Attracting Hummingbirds to the Garden Naturally

A fuchsia in full bloom — one of the best hummingbird-attracting plants you can add to your Cowichan Valley garden

I am no expert when it comes to birds. Back when I worked in consulting as a Vegetation Ecologist, there was a great rivalry between the “veggies” as we botanical specialists called ourselves, and the wildlife experts, or more specifically, the birders. Birders are a breed of their own. If you know one, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Their obsession runs deep.

Whether you are a plant enthusiast or a birder, I think most of us can agree that hummingbirds are fascinating creatures. Of course, my favourite thing about hummingbirds is watching them hover over a plant, their beaks tucked into a beautiful tubular flower while their wings flap at speeds our eyes can barely comprehend.

Today, we’re talking about how to attract these marvellous little visitors to the garden naturally using stunning plants. I sat down with Mieka, owner of Sandpiper Gardens and Glass, and we chatted about some of our favourite hummingbird-friendly plants.

What Are Hummingbirds Looking For?

Hummingbirds love tubular flowers that are adapted to fit their long, thin beaks. They are attracted to bright colours, especially reds, pinks, oranges, yellows and purples.

Top Hummingbird-Friendly Plants

Annuals: Cuphea, Fuchsia, Rhodochiton, Nicotiana, Petunia, Lantana, Calibrachoa, Zinnias

Perennials: Delphiniums, Foxglove, Lupine, Phlox, Nepeta, Agastache, Bleeding Hearts, Columbine, Crocosmia, Salvia. Native plants also attract insects that hummingbirds enjoy eating.

Shrubs and Vines: Wegeila, Flowering Currant, Butterfly Bush, Caryopteris, Rhododendron, Viburnum bodnantense ‘Pink Dawn’, Winter Jasmine, Honeysuckle.

Ideally, you want to curate a selection of plants that provides a continual food source throughout the seasons, reducing or possibly eliminating the need to supplement with feeders. If you do use feeders, be sure to clean them regularly. Winter-blooming shrubs, in particular, can provide an excellent early food source. A few final tips: remember to also include fresh water sources. Hummingbirds prefer shallow moving water, so a small fountain can work well, and create safe shelter through layered plantings.

Originally published in Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine, June 2026 — Issue 211.  |  cowichanvalleyvoice.com