10 Best Types of Red Flower for Hummingbirds

Hello there! If you’re a bird lover and want to attract hummingbirds to your garden, you’ll want to know which flowers are best suited for this task.

In this article, I’ll be sharing with you 10 of the best types of red flowers that hummingbirds simply can’t resist.

These flowers are not only beautiful but also provide the nectar and sustenance that hummingbirds need to thrive.

So, let’s take a closer look at these stunning red flowers and learn how to create a hummingbird-friendly garden.

ImageName
FirebushFirebush
Scarlet BeebalmScarlet Beebalm
Cardinal FlowerCardinal Flower
Red ColumbineRed Columbine
Red Trumpet VineRed Trumpet Vine
Red SalviaRed Salvia
Red PenstemonRed Penstemon
Scarlet SageScarlet Sage
Red Globe AmaranthRed Globe Amaranth
Indian PaintbrushIndian Paintbrush

Best Types of Red Flower for Hummingbirds

1. Firebush (Hamelia patens)

Firebush
Credits: Wikipedia

Hummingbirds visit a firebush because it has one of the most attractive red flowers.

Hummingbirds and other types of pollinators are drawn to the beautiful red tubular blooms that are produced by this shrub during its lengthy flowering period. 

Hummingbirds have access to food for a longer period of time since the blooms are produced in clusters from the late spring through the early autumn. 

The fire bush is a plant that is native to tropical and subtropical climates, including places like Florida, Mexico, and the Caribbean. It thrives in full sun.

2. Scarlet Beebalm (Monarda didyma)

Scarlet Beebalm
Credits: Ontario Native Plants

Hummingbirds like nectarine on a variety of red flowers, including Scarlet Beebalm.

Hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies are just some of the pollinators who are drawn to these blossoms because of their vibrant red color. 

It is preferable to cultivate scarlet beebalm in full light, and it blooms from the middle of summer till October.

It is simple to cultivate in a variety of environments due to its origin in North America.

3. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

Red Cardinal Flower

Hummingbirds are drawn to the brilliant red color of the cardinal flower, which makes it a popular nectar source. 

This perennial grows best in wet, well-drained soil and produces flowers from the middle of summer to the beginning of September. 

Hummingbirds will be drawn to your garden by its native status in North America and the fact that it is a fantastic option for food for these birds.

4. Red Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)

Red Columbine
Credits: Wikipedia

The red columbine is a flower that blooms in the spring and has a brilliant crimson color.

Its natural habitat is North America, where it thrives best in shaded areas with wet, well-drained soil. 

Because the blossoms are so appealing to hummingbirds and other types of pollinators, this plant is a wonderful option for luring hummingbirds to your garden.

5. Red Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)

Red Trumpet Vine
Credits: Wikipedia

The red trumpet vine is an evergreen vine that blooms in the summer and autumn with brilliant red tubular flowers.

This quick-growing vine is indigenous to the southern region of the United States.

It thrives on soil that is both sunny and well-drained. 

Because the blooms are so alluring to hummingbirds and other types of pollinators, growing this plant in your yard is an excellent option if you want to bring more hummingbirds there.

6. Red Salvia (Salvia coccinea)

Red Salvia
Credits: The Spruce

Red Salvia, also known as Salvia coccinea, is an annual flower that blooms with vivid red blossoms from summer into October. 

It is native to Mexico and Central America, and its ideal growing conditions are full sun and soil with good drainage. 

Because the blossoms are so appealing to hummingbirds and other types of pollinators, this plant is a wonderful option for luring hummingbirds to your garden.

7. Red Penstemon (Penstemon barbatus)

Red Penstemon
Credits: All-America Selections

The vivid red tubular blossoms of the perennial flower known as red penstemon are produced throughout the summer and autumn seasons. 

This flower is endemic to the western part of the United States, where it thrives in full sun and soil that drains well. It is resistant to drought. 

Because the blossoms are so appealing to hummingbirds and other types of pollinators, this plant is a wonderful option for luring hummingbirds to your garden.

8. Scarlet Sage (Salvia splendens)

Scarlet Sage
Credits: Wisconsin Horticulture

The scarlet sage is a kind of annual flower that blooms from summer all the way through October with vibrant red blossoms. 

It is native to Brazil and enjoys growing in soil that is dry and has good drainage.

Because the blossoms are so appealing to hummingbirds and other types of pollinators, this plant is a wonderful option for luring hummingbirds to your garden.

9. Red Globe Amaranth (Gomphrena globosa)

Red Globe Amaranth
Credits: The Spruce

The vivid red petals of the annual flower known as red globe amaranth appear from summer all the way through October.

This flower is native to Mexico and Central America and thrives in full sun and soil with good drainage. 

It can withstand periods of drought.

Because the blossoms are so appealing to hummingbirds and other types of pollinators, this plant is a wonderful option for luring hummingbirds to your garden.

10. Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja)

Indian Paintbrush
Credits: Wikipedia

The Indian paintbrush is a kind of flowering plant that may live for many years and produces beautiful red blooms from late spring to early autumn. 

This flower, which can survive periods of drought, is endemic to North America and thrives in sunny locations with soil that drains well. 

Because the blossoms are so appealing to hummingbirds and other types of pollinators, this plant is a wonderful option for luring hummingbirds to your garden.

Conclusion

In conclusion, creating a hummingbird-friendly garden is easy and fun, especially when you know which flowers to plant.

By incorporating some or all of these 10 types of red flowers into your garden, you’ll be sure to attract plenty of hummingbirds to your yard.

From the vibrant and showy Cardinal Flower to the delicate and charming Bee Balm, each of these flowers has a unique beauty and charm that is sure to delight both you and the hummingbirds that visit your garden.

So, why not start planning your hummingbird garden today and enjoy the beauty and wonder of these amazing birds in your own backyard!

FAQ

Why do hummingbirds like red flowers?

Hummingbirds are attracted to the color red because it signals to them that there is nectar inside the flower. Red is also a color that is easy for hummingbirds to see.

How do I attract hummingbirds to my garden?

To attract hummingbirds to your garden, you can plant a variety of flowers in shades of red, pink, and purple. You can also provide hummingbird feeders filled with nectar and make sure to keep the feeder clean and fresh.

Are there any other colors of flowers that hummingbirds like?

While red is the most popular color for hummingbirds, they also like flowers in shades of pink, orange, and purple.

How often should I refill my hummingbird feeder?

Hummingbird feeders should be refilled with fresh nectar every 3-4 days, or more frequently in hot weather.

Can I plant these red flowers in containers?

Yes, many of these red flowers can be planted in containers, which makes them a great option for balcony or patio gardens. Just make sure to choose a container that is large enough for the plant to grow and has good drainage.

Last Updated on April 9, 2023 by Lily Aldrin

About Lily Aldrin

I am Lily Aldrin. I attended Cornell University, where I obtained my degree to become an Ornithologist so I could pursue my love of these magnificent creatures in and out of their natural habitats.