirements: Prefers well-drained soil and thrives in full sun. It is drought-tolerant once established.
A real show-stopper, Red-hot poker features tall, torch-like flower spikes in fiery shades of red, orange, and yellow that rise above grass-like foliage. They bloom from late spring through summer, with some varieties reblooming in early fall. The tubular, nectar-rich flowers attract hummingbirds with their vibrant colors. ‘Flamenco’ and ‘Little Maid’ varieties are especially appealing to hummingbirds.
6. Hosta (Hosta spp.)
USDA 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 areas. ‘Royal Standard’ and ‘Guacamole’ are varietals particularly favored by hummingbirds due to their fragrant, nectar-rich flowers.
7. Indian Pink (Spigelia marilandica)
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–9
Soil and Light Requirements: Prefers moist, well-drained soil and thrives in partial shade.
Indian pink is a striking perennial native to the southeastern United States, particularly in rich woodlands and along stream banks. Also known as woodland pinkroot, it features vibrant red tubular flowers with yellow interiors, blooming in late spring to early summer. These bright, tubular flowers make them a favorite for hummingbirds, which are drawn to their shape and nectar-rich blooms, perfectly suited for their long beaks and tongues. Indian pink is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in partial shade, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens and naturalized landscapes.
8. Cape Fuchsia (Phygelius spp.)
USDA Hardiness Zones: 7–10
Soil and Light Requirements: Grows in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade.
Despite the name, Cape fuchsia is not closely related to the common pink and purple hanging plant found in most garden stores that shares the fuchsia name. Cape fuchsia, or phygelius, has tubular flowers in shades of red, orange, or pink that hang from arching stems. The color and shape of these flowers are great for attracting hummingbirds, bees and butterflies. They bloom from summer to fall, and can be a great addition to the garden to add height. If you have access to different varieties, ‘Devil’s Tears’ and ‘Cherry Ripe’ are excellent for attracting hummingbirds.
9. Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–9
Soil and Light Requirements: Prefers well-drained soil and full sun but tolerates partial shade.
Trumpet vine produces large, tubular flowers in orange, red, or yellow, forming clusters on vigorous climbing vines. It is probably one of the best known choices for attracting hummingbirds. Trumpet vine is native to the eastern U.S. and Canada and can often be grown even in poor soils. Blooms from midsummer to early fall. Hummingbirds love the trumpet-shaped flowers that are rich in nectar and highly accessible. Just keep an eye on it if you don’t want it to spread all over the yard!
10. Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–9
Soil and Light Requirements: Thrives in well-drained soil and full sun but tolerates partial shade.
Coral honeysuckle produces tubular flowers in coral, red, or yellow, growing on a climbing vine. Native to the U.S. and Canada, they are great choice for trellises! Coral honeysuckle blooms from mid spring through summer. Its nectar-rich flowers provide a continuous food source that hummingbirds love to visit. They are known for being fairly easy to grow and maintain. Bees and butterflies also benefit from this plant.
11. Beardtongue (Penstemon spp.)
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–8
Soil and Light Requirements: Prefers sandy or rocky, well-drained soil with full sun.
Beardtongue is a genus of perennial plants native to North America, found in a variety of habitats ranging from prairies and deserts to mountain regions. These plants produce tall spikes of tubular flowers in colors such as pink, purple, red, or white, which are highly attractive to hummingbirds due to their abundant nectar. A good choice for drought-tolerant gardens. They blooms from late spring to early summer, and the varieties “Husker Red’ and “Electric Blue’ are particularly favored by hummingbirds.
12. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–9
Soil and Light Requirements: Prefers moist, rich soil and full sun to partial shade.
Cardinal flowers are perennials native to North America, commonly found in wetlands, stream-banks, and moist woodlands. They feature tall spikes of vibrant scarlet-red tubular flowers that bloom from midsummer to early fall. Hummingbirds are especially attracted to cardinal flowers for their rich nectar, vivid red color, and tubular shape, which perfectly suits their feeding adaptations.
13. Salvia (Salvia spp.)
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–11
Soil and Light Requirements: Thrives in well-drained soil with full sun.
Salvia is a diverse genus of flowering plants native to regions worldwide, including the Americas, Europe, and Asia. These plants produce spikes of tubular flowers in colors such as red, purple, blue, and pink, blooming from late spring to fall. Hummingbirds are drawn to salvia for its abundant nectar, long blooming season, and tubular flowers that provide easy access to food. Bees and butterflies also love salvia, making it a great choice for pretty much all pollinators. All varieties are great, but for an extra hummingbird boost, choose red blooms.
14. Hummingbird Mint (Agastache spp.)
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–10
Soil and Light Requirements: Thrives in well-drained, sandy soil and full sun.
Hummingbird mint, also known as hyssop or giant hyssop, is a group of aromatic perennials native to North America, particularly the southwestern United States and Mexico. These plants produce tall spikes of tubular flowers in colors like orange, pink, purple, and blue, with fragrant foliage that enhances their appeal. Hummingbirds are attracted to hummingbird mint for its nectar-rich flowers, extended blooming season from summer to fall, and vibrant colors. ‘Blue Fortune’ and ‘Tango’ varieties are excellent for attracting hummingbirds.
15. Bee Balm (Monarda spp.)
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–9
Soil and Light Requirements: Prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
Bee balm, also known as bergamot, is a native North American perennial found in meadows, woodlands, and along streambanks. At first glance it may look like a single flower with thin petals, but each ball is actually a cluster of tubular flowers. Blooms can be red, pink, purple, or white, and are surrounded by aromatic, mint-like foliage. Hummingbirds are especially drawn to bee balm for its abundant nectar and tubular blooms, which provide easy access to food. Bee balm blooms from mid-summer to early fall and is loved by most pollinators. ‘Jacob Cline’ and ‘Raspberry Wine’ varieties are especially appealing to hummingbirds.
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.