11 Flowers You Can Plant to Attract Hummingbirds in Wisconsin
Jennifer Laszewski is executive director of the Wisconsin Ornithological Society and a master gardener who planted flowers in the garden of her Wauwatosa home to attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. These are some of our favorite hummingbird plants.
Hot lips salvia
This annual is a hummingbird magnet. It has an interesting flower that gets its name from the unusual white upper half and red lower half. The flower color can change to more red or white depending on weather and water conditions.
Black and blue salvia
Named for its blue flowers and black base, this annual flower is easily found at many garden centers in Wisconsin and is an absolute must for hummingbird gardeners. It can reach a height of 2 feet or more and can be grown in the ground or in containers.
Cardinal flower
Although these perennials don’t always survive Wisconsin winters in clay soil, their striking red color and powerful hummingbird appeal make them worth planting.
Cardinal climber vine
This annual vine is related to morning glory, but has unusual and attractive lobed leaves and prolific red flowers. It is a fast grower and needs a wide trellis to climb.
Honeysuckle vine
There are many perennial varieties derived from native plants with flowers of different colors. The main wheel is an early-blooming red variety. Goldflame and Mandarin are other hummingbird favorites. These need the support of a large trellis.
Red bee balm
An easy-to-care-for plant that usually extends a large area of roots. This is probably where most people see hummingbirds because they are a common garden plant.
Hummingbird mint
These semi-hardy perennials will sometimes return to the ground but will usually return if left in large pots and overwintered in the garage. It comes in pastel colors such as pink, salmon, and bright orange, in addition to some red and yellow colors. Great for places that get less water.
Salvia skyscraper
This year it blooms profusely on long stems throughout the season. It comes in stunning pink, purple, and orange colors that turn red sometimes. It is best to place more than one in a pot or let the stems overlap for a fuller appearance and more movement for the hummingbird.
Vermillionaire Firecracker Factory
An annual that attracts hummingbirds to stop as they wander through the neighborhood. It is bright orange with many flowers that bloom at the same time. Works best in hanging containers and window boxes.
Lady sage scarlet in red
This annual is taller than your typical bedding salvia, but still does best in raised beds or containers. Its red flowers are reliably prolific throughout the summer. Forest fire is another variety that often grows a little taller.
Friendship wise
This annual purple sage grows 3 to 4 feet tall, tall enough to be planted in the ground and widely used by hummingbirds. It may need the support of other plants or stakes, but the hummingbird will work through each flower even if it is tangled with other plants.
more: The Wauwatosa Master Gardener grows this with hummingbirds in mind
