Attract Hummingbirds with Purple Flowers in Your Garden

If you've ever found yourself daydreaming while staring out a window, a flash of iridescent colour zipping past, you know that hummingbirds are pure magic. Those tiny, feathered dynamos, with their impossibly fast wings and jewel-toned bodies, are like something straight out of a fairy tale. And honestly, what's more enchanting than inviting them right into your own garden?

You know what? It’s not as complicated as you might think. While many of us assume hummingbirds are only after that classic red colour, like a beacon in the garden, they are actually huge fans of a whole kaleidoscope of hues—and purple is a real showstopper. It turns out that a touch of lavender, a hint of violet, or a deep indigo can be just the ticket to making your yard the hottest destination on the migratory map.

So, if you’re ready to roll out the purple carpet for these amazing little creatures, let’s talk about some of the best plants to get you started.

A Garden Humming with Purple Power

Salvias: The Hummingbird’s All-Day Buffet

When you talk about a plant that's a hummingbird magnet, you’ve gotta start with salvia. Also known as sage, this plant is like the ultimate all-you-can-eat buffet for our little friends. With over a thousand species, there’s a perfect salvia for just about any garden, from the sunniest patch to a spot with a little more shade. They send up these long, elegant spikes of blossoms that are simply irresistible. You could, quite literally, plant a whole garden just of different salvia varieties, and it would hum with activity all day long. It's not just the colour, but the sheer abundance of nectar in those long, tubular blooms that keeps them coming back for more.

Hummingbird Mint: An Aromatic Welcome Mat

Next up is a plant so perfectly suited for this list, its name says it all: Hummingbird Mint (Agastache). Also called anise hyssop, this plant is a total sensory experience. When you brush against its leaves, you get this incredible, sweet licorice fragrance. And for hummingbirds, it’s a non-stop party. The flowers aren't just pretty; they’re loaded with nectar, and the plant itself is super tough. It’s a drought-tolerant superstar that thrives in well-draining soil, making it a low-maintenance hero in any pollinator garden.

Bee Balm: A Purple-Toned Powerhouse

Don’t let the name fool you—while bees absolutely adore it, Bee Balm (Monarda) is also a favourite of hummingbirds. This one comes in a bunch of shades, but the purple varieties are particularly striking. You’ll find cultivars with fun names like ‘Pardon My Purple’ and 'Purple Rooster' that deliver a big splash of colour. They love moist, rich soil, and while they can be a bit prone to mildew, new varieties have been bred to be more resistant. Plus, the leaves have a lovely citrusy scent and can even be used to make tea. Now that’s what I call a multi-tasking plant!

Attract Hummingbirds with Purple Flowers FAQs

Q: Do hummingbirds really only like red flowers?

A: It's a classic misconception, isn’t it? While they are famously attracted to red, it’s not the only colour on their radar. In fact, many gardeners find that purple, orange, and pink flowers are just as popular. Hummingbirds are simply drawn to bright, vibrant colours that signal a rich source of nectar. So, don't feel like your garden has to be a sea of red. Mixing in purples and other bright shades will give them a diverse buffet to choose from.

Q: When should I plant these flowers?

A: Timing is key, but it really depends on your location. For perennials, like most of the flowers we're talking about, spring is often a great time to get them in the ground. This gives their roots a chance to get established before the heat of summer. For annuals, you can plant them after the last frost date for a show of colour all season long. The most important thing is to make sure your garden has a continuous bloom cycle, so there's always something for the hummingbirds to sip from.

Q: What about pesticides and other garden chemicals?

A: Here’s the deal: pesticides are a no-go. They can harm hummingbirds and other beneficial pollinators. These birds are tiny and sensitive, so it’s best to go the natural route with your pest control. A healthy, diverse garden ecosystem can often handle pests on its own, so consider embracing a more organic approach to keep your hummingbird visitors happy and healthy.

The Classic Beauties You Just Can't Miss

Beardtongue: A Perennial with Pen-ache

The name Beardtongue (Penstemon) might sound a little odd, but trust me, this plant is a stunner. Its tall spires are absolutely covered in nectar-filled, bell-shaped blooms that hummingbirds can’t resist. Most varieties are incredibly adaptable, preferring dry, well-draining soil, which makes them perfect for those spots in your yard that don’t get a lot of water. Give them plenty of sun, and they'll shoot up with a sturdy elegance. It's a North American native, so you know it's a solid choice for any local garden.

Foxglove: A Tall Drink of Nectar

Ah, Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea). This one is a bit of a classic, and it's easy to see why. The plants can grow to be five feet tall, with sturdy spires of blooms that look like little purple thimbles. Those long, tubular flowers are perfectly shaped for a hummingbird's long beak, making them one of the best nectar sources around. It's important to know that all parts of the foxglove plant are poisonous, so it's one you'll want to be careful with, especially if you have pets or small children. Still, it’s a magnificent addition to the back of any perennial border.

Petunias: The Hanging Garden Hotline

Now, for a flower that's all about making an entrance, you can't beat the humble Petunia. These are the workhorses of the garden, blooming all summer long and available in a huge variety of colours, including some stunning purples. The cool part? They're perfect for hanging baskets! This brings the hummingbirds up to eye level, giving you a front-row seat to their aerial acrobatics. You can plant them in containers, window boxes, or let them trail down a wall—the options are endless, and they'll keep the hummers happy from sunup to sundown.