Hummingbirds bring energy and beauty to any garden, and one of the best ways to invite them closer is by planting hanging baskets filled with nectar-rich blooms. These plants not only brighten outdoor spaces with vibrant colors but also provide a continuous food source for hummingbirds. From shade-loving flowers to sun-loving cascades, here are 10 of the best hanging plants that will keep these tiny birds visiting all season long.
1. Fuchsia
Fuchsia is a stunning hanging plant that has long been favored by gardeners who want to bring hummingbirds closer to their patios, balconies, and windows. Its trailing habit makes it perfect for hanging baskets, while its brilliantly colored, lantern-shaped blooms offer both beauty and function. Hummingbirds are naturally drawn to the tubular flowers, which hold abundant nectar.
Identification
- Tubular, pendulous flowers with vivid color combinations of pink, red, purple, and white
- Glossy, dark green oval leaves that contrast with the blooms
- Grows in a trailing or bushy form, usually 1–3 feet long, ideal for baskets or containers
Habitat
Fuchsia prefers partial to full shade, making it a good choice for covered porches or shady patios. It thrives in cool, moist environments with well-drained, rich soil. Too much heat or direct sunlight can stress the plant, so placement is key for healthy growth.
Blooming Season
This plant blooms prolifically from late spring until early frost, providing a steady supply of nectar during the hummingbird season. Regular deadheading encourages more flowers, ensuring continuous blooms.
Role in Attracting Hummingbirds
The long, tubular flowers of Fuchsia are perfectly adapted to the feeding style of hummingbirds. The bright colors act as natural beacons, while the abundant nectar ensures the birds keep returning daily. Hanging baskets also position the flowers at a convenient height, making them easily accessible to hummingbirds as they hover and feed.
2. Petunia
Petunias are vibrant, low-maintenance flowers that flourish in hanging baskets, creating a cascade of color. Their trumpet-shaped blooms are excellent for attracting hummingbirds, offering both beauty and function in outdoor spaces.
Identification
- Trumpet-shaped flowers in red, pink, purple, white, or mixed patterns
- Slightly sticky, hairy green foliage
- Trailing or mounding growth, often spilling over baskets
Habitat
Petunias thrive in full sun with well-drained soil. They tolerate heat well and are ideal for patios, balconies, or gardens where they get plenty of light.
Blooming Season
They bloom from late spring to fall, producing continuous waves of flowers with regular care and deadheading.
Role in Attracting Hummingbirds
The trumpet-shaped blooms provide easy access to nectar, especially red and pink varieties, which hummingbirds favor. Hanging baskets full of petunias create an inviting feeding station that keeps birds returning all season.
3. Geranium
Geraniums are classic flowering plants often chosen for hanging baskets due to their bright clusters of blooms and ease of care. Their vibrant colors and light fragrance make them highly appealing to hummingbirds looking for nectar.
Identification
- Rounded clusters of five-petaled flowers in red, pink, white, or purple
- Distinctive lobed, slightly fuzzy green leaves
- Compact, bushy growth habit that can spill gracefully from baskets
Habitat
Geraniums thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. They do best in warm conditions but can tolerate cooler temperatures, making them versatile for different climates.
Blooming Season
They bloom from spring through fall, especially when old blooms are removed to encourage new growth.
Role in Attracting Hummingbirds
Geraniums, particularly red and pink varieties, provide an irresistible nectar source. Their upright and slightly trailing habit in baskets makes them accessible to hummingbirds, who hover and sip from cluster to cluster.
4. Calibrachoa (Million Bells)
Calibrachoa, also known as Million Bells, is a trailing plant that produces an abundance of small, bell-shaped flowers perfect for hanging baskets. Its nonstop blooms and wide range of colors make it both decorative and effective in attracting hummingbirds.
Identification
- Tiny, bell-shaped flowers resembling miniature petunias
- Available in red, pink, purple, yellow, white, and bi-color varieties
- Dense, trailing foliage that cascades beautifully over baskets
Habitat
Calibrachoa prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It grows well in containers and hanging baskets, provided it receives consistent watering and occasional feeding.
Blooming Season
It blooms profusely from late spring until frost, requiring little deadheading as flowers drop naturally.
Role in Attracting Hummingbirds
The abundance of bell-shaped flowers offers easy access to nectar, keeping hummingbirds engaged. Their trailing habit also positions flowers at multiple levels, giving hummingbirds plenty of feeding spots.
5. Lantana
Lantana is a colorful, sun-loving plant that thrives in hanging baskets and produces clusters of small, tubular flowers. Its continuous blooms and rich nectar supply make it a favorite among hummingbirds.
Identification
- Clusters of tiny tubular flowers in red, orange, yellow, pink, purple, or mixed colors
- Coarse, rough-textured green leaves with a distinct aroma when crushed
- Trailing or mounding growth habit, often spilling elegantly from baskets
Habitat
Lantana grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. It is heat- and drought-tolerant, making it ideal for warm climates and low-maintenance gardening.
Blooming Season
It blooms from late spring through fall, often continuing until frost in warmer areas.
Role in Attracting Hummingbirds
The brightly colored, nectar-filled tubular flowers attract hummingbirds continuously. Hanging baskets of lantana serve as both a visual highlight and a reliable food source for the birds.
6. Begonia
Begonias are versatile flowering plants that do exceptionally well in hanging baskets. Their bold, showy blooms and shade tolerance make them an excellent choice for attracting hummingbirds in areas with less direct sunlight.
Identification
- Large, bright flowers in shades of red, orange, pink, and white
- Asymmetrical, glossy or textured green to bronze leaves
- Trailing or upright growth habit, depending on the variety
Habitat
Begonias prefer partial shade to filtered sunlight and well-drained, moist soil. They are ideal for shaded patios, porches, and garden corners where other hanging plants may struggle.
Blooming Season
They bloom from late spring through fall, with some varieties flowering nearly year-round in mild climates.
Role in Attracting Hummingbirds
The brightly colored, nectar-rich flowers—especially the red and orange varieties—draw hummingbirds in. Hanging begonias provide easy feeding access while adding lush, vibrant beauty to shaded outdoor spaces.
7. Impatiens
Impatiens are shade-loving plants that bring vibrant color to hanging baskets. With their nonstop blooms and wide variety of hues, they create a lively display that hummingbirds can’t resist.
Identification
- Flat-faced flowers in red, pink, purple, orange, and white
- Soft, green, oval-shaped leaves
- Compact, trailing growth that spills nicely from baskets
Habitat
Impatiens thrive in partial to full shade with consistently moist, well-drained soil. They are ideal for shaded porches, patios, and woodland gardens.
Blooming Season
They bloom from late spring through the first frost, producing continuous waves of color.
Role in Attracting Hummingbirds
Their vibrant red and pink varieties are especially appealing to hummingbirds. The consistent, easy-to-access blooms make impatiens a reliable nectar source in shaded areas.
8. Nasturtium
Nasturtiums are cheerful, fast-growing plants that work beautifully in hanging baskets. Their bold colors and long, nectar-filled spurs make them a magnet for hummingbirds throughout the warm months.
Identification
- Bright, funnel-shaped flowers in shades of red, orange, and yellow
- Round, shield-like green leaves with long stems
- Trailing growth habit, often spilling generously over basket edges
Habitat
Nasturtiums thrive in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. They prefer well-drained, moderately fertile soil and are drought-tolerant once established.
Blooming Season
They bloom from late spring until early fall, with steady flowering if regularly watered and cared for.
Role in Attracting Hummingbirds
The long spurs at the back of nasturtium flowers hold sweet nectar, perfectly suited for hummingbirds’ long beaks. Their vibrant colors also act as a natural signal for hummingbirds to visit frequently.
9. Cuphea (Cigar Plant)
Cuphea, commonly known as the Cigar Plant, is a striking option for hanging baskets. Its abundant, tubular flowers provide a reliable nectar source and are highly attractive to hummingbirds.
Identification
- Small, tubular, cigar-shaped flowers in bright red, orange, or purple
- Narrow, lance-shaped green leaves
- Dense, trailing growth that cascades over baskets
Habitat
Cuphea thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. It is heat-tolerant and does well in warm climates, making it perfect for summer displays.
Blooming Season
It blooms profusely from late spring until the first frost, with flowers appearing in clusters for months.
Role in Attracting Hummingbirds
The tubular shape of Cuphea’s flowers is perfectly adapted for hummingbird feeding. Its bright colors and plentiful nectar keep hummingbirds coming back all season long.
10. Verbena
Verbena is a colorful, sun-loving plant that looks beautiful in hanging baskets. Its clusters of small flowers bloom abundantly, providing nectar that keeps hummingbirds returning throughout the season.
Identification
- Clusters of small, five-petaled flowers in red, purple, pink, or white
- Finely textured green foliage with a slightly trailing habit
- Spreading, cascading growth perfect for containers and baskets
Habitat
Verbena thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It is heat- and drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for warm, sunny outdoor spaces.
Blooming Season
It blooms continuously from late spring through fall, especially when old flowers are trimmed back to encourage new growth.
Role in Attracting Hummingbirds
The nectar-rich flower clusters, especially in red and purple, attract hummingbirds. Hanging baskets of verbena create a colorful and reliable feeding station for them all season.
