The Fastest-Growing Flowers That Attract Colorful Hummingbirds

1. Bee Balm (Monarda)

gray and white bird on red flower — Source: Photo by Melissa Burovac on Unsplash

Bee Balm, scientifically known as Monarda, is a standout choice for gardeners eager to attract hummingbirds swiftly. Renowned for its rapid growth, Bee Balm can reach heights of two to four feet within a single season, quickly providing lush foliage and vibrant blooms. Its striking, tubular flowers come in vivid shades of red, pink, purple, and white, making them irresistible magnets for hummingbirds seeking nectar-rich nourishment. Unlike similar nectar-rich plants like Salvia or Penstemon, Bee Balm thrives particularly well in moist, well-drained soils and sunny or partially shaded locations, making it a versatile and attractive addition to any hummingbird-friendly garden.

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2. Zinnias

Zinnias are a gardener’s dream due to their ease of growth and impressive speed, blossoming prolifically within just weeks of planting seeds in spring. Available in an array of radiant hues—from fiery reds and sunny yellows to deep purples and vibrant oranges—their blooms instantly brighten garden beds, containers, and borders. The abundant nectar hidden within their compact, daisy-like flowers draws hummingbirds consistently, providing these agile birds with a reliable food source. Hardy and tolerant of diverse soil conditions, Zinnias offer gardeners a low-maintenance yet highly rewarding method of inviting hummingbirds to their outdoor spaces throughout the warmer months.

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3. Salvia

Salvia is celebrated for its exceptionally rapid growth, often establishing vibrant flower spikes within mere weeks of planting in spring. Known for its abundant nectar production, Salvia provides a dependable food source that hummingbirds find irresistible. Popular species such as Scarlet Sage (Salvia splendens) showcase vibrant red flowers, perfectly shaped to accommodate hummingbirds’ slender beaks, making them frequent visitors. Similarly, varieties like Salvia guaranitica (“Black and Blue”) and Salvia greggii (“Autumn Sage”) offer rich nectar reserves, standing out among comparable plants like Penstemon. Beyond their hummingbird appeal, Salvias thrive in sunny, well-drained areas, providing gardeners with beauty and utility alike.

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4. Petunias

pink flowers blooming — Source: Photo by Irina Iriser on Unsplash

Petunias rapidly burst into bloom soon after spring planting, quickly transforming gardens with their vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers. Their rapid development and continuous flowering throughout the growing season provide hummingbirds with an abundant and consistent nectar source. Petunias thrive in various conditions—whether in hanging baskets, containers, or garden beds—making them remarkably adaptable for gardeners of any experience level. Exceptional spring varieties like the Wave and Supertunia series offer vigorous growth, abundant blooms, and vibrant colors ranging from deep purples to striking reds, perfectly tailored to hummingbirds’ preferences. Their resilience and versatility ensure Petunias remain a beloved choice for creating hummingbird-friendly environments.

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5. Nasturtium

A close up of a red flower with green leaves — Source: Photo by Laura España on Unsplash

Nasturtiums are prized by gardeners for their remarkably easy planting and quick germination, often sprouting in as little as one week after sowing seeds in spring. Their cheerful, bright blooms in shades of vivid red, fiery orange, and sunny yellow emerge swiftly, creating a lush and vibrant garden tapestry. Besides their beauty, Nasturtium flowers and leaves are edible, offering a delightful peppery flavor perfect for salads and garnishes. Hummingbirds are especially drawn to these plants due to their nectar-rich, funnel-shaped blossoms. With their dual appeal as both edible plants and hummingbird attractors, Nasturtiums make a versatile addition to any spring garden.

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6. Columbine (Aquilegia)

Columbine, scientifically known as Aquilegia, emerges swiftly from seed planted in the cool, moist conditions of early spring, producing graceful foliage and intricate blooms within weeks. Its distinctive flowers, characterized by elegant spurs and nodding blossoms, create an eye-catching display in shades of vibrant reds, purples, blues, and yellows. These uniquely shaped, nectar-rich flowers are particularly attractive to hummingbirds, perfectly accommodating their long, slender beaks. Columbines thrive in partially shaded gardens, woodland settings, or borders, offering versatility and charm. Their easygoing nature, rapid growth, and consistent appeal to hummingbirds make Columbines a beloved addition to spring planting schemes.

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7. Lupine

purple flowers on green grass field during daytime — Source: Photo by K8 on Unsplash

Lupines are admired for their quick establishment in spring gardens, rapidly producing dense foliage and towering flower spikes that command attention. Their blossoms appear in impressive clusters, showcasing vibrant hues of blues, purples, pinks, reds, and whites, drawing hummingbirds to their plentiful nectar reserves. Unlike similar spike-forming flowers such as foxgloves or delphiniums, Lupines offer sturdy, upright stems and uniquely shaped blossoms that hummingbirds find particularly easy to access. Thriving best in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils, Lupines not only entice hummingbirds but also add striking architectural interest, making them an essential component of lively spring gardens.

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8. Foxglove (Digitalis)

shallow focus photography of pink flowers in the meadows — Source: Photo by Slawek K on Unsplash

Foxglove, scientifically known as Digitalis, quickly captures attention in spring gardens with its tall, elegant flower spikes that can soar up to five feet high. Its rapid growth ensures colorful displays of bell-shaped blossoms within weeks after planting. These tubular flowers, in shades ranging from soft pastels to deep purples and vibrant whites, offer hummingbirds easy access to abundant nectar hidden deep within. For optimal growth, plant Foxglove seeds or starter plants in early spring, choosing moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. Their towering presence and hummingbird-friendly blooms make Foxgloves a standout addition to any garden landscape.

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9. Impatiens

a group of pink flowers — Source: Photo by Rebecca Niver on Unsplash

Impatiens are beloved by gardeners for their fast-growing habit, quickly filling shady areas with abundant, colorful blooms. Available in vibrant shades such as pink, red, orange, purple, and white, these prolific flowers brighten even the darkest corners of your garden. Their tubular blossoms are particularly appealing to hummingbirds, providing consistent nectar throughout the flowering season. For optimal growth, plant Impatiens in partially shaded to fully shaded locations with moist, fertile soil. Ideal for containers, hanging baskets, or shaded flowerbeds, Impatiens offer gardeners an easy-to-grow, versatile choice that effortlessly attracts hummingbirds, bringing lively color and movement to shaded garden spaces.

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10. Morning Glory

blue flower in tilt shift lens — Source: Photo by Woliul Hasan on Unsplash

Morning Glory is renowned for its vigorous vine growth, rapidly climbing trellises, fences, and garden structures with lush, heart-shaped foliage. Within weeks of planting in spring, it bursts into bloom with vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers in dazzling shades of blue, purple, pink, red, and white. These blossoms open each morning, providing hummingbirds with abundant nectar throughout their active hours. To optimize their rapid growth, plant Morning Glory seeds directly into fertile, well-drained soil in sunny locations, providing sturdy supports for climbing. Their quick establishment, radiant blooms, and hummingbird-friendly nectar make Morning Glories an enchanting addition to any lively spring garden.

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11. Cosmos

Cosmos quickly establish themselves as garden mainstays, sprouting within days and blooming prolifically just weeks after planting seeds in spring. Their delicate, daisy-like flowers add charm to gardens with airy foliage and radiant colors, including cheerful pinks, sunny yellows, vibrant oranges, and pristine whites. Cosmos’ extended blooming period—lasting from spring well into autumn—provides a continuous nectar source that hummingbirds find enticing. Thriving in sunny locations and tolerating various soil conditions, cosmos require minimal care, making them ideal for gardeners of any skill level. Their bright, nectar-rich blossoms and easy-going nature make cosmos a delightful choice for attracting hummingbirds.

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12. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

green and white humming bird flying over red flowers — Source: Photo by Joshua J. Cotten on Unsplash

The Cardinal Flower, scientifically known as Lobelia cardinalis, stands out vividly in the garden with its intense scarlet-red blooms. Growing rapidly from early spring planting, it quickly establishes lush foliage and towering flower spikes that can reach heights of two to four feet. Its vibrant color and tubular blossoms are perfectly shaped to accommodate hummingbirds’ slender beaks, making it a preferred nectar source. Cardinal Flower thrives best in moist, rich soils with partial to full sun exposure, ideal for planting around ponds, streams, or garden borders. Its remarkable color, rapid growth, and abundant nectar make it irresistible to hummingbirds.

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13. Penstemon

23811405925 d394347ba2 b — Vibrant tubular penstemon flowers bloom gracefully, inviting hummingbirds with their nectar-rich, colorful blossoms. | Image source: flickr.com

Penstemon, commonly known as beardtongue, is prized for its ability to quickly produce abundant blooms shortly after spring planting. Characterized by striking spikes of tubular-shaped flowers, Penstemon blossoms appear in vibrant shades of red, pink, purple, blue, and white, perfectly suited to hummingbirds’ feeding preferences. These nectar-rich flowers are specifically adapted to attract hummingbirds, providing an excellent food source while adding vivid color and vertical interest to your garden. Penstemons thrive in sunny, well-drained locations, requiring minimal maintenance and tolerating drought conditions. Their rapid bloom cycle, distinctive flower shape, and allure to hummingbirds make Penstemons a valuable addition to springtime gardens.

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14. Fuchsia

Fuchsias quickly become garden favorites due to their rapid growth and extraordinary, pendulous blooms that gracefully cascade from hanging baskets and containers. Their distinctive, dangling flowers—often combining vivid shades of pink, red, purple, and white—create captivating displays that hummingbirds find particularly irresistible. Rich in nectar, Fuchsia blossoms are uniquely suited to hummingbirds’ hovering feeding habits, attracting these lively visitors consistently throughout the flowering season. Thriving in partial shade with moist, well-drained soil, Fuchsias offer gardeners an easy-care option to brighten shaded patios, porches, and garden spaces. Their quick establishment, striking blooms, and hummingbird appeal make Fuchsias a rewarding springtime addition.

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15. Trumpet Vine

a close up of a flower — Source: Photo by Brice Cooper on Unsplash

Trumpet Vine, also known as Campsis radicans, is celebrated for its exceptionally rapid growth, energetically climbing fences, arbors, and trellises soon after spring planting. Its lush foliage quickly covers structures, showcasing vibrant trumpet-shaped flowers in brilliant shades of orange, red, and yellow. These blossoms are specially adapted to hummingbirds’ feeding habits, featuring long, tubular shapes brimming with nectar that hummingbirds find irresistible. Thriving in full sun and tolerating various soil conditions, Trumpet Vine requires minimal maintenance once established. Its vigorous growth, striking blooms, and notable hummingbird appeal make Trumpet Vine an ideal choice for gardeners seeking dynamic vertical interest.

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16. Agastache (Hummingbird Mint)

Agastache, commonly known as Hummingbird Mint, is renowned for its speedy growth and rapid establishment in spring gardens. Its aromatic foliage releases a pleasant fragrance when brushed against, enhancing the sensory allure of outdoor spaces. Abundant spikes of tubular flowers bloom profusely in vivid hues such as pink, purple, orange, and red, offering hummingbirds a bountiful nectar supply. Thriving in sunny locations with well-drained soil, Agastache tolerates drought conditions with ease, making it ideal for low-maintenance landscapes. Its quick growth, fragrant foliage, and nectar-rich blossoms combine to create a hummingbird magnet, enriching gardens with both color and wildlife activity.

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17. Verbena

Verbena quickly transforms spring gardens with its rapid bloom cycle, producing vibrant clusters of tiny flowers in rich shades of purple, pink, red, and white. These dense flower clusters create abundant nectar reservoirs, perfectly suited to hummingbirds’ energetic feeding habits. Verbena thrives in sunny locations and adapts well to various garden conditions, making it an ideal choice for borders, hanging baskets, or containers. Its continuous blooming from spring through autumn provides hummingbirds with a reliable food source throughout the warmer months. Easy to grow and maintain, Verbena’s vibrant, nectar-rich flowers ensure hummingbirds return regularly, bringing lively activity and color to your garden.

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18. Hollyhocks

Hollyhocks are cherished for their rapid vertical growth, creating dramatic garden backdrops with towering stems that can quickly reach six feet or more. Their large, showy blossoms—appearing in lovely shades of pink, red, white, yellow, and purple—open sequentially along tall spikes, providing sustained visual interest. These expansive, nectar-rich blooms are particularly attractive to hummingbirds, offering easy access to an abundant food source. Hollyhocks prefer full sun and well-drained soil, thriving in garden borders or along fences and walls. Their impressive height, quick establishment, and hummingbird-friendly blossoms make Hollyhocks an excellent spring planting choice to enhance garden beauty and wildlife appeal.

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19. Snapdragon

423941477 3f6ae100d2 b — Bright snapdragon flowers burst into vibrant spring blooms, inviting hummingbirds with their colorful petals and graceful shapes. | Image source: flickr.com

Snapdragons are prized for their quick germination and rapid establishment in spring gardens, producing vibrant blossoms within just a few weeks after planting seeds. Their uniquely shaped blooms resemble tiny dragon mouths, opening and closing gently when squeezed, and come in a captivating range of colors including bright reds, pastel pinks, sunny yellows, and crisp whites. These nectar-rich flowers hold a special attraction for hummingbirds, enticing them with their tubular forms and abundant nourishment. Snapdragons thrive in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, easily adding height and color to garden beds, containers, or borders while attracting lively hummingbird visitors.

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20. Delphinium

purple flowers in tilt shift lens — Source: Photo by Yoksel 🌿 Zok on Unsplash

Delphiniums quickly establish themselves in spring gardens, producing tall, majestic flower spikes that can soar impressively to heights of five feet or more. These towering blooms come in striking shades of vibrant blues, purples, pinks, and whites, adding vertical interest and a dramatic backdrop to garden displays. Their tubular blossoms hold an abundant nectar supply, designed perfectly to attract hummingbirds seeking nourishment. Thriving in sunny locations with rich, well-drained soil, Delphiniums are ideal for garden borders and cottage-style plantings. Their rapid growth, captivating beauty, and abundant nectar production make Delphiniums an exceptional choice for gardeners looking to invite hummingbirds.

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21. Lantana

Lantana rapidly establishes itself in spring gardens, quickly growing into lush, vibrant shrubs adorned with eye-catching flower clusters. These blossoms, appearing in a stunning spectrum of reds, oranges, yellows, pinks, and purples, often exhibit multiple hues within a single cluster, creating a captivating display. Rich in nectar, Lantana flowers provide hummingbirds with a consistent and appealing food source throughout the season. Thriving in sunny locations with well-drained soil, Lantana tolerates heat and drought remarkably well, making it ideal for low-maintenance landscapes, borders, and containers. Its fast growth, vivid blooms, and irresistible nectar make Lantana an exceptional hummingbird attraction.

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22. Canna Lily

Canna Lilies swiftly transform gardens with their rapid growth and bold, tropical presence, quickly reaching heights of up to six feet. Their large, lush foliage and exotic-looking blooms in vibrant hues of red, orange, yellow, and pink lend an unmistakably tropical flair to any outdoor space. The striking, tubular flowers brim with nectar, creating an irresistible attraction for hummingbirds seeking nourishment. Canna Lilies thrive best in sunny locations with moist, well-drained soil, perfectly suited for garden borders, containers, or waterside plantings. Their swift development, luxurious foliage, and abundant nectar-rich blossoms combine beautifully, making them an ideal choice to attract hummingbirds.

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23. Phlox

Phlox swiftly brightens spring gardens with its rapid blooming habit, offering abundant clusters of delicately fragrant flowers. Available in captivating shades of pink, purple, white, red, and lavender, Phlox blossoms create vibrant carpets of color that easily attract hummingbirds. Their nectar-rich blooms provide a consistent food source, making them especially enticing to these lively visitors. Phlox thrives in sunny to partially shaded locations with moist, well-drained soil, making it perfect for borders, rock gardens, or container plantings. Its rapid growth, colorful varieties, and irresistible nectar supply ensure that Phlox remains a favorite among gardeners looking to welcome hummingbirds each spring.

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Conclusion

Planting fast-growing, nectar-rich flowers in spring provides an effective and rewarding way to attract colorful hummingbirds to your garden. These vibrant blooms not only beautify outdoor spaces but also support essential pollination, promoting garden health and biodiversity. To maximize success, choose plants suited to your climate, ensure proper soil preparation, and select sunny or partially shaded locations based on each flower’s specific needs. With just a little planning and care, your garden can become a thriving sanctuary for these enchanting birds. Start planting today and soon you’ll experience the delight of watching hummingbirds dance gracefully among your flowers.

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