Attracting Hummingbirds: 12 Best Plants for May

Hummingbirds depend on nectar-rich flowers for energy, and your garden can become a vital stop on their seasonal journey. These small birds are drawn to bold color, tubular blooms, and consistent food sources that help fuel their high metabolism. Creating a space filled with the right hummingbird plants doesn't just benefit the birds—it also boosts pollination, supports other wildlife, and turns your yard into a dynamic and rewarding habitat. When timed correctly and planted with intention, your garden becomes more than decorative—it becomes functional and alive.

Why Attract Hummingbirds to Your Garden

Hummingbirds are more than just fleeting bursts of beauty—they’re important contributors to a balanced garden. As they feed on nectar, hummingbirds move pollen from one bloom to another, supporting strong flowering cycles in hummingbird plants. This activity not only benefits your plants directly but also encourages longer blooming periods, healthier stems, and more resilient growth throughout the season.

Attracting hummingbirds helps you build a space that supports wildlife naturally. Hummingbird plants, especially native varieties, serve as a vital energy source for these birds during nesting and migration periods. When you provide access to reliable nectar sources, you help hummingbirds maintain their strength and reproductive success. These birds also eat small insects and spiders, assisting with natural pest management in your garden.

Bird-friendly gardening practices often begin with planting May flowering plants that are rich in nectar and shaped to suit hummingbird feeding. Long tubular blooms in shades of red, orange, or pink are particularly attractive to hummingbirds, though they also visit other colors if the flower structure supports their feeding habits. Incorporating these flowers creates natural feeding stations that reduce the birds' stress and energy expenditure, especially during the peak migration months.

Hummingbirds are highly observant and will return to the same feeding areas if they find consistent sources of nectar. This behavior means your efforts to plant hummingbird-friendly species pay off season after season. Your garden can become part of a broader network of habitats that support attracting wildlife gardens across your region. When many gardeners plant with pollinators in mind, hummingbirds have a better chance of surviving long flights and successfully raising chicks.

Focusing on hummingbird plants also invites other pollinators, such as butterflies and bees, helping to improve the overall vitality of your green space. The more pollinators you attract, the more lush and productive your garden becomes. Prioritizing these plants gives you a direct role in helping birds and pollinators find food and shelter in an increasingly fragmented natural world.

12 Best Hummingbird Plants for May

Adding the right hummingbird plants to your garden in May increases the chances of repeat visits from these energetic birds throughout the season. Many May flowering plants are at their peak this month, providing an abundance of nectar just when hummingbirds need it most. Choosing flowers that bloom in stages helps keep your space attractive well into late summer, creating consistency that supports attracting wildlife gardens in a meaningful way. The selections below are chosen for their nectar production, flower structure, and hummingbird appeal.

1. Salvia (Salvia spp.)

Salvia offers long tubular flowers in shades of red, purple, and blue, all ideal for hummingbird feeding. The blooms are rich in nectar and shaped perfectly for the birds’ slender beaks and long tongues. Many varieties are heat-tolerant and bloom repeatedly from late spring through fall. Plant in full sun with well-draining soil for best results.

This plant is a key part of bird-friendly gardening because of its reliable blooming pattern and ability to thrive in containers or borders. Hummingbirds will return regularly once they find a patch of salvia in your yard.

2. Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)

Bee balm brings a burst of color and strong fragrance that appeals to both hummingbirds and pollinating insects. Its spiky blooms come in red, pink, and lavender tones, producing ample nectar and creating an open structure for easy access.

Bee balm spreads easily and does well in moist, well-drained soil. Its dense foliage also adds habitat value, giving hummingbirds potential perching spots between feeding flights.

3. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

This plant is especially prized for its brilliant red blooms, which are known to be among the top hummingbird attractants. Native to North America, the cardinal flower grows well in damp soil near water features or low areas in your yard.

Its vertical growth habit and tall flower spikes provide a striking visual and steady food source. Since it prefers partial shade, it’s a good fit for cooler zones or shaded borders.

4. Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)

Unlike some other honeysuckles, coral honeysuckle is non-invasive and offers trumpet-shaped flowers that hummingbirds love. Blooming from May through summer, its long-lasting red-orange flowers are magnets for nectar seekers.

This vine works well on trellises or fences, adding vertical interest and creating elevated feeding spots that feel safer to the birds. It also supports attracting wildlife gardens by drawing bees and butterflies.

5. Penstemon (Penstemon spp.)

Also known as beardtongue, penstemon produces tubular blooms that are well-suited to hummingbird feeding. Most varieties prefer sunny spots and thrive in slightly sandy, well-drained soil.

Penstemon blooms heavily in May, helping fill gaps between early spring bloomers and summer perennials. Its upright form makes it an excellent choice for mixed beds or pollinator-focused borders.

6. Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)

Columbine’s delicate, nodding flowers may seem modest, but they’re extremely effective at drawing hummingbirds. The red and yellow flowers of native varieties offer an ideal shape and nectar load for small pollinators.

Plant columbine in partial shade with moist, well-drained soil. It reseeds easily and can naturalize in wildflower gardens or shaded edges, offering long-term support for bird-friendly gardening.

7. Trumpet Creeper (Campsis radicans)

Trumpet creeper’s large orange-red blooms provide a strong nectar supply and a bold visual cue for hummingbirds. It’s a vigorous grower, best suited for large spaces where it can climb freely.

The plant begins blooming in late May and continues through the summer. Its sprawling habit and heavy flowering make it a standout option for creating a hummingbird magnet.

8. Fuchsia (Fuchsia magellanica)

Fuchsia’s drooping, bicolor flowers in shades of pink, red, and purple offer abundant nectar and a flower shape that’s easy for hummingbirds to access. It does best in partial shade with consistent moisture.

Often grown in hanging baskets, fuchsia gives you flexibility to place it near seating areas or windows for easier viewing of your bird visitors. Its long bloom period also keeps your garden colorful.

9. Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)

Zinnias produce dense clusters of petals rich in nectar and are highly visible to hummingbirds. Plant them in full sun with average soil and expect continuous blooming well into fall.

Their bold color range and easy-care nature make zinnias a top pick for attracting wildlife gardens. Hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees all benefit from these reliable bloomers.

10. Agastache (Agastache spp.)

Commonly known as hummingbird mint or anise hyssop, agastache provides upright spikes of flowers with a strong scent and vibrant color. It thrives in sunny, dry areas and is drought-tolerant once established.

Agastache draws both hummingbirds and beneficial insects. It performs well in rock gardens, raised beds, or herbaceous borders, adding fragrance and height to your space.

11. Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia uvaria)

This plant lives up to its name with tall, torch-like flowers that range from yellow to fiery red. The tubular shape is ideal for hummingbirds, and the dramatic vertical form adds visual interest.

Red hot poker blooms in late May and prefers full sun with well-draining soil. Its architectural shape pairs well with grasses or other vertical plants in hummingbird gardens.

12. Lupine (Lupinus spp.)

Lupines provide tall flower spires in shades of purple, blue, pink, and white. The structure supports hummingbird feeding, and the plant enriches the soil by fixing nitrogen.

Most lupines prefer cooler spring temperatures, making them perfect for May planting. Their early bloom and nectar production help bridge the gap between early spring bulbs and summer flowers.

Creating a garden full of hummingbird plants doesn’t require a complete redesign—just a few smart additions that focus on color, bloom structure, and timing. The 12 options above offer a range of sizes, textures, and growing conditions, making them suitable for almost any space. Incorporating a mix of early bloomers and long-season performers keeps nectar available across the months when hummingbirds are active. This layered approach makes your yard a reliable feeding ground and supports stronger migration and nesting patterns.

When to Plant Hummingbird Plants in May

Timing is a key factor when it comes to planting hummingbird plants that actually attract these fast-moving pollinators. May is often one of the most reliable months for getting these nectar-rich flowers into the ground, especially in zones where the threat of frost has passed and the soil has warmed. For many regions, early to mid-May is the sweet spot—cool enough for roots to establish without heat stress, yet warm enough to trigger strong initial growth.

Planting in May supports a critical part of the hummingbird migration calendar. Many hummingbird species, including the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, are already arriving or passing through by this time. They need consistent access to nectar-rich flowers after long migratory flights. Introducing flowering plants during May ensures there's ample natural food for them during this key stopover. The blooms you plant now can become their go-to energy sources, reducing their reliance on sugar feeders and helping them maintain natural feeding behavior.

May planting also sets you up for a garden that supports hummingbirds throughout the warmer months. When you choose May flowering plants, you extend the nectar availability over a longer season. Many plants installed this month will bloom steadily through summer and even into fall. This consistent source of food can help adult hummingbirds prepare for nesting, raise healthy chicks, and stock up before heading south again. Starting now gives your plants time to root deeply and become more drought-tolerant as temperatures rise.

Soil preparation plays a major role in how successful your hummingbird plants will be. Loose, well-drained soil enriched with compost gives young roots the conditions they need to spread efficiently. Water thoroughly after planting and continue to water consistently for the first few weeks. Adding mulch helps lock in moisture and regulate soil temperature, both of which are helpful for new transplants settling in during the variable weather of May.

Sunlight is another important factor. Hummingbird-friendly plants tend to prefer full sun or partial shade. Position your garden beds or containers in areas that receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. This not only supports better blooming but also makes the area more visible to hummingbirds passing overhead. Planting near windows, patios, or decks can also give you front-row views of their visits without disturbing their feeding.

Planning your May garden with hummingbirds in mind allows you to contribute to bird-friendly gardening efforts while enjoying the beauty and motion these tiny birds bring. The more intentional your timing and plant choices, the greater the reward for both you and your feathered visitors.

FAQs About Attracting Hummingbirds: 12 Best Plants for May

What are the best hummingbird plants for small gardens?

Compact options like salvia, fuchsia, and penstemon offer high nectar output without taking up too much space. These flowering plants are ideal for containers or balcony gardens and still attract hummingbirds effectively.

Do I need to use feeders if I plant flowers for hummingbirds?

Hummingbird plants can provide all the nectar these birds need, especially if you include a mix of early, mid, and late-season bloomers. Feeders are optional and should be cleaned regularly if used.

How much sunlight do hummingbird plants need?

⁠Most nectar-rich plants for hummingbirds prefer full sun to partial shade. Aim for at least six hours of sunlight per day to support healthy blooming and strong nectar production.

Can I attract hummingbirds without planting red flowers?

⁠Yes, while red is especially attractive to hummingbirds, they will also visit orange, pink, purple, and even white blooms—so long as the flower shape suits their feeding style and offers nectar.

What should I avoid using in a hummingbird garden?

⁠Avoid pesticides, which can harm both hummingbirds and the insects they eat. Also skip invasive plant species, which may outcompete native hummingbird plants and reduce nectar availability.

Fern’s Leafy Learnings

• Hummingbirds are natural pollinators that help support plant health and seasonal flowering patterns.

• May is a key month for planting hummingbird plants, aligning with peak migration and nesting activity.

• Native and nectar-rich blooms like salvia, bee balm, and cardinal flower are top choices for attracting hummingbirds.

• Flower shape, color, and bloom timing are important—long tubular blooms in warm colors are ideal.

• Consistent nectar sources across spring and summer create sustainable feeding stops for birds and help other pollinators too.

Deepen Your Roots with Flora

Your plant journey doesn’t stop at purchase—it starts the moment you choose to care. With Flora, you step into a growing space where plants and people flourish side by side. From rare blooms to everyday favorites, our curated selection of hummingbird plants and intuitive Flora Pod™ technology helps you build a space that supports wildlife, one bloom at a time.

Whether you're nurturing your first garden bed or filling out a full pollinator haven, Flora is here with tools, tips, and a thriving plant-loving community that grows with you.

Looking to bring more color and life to your yard? Browse Flora’s hummingbird-friendly plants and care guides today.

Ready to learn more? Keep growing your green know-how with more Flora insights: