Hummingbirds Will Flock to These Huge, Easy-Care Flowers, According to an Expert

Want to see more hummingbirds in your yard this summer? Plant hibiscus—their large, long-lasting blossoms are hummingbird magnets. Plus, they come in varieties that work for nearly every garden—whether you’re looking for a tropical annual or a hardy native perennial. Then use these tips from Melinda Myers, gardening expert, author, and host of The Great Courses' “How to Grow Anything” series, to make the most of hibiscus in your yard to attract and support hummingbirds.

Why Hummingbirds Love Hibiscus

Hibiscus have red, tubular blossoms typically linked to hummingbirds. But it’s not the color or shape that matters most—what really draws these birds is the energy payoff, says Myers.

Hummingbirds burn a lot of energy as they zip from flower to flower, and research shows they prefer flowers that offer high “energetic profits”—meaning the nectar provides more energy than they expend to get it. Thus, it’s likely hibiscus flowers’ abundant nectar, as well as their appearance, that keeps hummingbirds coming back. “It’s all about providing a good energy source for them,” explains Myers. 

Best Types of Hibiscus for Hummingbirds

Hibiscus plants come in a range of options—from native perennials to tropical annuals—all of which attract hummingbirds and are suited for sunny to partly shady spaces, says Myers. 

Tropical Hibiscus

Tropical hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) are beloved for their bold colors and nonstop summer blossoms. In warmer climates in USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11, tropical hibiscus can be planted directly in the ground and grown as perennials. In colder regions, they’re often grown as annuals or kept in containers and overwintered indoors. Myers suggests planting your hibiscus in the nursery pot directly into your garden during the warm months for a seamless look, then simply lift the pot out before the first frost.

If you live in a colder climate, and want to keep your tropical hibiscus for the following year, bring it inside for the winter. Place it by a bright, sunny window, advises Myers. With enough light, it may even continue to bloom indoors. If a sunny window isn’t available, allow the plant to go semi-dormant by placing it in a cool, lightly lit area, and water sparingly—just enough to keep the roots from drying out completely.

Regardless of how you overwinter your hibiscus, Myers recommends waiting to prune the plant until late winter.  The trim will encourage fresh growth and prepare the plant for another summer filled with blossoms.

Rose-of-Sharon

This non-native, woody shrub can grow up to 8 to 12 feet and make a bold statement in your garden. Rose-of-Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) is hardy in Zones 5-9, though it can suffer dieback during harsh winters in colder climates, says Myers. It also tends to leaf out late in spring, which can lead gardeners to assume it didn’t survive.

“Be patient when we have crazy, fluctuating spring temperatures,” she advises, so you don't dig up perfectly healthy shrubs that are just slow to leaf out. Once established, however, this shrub is low-maintenance and a reliable magnet for hummingbirds. And while older cultivars are known to self-seed aggressively, newer rose-of-Sharon varieties are more garden-friendly with sterile or low-seed production, notes Myers.

Native Perennial Hibiscus

Both hardy hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos) and scarlet rose mallow (Hibiscus coccineus) are native perennials that offer showy blooms and ecological value. They’re excellent for attracting hummingbirds and other pollinators in Zones 4-9.

While these hibiscus prefer moist soils, they’re surprisingly adaptable once established—Myers even has some thriving in her yard’s sandy soil. They can grow 3 to 5 feet tall, making them ideal for the back of a garden bed. “They emerge from the ground and become these huge shrub-like plants with dinner plate size blooms, which are amazing,” she says.

Like rose-of-Sharon, native hibiscus plants are late to emerge in spring. “It’s easy to think they died and dig them up,” she says. She recommends leaving the dried stalks standing through winter and cutting them back to 6 to 8 inches in spring—this helps mark their spot in the garden and prevents you from accidentally digging them up during spring cleanup.

Where to Plant Hibiscus for Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds are tiny and if you want to watch them, it’s best to plant at least some of your hibiscus close to windows, decks, or patios. If you don’t have the space to add hibiscus to your garden beds in these areas, containers can be just as effective. “I always have pots of hummingbird friendly plants, or in gardens where I can see them when we’re sitting on the patio or when I’m inside looking out the window,” says Myers.

To better attract hummingbirds to viewing areas, Myers recommends grouping several nectar-rich plants in one area to create a small feeding station to attract visitors, and adding a shallow bird bath with gently sloping sides to give hummingbirds a safe place to drink. Misters or small fountains are even better, she notes—hummingbirds love moving water and may fly right through the spray.

Go Pesticide-Free

Creating a hummingbird-friendly yard means more than planting the right flowers—it also means skipping the sprays. Pesticides, even those labeled “organic,” can harm much more than their intended targets, stresses Myers. Many insecticides remain on leaves and flowers long after application, exposing hummingbirds to harmful chemicals as they feed or perch.

Pesticides also kill the insects hummingbirds feed on. Hummingbirds rely not only on nectar but also on small insects like aphids, gnats, and caterpillars for protein—especially during nesting season when they’re feeding young. Avoiding herbicides is also important, as they often kill all plants—good and bad—which reduces plant diversity, as well as the diversity of insects that rely on those plants. 

If pest control is necessary, opt for targeted solutions like horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps and apply them carefully according to the label. Handpicking pests off your plants or simply tolerating minor damage is often the best choice in a wildlife-friendly yard, says Myers. 

Overall, including hibiscus in your landscape is an easy way to add more color and attract wildlife to your outdoor space. However, if you plant hibiscus and other hummingbird-friendly flowers, and don’t spot any visitors right away, don’t be discouraged.

“Don’t give up if you’ve created this beautiful hummingbird garden and they didn't find you the first year—they will eventually find you,” says Myers. In the meantime, you’ll enjoy the blossoms and welcome plenty of other pollinators while the hummingbirds make their way to your yard.