A backyard teeming with vibrant flowers and darting hummingbirds is a dream for many nature enthusiasts. These tiny avian wonders are known for their iridescent beauty, rapid wingbeats, and essential role in pollination. Beyond their ecological importance, hummingbirds bring a dynamic energy to gardens, captivating anyone lucky enough to watch their acrobatic flights. If you want to invite these enchanting creatures into your outdoor space, planting flowers that offer abundant nectar is key.
Among the myriad of colors that attract hummingbirds, purple stands out. Its rich tones are both visually striking and irresistibly alluring to these nectar-loving birds. This guide introduces you to ten breathtaking purple flowers that will transform your garden into a hummingbird haven. With these blooms, you’ll create a sanctuary that’s not only lively but also lush, colorful, and full of biodiversity.
1. Salvia (Salvia spp.)
Salvia is a hummingbird favorite, known for its tall spikes of tubular blooms. These flowers are perfectly shaped for hummingbirds’ long, slender beaks, allowing them to access the rich nectar within. Salvia comes in various shades of purple, from soft lavender to deep indigo, making it a versatile choice for garden design. Its aromatic foliage is an added bonus, repelling pests while filling the air with a delightful scent. Salvia thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, blooming continuously throughout the growing season.
2. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
Lavender is a quintessential garden plant that blends beauty, fragrance, and utility. Its soft purple flowers not only attract hummingbirds but also bring a sense of tranquility to your outdoor space. The plant’s calming scent is known to reduce stress, making it as beneficial to humans as it is to wildlife. Lavender thrives in sunny locations with well-drained soil and requires minimal maintenance, making it an ideal choice for gardeners of all skill levels. In addition to hummingbirds, lavender also attracts bees and butterflies, enriching the pollinator diversity in your garden.
3. Wisteria (Wisteria spp.)
Few plants rival the visual impact of wisteria. Its cascading clusters of fragrant purple flowers create a stunning spectacle that captures the attention of hummingbirds and humans alike. This vigorous climber can transform arbors, trellises, and pergolas into magical floral displays. Wisteria prefers full sun and well-drained soil, and while it requires some patience to establish, its breathtaking blooms are worth the wait. Beyond its visual appeal, wisteria’s nectar-rich flowers are a vital energy source for visiting hummingbirds during their active foraging hours.
4. Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)
Bee Balm is a pollinator magnet, drawing not only hummingbirds but also bees and butterflies. Its vibrant purple blooms are rich in nectar and provide an essential food source throughout the growing season. This hardy perennial thrives in sunny to partially shaded areas and is adaptable to a range of soil types. Bee Balm’s distinctive, spiky flower heads add texture and depth to garden borders, while its minty aroma helps deter deer and other pests. By planting Bee Balm, you ensure that hummingbirds will return to your garden again and again.
5. Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii)
True to its name, the Butterfly Bush is a beacon for pollinators, including hummingbirds. Its elongated panicles of tiny purple flowers bloom continuously from summer into early fall, providing a reliable nectar source during the warm months. This hardy shrub is easy to grow, tolerating a variety of conditions, from full sun to partial shade. With its ability to grow up to ten feet tall, the Butterfly Bush makes a dramatic statement in any garden. Pruning it regularly helps maintain its shape and encourages even more prolific blooming.
6. Clematis (Clematis spp.)
Clematis is a climbing plant that brings a touch of elegance to any garden. Its large, star-shaped purple flowers are as attractive to hummingbirds as they are to gardeners. Clematis thrives when its roots are kept cool and shaded, while its vines bask in sunlight. Use it to adorn fences, trellises, or arbors, creating vertical interest and stunning floral displays. This versatile plant pairs well with other hummingbird-friendly blooms, allowing you to design a garden bursting with complementary colors and textures.
7. Heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens)
Heliotrope’s clusters of small, fragrant purple flowers are a feast for the senses. Their vanilla-like aroma is enchanting, and their nectar-rich blooms are a favorite feeding spot for hummingbirds. This compact plant thrives in sunny locations and works beautifully in garden borders, containers, or hanging baskets. While it’s an annual in most climates, heliotrope can be grown as a perennial in warmer regions. Its sweet fragrance also attracts butterflies, further enriching your garden’s ecosystem.
8. Lupine (Lupinus spp.)
Lupine’s tall, spiked blooms are a showstopper in any garden. These perennials come in a range of colors, but their purple varieties are especially effective at attracting hummingbirds. Lupines prefer cool climates and well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Their nitrogen-fixing properties improve soil health, making them a valuable addition to any garden. Lupines bloom in late spring to early summer, providing an early-season nectar source for hummingbirds just as they become active.
9. Violet (Viola spp.)
Violets are delicate ground cover plants that add a splash of color to shady areas of your garden. Their small but nectar-rich purple flowers are irresistible to hummingbirds, who will dart among the blossoms in search of sustenance. Violets spread easily, forming a lush carpet that suppresses weeds and prevents soil erosion. They pair well with taller perennials, creating a layered look that’s both functional and visually appealing.
10. Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
Foxglove stands out with its dramatic spikes of tubular flowers that tower over other garden plants. These blooms, often spotted in vibrant shades of purple, are a hummingbird favorite. Foxglove thrives in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil, blooming in late spring to early summer. While this biennial plant requires some patience to reach its peak, its striking floral displays make it worth the wait. Be mindful that foxglove is toxic if ingested, so plant it with care in gardens frequented by children or pets.
Create Your Hummingbird Haven
By incorporating these ten gorgeous purple flowers into your garden, you’ll not only enhance its visual appeal but also create a welcoming environment for hummingbirds. Each plant on this list offers a unique combination of beauty, fragrance, and ecological benefits, ensuring that your outdoor space becomes a lively hub of activity. Start planning your hummingbird paradise today, and enjoy the vibrant energy and charm these delightful creatures bring to your garden year after year.