Red Hummingbird Flowers

Red hummingbird flowers are a popular choice for gardens and landscapes designed to attract hummingbirds. Hummingbirds are particularly drawn to red flowers because their vision is finely tuned to detect the red spectrum, which often indicates nectar-rich blooms. Here are some of the key red flowers known for attracting hummingbirds:

1. Red Salvia (Salvia spp.)

• Varieties: Salvia splendens (Scarlet Sage), Salvia coccinea (Texas Sage), and Salvia greggii.
• Characteristics: Tubular flowers in shades of red, pink, and sometimes purple. They bloom from spring to fall.
• Care: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

2. Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)

• Characteristics: Clusters of tubular, bright red flowers. It has aromatic leaves and blooms in mid to late summer.
• Care: Prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It can be prone to powdery mildew, so good air circulation is important.

3. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

• Characteristics: Spiky racemes of brilliant red flowers. These perennials bloom in late summer to early fall.
• Care: Prefers moist to wet soils and can tolerate partial to full sun. Ideal for naturalizing around ponds and streams.

4. Red Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)

• Characteristics: Large, trumpet-shaped red or orange flowers. Blooms from mid-summer to early fall.
• Care: Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Can be aggressive, so it requires regular maintenance.

5. Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)

• Characteristics: Clusters of tubular red or coral flowers. Evergreen vines that bloom from spring through summer.
• Care: Thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soils.

6. Zinnias (Zinnia elegans)

• Characteristics: Bright red, daisy-like flowers. They bloom from summer until frost.
• Care: Prefers full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Deadheading encourages more blooms.

7. Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’

• Characteristics: Vibrant red, funnel-shaped flowers. They bloom in mid to late summer.
• Care: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It’s relatively drought-tolerant once established.

8. Red Columbine (Aquilegia formosa)

• Characteristics: Nodding, bell-shaped red and yellow flowers. Blooms in late spring to early summer.
• Care: Prefers partial shade and well-drained soil. It’s a low-maintenance perennial.

Planting Tips for a Hummingbird Garden:

1. Diverse Bloom Times: Plant a variety of flowers with different blooming times to provide a continuous nectar source from spring through fall.
2. Cluster Planting: Group the same types of flowers together to create a more noticeable and attractive display for hummingbirds.
3. Native Plants: Whenever possible, choose native plant species as they are better adapted to the local climate and more readily recognized by local hummingbirds.
4. Avoid Pesticides: Pesticides can be harmful to hummingbirds. Opt for natural pest control methods instead.
5. Water Sources: Incorporate a water feature like a birdbath with a mister or drip feature to provide drinking and bathing water for hummingbirds.

By incorporating these vibrant red flowers into your garden, you’ll create a welcoming oasis for hummingbirds, contributing to the conservation of these fascinating and beautiful creatures.