Hummingbirds are some of the most fascinating and beautiful creatures you can invite into your garden. Their vibrant colors, rapid wing movement, and graceful hovering make them a joy to watch. If you’re eager to attract these tiny birds without waiting years for your garden to mature, choosing fast-growing flowers for hummingbirds is the smartest approach.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best fast-growing flowers for hummingbirds that bloom quickly, provide practical planting tips, and help you create a garden that becomes a hummingbird hotspot in no time.
Why Choose Fast-Growing Flowers for Hummingbirds?
Not all flowering plants grow at the same pace. Some take multiple seasons to establish and bloom, while others grow rapidly and produce nectar-rich flowers within weeks.
Choosing fast-growing flowers for hummingbirds offers several advantages:
- Quick blooms mean faster hummingbird visits
- Ideal for beginner gardeners
- Perfect for short growing seasons
- Easy to grow from seed
- Provide abundant nectar early in the season
Hummingbirds are attracted to brightly colored, tubular flowers, especially red, orange, and pink blooms that offer easy access to nectar.
What Kind of Flowers Do Hummingbirds Love?
Before planting, it helps to understand what hummingbirds look for in flowers:
- Tubular shape (fits their long beaks)
- Bright colors, especially red
- High nectar content
- Continuous blooming
- Minimal fragrance (birds rely on sight, not smell)
Many fast-growing flowers for hummingbirds naturally meet these criteria.
1. Zinnia – A Fast-Growing Favorite
Zinnias are among the easiest and fastest flowers to grow, making them perfect for attracting hummingbirds quickly.
Why Hummingbirds Love Zinnias
- Bright red, pink, orange, and purple colors
- Continuous blooms throughout summer
- Easy access to nectar
Growing Tips
- Grows from seed in 5–7 days
- Blooms in as little as 6–8 weeks
- Thrives in full sun
- Low maintenance
Zinnias are an excellent choice if you want fast-growing flowers for hummingbirds that bloom early and last all season.
2. Nasturtium – Quick Blooms with Bold Colors
Nasturtiums are fast-growing annuals that produce stunning trumpet-shaped flowers hummingbirds adore.
Benefits
- Blooms within 4–6 weeks
- Red, orange, and yellow flowers
- Grows well in containers and hanging baskets
Bonus Tip
Nasturtiums thrive in poor soil, making them ideal for gardeners who don’t want to fertilize heavily.
3. Salvia – A Nectar Powerhouse
Salvia is one of the best fast-growing flowers for hummingbirds, thanks to its rich nectar supply.
Why It Works
- Tubular flowers perfect for hummingbirds
- Blooms continuously from spring to fall
- Available in red, purple, blue, and pink
Popular Varieties
- Scarlet Sage (Salvia splendens)
- Pineapple Sage
- Black and Blue Salvia
Salvia grows quickly and attracts hummingbirds almost immediately after blooming.
4. Petunia – Fast Growth and Long Blooming
Petunias are well-known for their rapid growth and extended flowering season.
Key Features
- Blooms in about 6 weeks
- Tubular shape ideal for hummingbirds
- Works well in pots, window boxes, and garden beds
Choose red or pink petunia varieties for the best hummingbird attraction.
5. Bee Balm (Monarda) – A Hummingbird Magnet
Bee balm is a native plant that grows quickly and produces shaggy, colorful flowers.
Why It’s Perfect
- Blooms early in summer
- Extremely high nectar content
- Attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees
Bee balm spreads rapidly, making it ideal for filling large garden spaces quickly.6. Morning Glory – Fast-Growing Vine Flowers
If you want vertical growth, morning glories are an excellent option.
Highlights
- Germinates in under a week
- Blooms within 6–8 weeks
- Grows aggressively on trellises and fences
Their trumpet-shaped blooms are irresistible to hummingbirds.
7. Trumpet Vine – Rapid Growth for Big Spaces
Trumpet vine is one of the most powerful fast-growing flowers for hummingbirds, especially for larger yards.
Why Hummingbirds Love It
- Large tubular flowers filled with nectar
- Bright orange and red colors
- Blooms all summer
Note: Trumpet vine grows aggressively and needs space and pruning.
8. Cosmos – Delicate Yet Fast Growing
Cosmos may look delicate, but they grow quickly and bloom abundantly.
Benefits
- Blooms in 7–9 weeks
- Thrives in poor soil
- Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies
Plant cosmos for a soft, natural garden look with fast results.
9. Fuchsia – Perfect for Shaded Areas
Fuchsias are ideal for gardeners with partial shade.
Key Features
- Unique hanging blooms
- High nectar content
- Great for containers and hanging baskets
Their pink and purple tubular flowers are a favorite among hummingbirds.
10. Cardinal Flower – Native and Fast Establishing
The cardinal flower is a native North American plant known for its brilliant red blooms.
Why It’s Effective
- Blooms in the first year
- Extremely attractive to hummingbirds
- Thrives near water or moist soil
Native plants often attract more hummingbirds than exotic varieties.
How to Create a Fast-Blooming Hummingbird Garden
To get the most out of your fast-growing flowers for hummingbirds, follow these tips:
Plant in Clusters
Grouping the same flowers together makes them more visible to hummingbirds.
Choose Red Varieties
Red is the most attractive color for hummingbirds.
Provide Full Sun
Most fast-growing flowers bloom faster in full sunlight.
Avoid Pesticides
Chemicals can harm hummingbirds and reduce insect populations they rely on.
Keep Flowers Blooming
Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering.
Annuals vs. Perennials: Which Is Better?
Annual Flowers
- Bloom faster
- Grow quickly from seed
- Ideal for immediate results
Perennial Flowers
- Return every year
- Take slightly longer to establish
- Provide long-term hummingbird attraction
For the fastest results, combine both types in your garden.
Container Gardening for Hummingbirds
If you don’t have a yard, don’t worry. Many fast-growing flowers for hummingbirds thrive in containers.
Best container plants include:
- Petunias
- Fuchsias
- Nasturtiums
- Salvias
Place containers near patios or windows for close-up hummingbird viewing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using double-flowered varieties (less nectar)
- Over-fertilizing with nitrogen
- Planting only one type of flower
- Ignoring bloom timing
Diversity and continuous blooming are key.
Final Thoughts: Grow Fast, Attract Faster
Creating a hummingbird-friendly garden doesn’t require years of waiting. By choosing the right fast-growing flowers for hummingbirds, you can enjoy colorful blooms and hummingbird visits within weeks.
Whether you plant zinnias, salvias, nasturtiums, or trumpet vines, the key is to focus on quick bloomers, nectar-rich flowers, and bright colors. With the right choices and a little care, your garden can become a hummingbird paradise faster than you ever imagined.