My wife says that any time a hummingbird appears to her in the garden, it is her Nana visiting her to say hello. I agree that there’s something ethereal and magical about these magical creatures, and nothing quite like the flash of iridescent feathers and the soft buzz of wings that signals a hummingbird’s arrival. These tiny, mesmerizing visitors bring movement, beauty, and a touch of magic to any garden. If you’ve ever found yourself pausing to watch a hummingbird hover mid-air or dart among blossoms, you’re not alone—they enchant even the most seasoned gardeners.

So, how do you turn your garden into a hummingbird haven? It starts with the right flowers, thoughtful placement, and a few tips that make all the difference.

Why Hummingbirds Love Gardens

Hummingbirds feed almost constantly to fuel their high-energy lives. They rely on nectar-rich flowers and small insects to sustain their lightning-fast metabolism. While you might spot them in wild areas, a well-designed garden offers a concentrated buffet that’s hard to resist—especially when it includes their favorite blooms and safe perching spots.

Best Flowers for Attracting Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds are most drawn to tubular-shaped, brightly colored flowers, especially in shades of red, orange, and hot pink. These varieties are perfect for planting in sunny garden beds, hanging baskets, and borders:

• Salvia – A favorite for its long bloom time and abundant nectar
• Bee Balm (Monarda) – Vibrant, fragrant, and beloved by pollinators
• Penstemon – Tubular blossoms in bright colors made for hummingbird beaks
• Trumpet Vine – A vigorous climber that produces bold, nectar-rich blooms
• Coral Honeysuckle – A native alternative to invasive honeysuckle, and just as sweet
• Zinnia – Easy to grow and a great landing pad for hummingbirds

Garden Spotlight – Meet the Anna’s Hummingbird

If you live along the West Coast, especially in California, chances are your most frequent winged visitor is the Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna). These dazzling birds are one of the few hummingbird species that don’t migrate, which means you can enjoy their aerial acrobatics in your garden year-round.

What sets them apart?

• Brilliant Color – Males sport an iridescent rose-pink throat and crown, while females have a subtle wash of color with flecks of pink. Their feathers glint differently depending on how the light hits—like flying gemstones.
• Bold Personalities – Anna’s are known to be territorial and curious, often hovering nearby to investigate gardeners or chase off other birds.
• Signature Song & Dive Display – During courtship, males perform dramatic dives from up to 100 feet high, ending in a sharp chirp caused by their tail feathers slicing the air.
• Nesting in Gardens – They often build tiny nests—no larger than a walnut—on slender branches or vines, using spider silk, lichen, and plant fluff.

Master Gardener Tip – Native Plants for Anna’s
Support these year-round residents with winter-blooming natives like manzanita, gooseberry, and fuchsia-flowered gooseberry. These plants provide much-needed nectar when other food sources are scarce.

Anna’s Hummingbirds have adapted beautifully to urban and suburban gardens. When you see one darting through your flower beds or pausing mid-air at a feeder, know that your garden has become part of their wild world.

Creating a Hummingbird-Friendly Garden Layout

To truly attract and retain hummingbirds, think in layers and variety. Plant in clumps rather than single specimens—hummingbirds are more likely to visit a large cluster of flowers. Place blooms at varying heights to mimic natural feeding zones, and consider spacing feeders or flower groupings throughout the garden to encourage longer stays.

Add a few perching spots nearby using bare twigs, small trees, or rustic garden signs—they like to rest in between feedings. And if you can provide moving water (like a bubbling fountain or mister), you’ll have them flocking in no time.

Master Gardener Tip – Avoid Pesticides at All Costs

Hummingbirds rely not just on nectar, but on tiny insects for protein. Spraying your garden with insecticides—even organic ones—can seriously harm their food supply and health. Build a healthy, balanced garden that supports insect life and keeps hummingbirds safe.

Hummingbird Feeders – Helpful or Harmful?

When used properly, hummingbird feeders can supplement your garden and bring these visitors even closer. But they require weekly cleaning with hot water (no soap) to prevent mold and fermentation, especially in warm weather. Use a 1:4 sugar-to-water ratio and never use red dye.

When to Expect Hummingbirds

In most areas, hummingbirds arrive in spring and migrate south in fall. In warmer zones (like yours in Loomis, CA, zone 10a), you may see Anna’s Hummingbirds year-round. Keep an eye out during spring blooms—they’re often the first sign that hummingbird season is in full swing.

A Garden That Hums With Life

When you garden with hummingbirds in mind, you’re not just creating a visual delight—you’re building a living, breathing, buzzing ecosystem. Their presence is a sign that your garden is thriving. And honestly? It’s hard not to feel a little awe every time one zips by.

Whether you’re a seasoned flower farmer or just starting your backyard garden, adding a few hummingbird-friendly plants and thoughtful features will bring joy, color, and movement to your growing space.