Annuals to Plant in a Hummingbird Garden

Creating a hummingbird garden happens by planting the right plants. Despite whether you create with shrubs, perennials, trees, or a combination there of, knowing what plants bring the hummingbirds is your first concern. I like to hang a few feeders in among the plants, just as a supplement. Finding the right annuals can help complement the bare spots in the garden, or you can create one with purely annuals. These are all annuals that attract hummingbirds, according to Floridata.

Larkspur (Consolida ajacis)

Also known as the annual delphinium, annual larkspur, or rocket larkspur, this plant is from the buttercup family of plant. It is easy to grow. Larkspur grows two to three feet high with bright green dissected leaves and a flowering spike. Foliage has a feathery look to it. Flowers bloom lilac, pink, blue or white. Plant in full sun with supplemental watering during the dry spells. Propagate by seed. They may self sow. Seeds of a larkspur are poisonous and the leaves may sicken cattle.

Lion's Ear (Leonotis nepetifolia)

This drought tolerant member of the mint family grows up to eight feet high. It has erect angled stems, opposite leaves, and clusters of flowers. Smooth foliage has toothed margins. Flowers are tubular, furry, and orange. Lion's ear should be planted in full sun or partial shade with a preference for moist soil. Propagate by seed, but it may self-sow. Hummingbirds seem to drink from these flowers longer than other flowers in the garden.

Wishbone Flower (Torenia fournieri)

A member of the figwort family of plants, this annual attracts songbirds as well as hummingbirds. It grows 12 inches tall and nearly as wide. The stems are hairless as well as the leaves. Flowers are showy and trumpet-like. Colors are determined by cultivar. Plant a wishbone flower in moist soil from partial to full shade. Propagate by seed or by cuttings. Seed should not be buried as they will need light to germinate.

Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)

Also known as youth-and-old-age, the zinnia is a member of the aster/daisy family of plants. It is drought tolerant and will attract butterflies as well as hummingbirds. It grows up to 30 inches tall with a bushy growth. They have daisy-like ray flowers with yellow and black disks. Blooms can be any color. Leaves are opposite and lance-like in shape. They are quite sandpapery in texture. Zinnia prefers to grow in full sun with a well-drained rich soil. Propagate by seed. Transplanting of zinnia seedlings is difficult as they are root disturbance sensitive.

Related Content:

Annual Flowers Great for Container Gardening

Self-Seeding Annuals

Perennial Flowering Plants that Attract Hummingbirds

Sources:

Floridata: Larkspur

Floridata: Lion's Ear

Floridata: Wishbone Flower

Floridata: Zinnia