By Morgan Reed, Contributing Writer
Transforming your backyard into a hummingbird sanctuary is a truly rewarding experience. These tiny, iridescent creatures are more than just mesmerizing to watch—they play a vital role in pollination, helping your garden thrive. One of the most effective ways to attract hummingbirds is by planting vibrant, nectar-rich flowers. Among the wide spectrum of colors, purple blooms are particularly enticing to these energetic birds.
In this guide, we’ll explore ten stunning purple flowers that not only beautify your garden but also nourish hummingbirds. With these additions, you’ll create a haven buzzing with life, ensuring your outdoor space is both visually captivating and environmentally beneficial.
1. Salvia (Salvia spp.)
Salvia’s tall, spiky blooms and aromatic foliage are irresistible to hummingbirds. The tubular flowers provide abundant nectar and come in various shades of purple, making them a perfect centerpiece for any pollinator-friendly garden.
2. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
Known for its calming scent and lovely purple hue, lavender is a dual-purpose plant. While its nectar attracts hummingbirds, it also fills your garden with a relaxing aroma. This hardy plant thrives in sunny, well-drained soil, making it a low-maintenance favorite.
3. Wisteria (Wisteria spp.)
Wisteria’s cascading clusters of fragrant purple flowers create a stunning visual effect. Their sweet scent and plentiful nectar make them a hummingbird magnet. Train wisteria to climb arbors or pergolas for an enchanting focal point.
4. Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)
Bee Balm is a showstopper for pollinators. Its vibrant purple blossoms are rich in nectar, drawing hummingbirds back time and again. This perennial also attracts bees and butterflies, adding to your garden’s biodiversity.
5. Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii)
True to its name, the Butterfly Bush attracts a variety of pollinators, including hummingbirds. Its long panicles of tiny purple flowers bloom prolifically all summer, offering a continuous nectar source.
6. Clematis (Clematis spp.)
Clematis is a climber with large, star-shaped purple flowers that are both striking and practical for hummingbirds. Perfect for trellises or fences, it brings vertical interest and lush color to your garden.
7. Heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens)
Heliotrope’s fragrant, vanilla-scented purple blooms are a delightful treat for hummingbirds. This charming plant adds a sensory dimension to your garden with its sweet aroma and vivid color.
8. Lupine (Lupinus spp.)
Lupine offers tall, spiked blooms in various shades of purple, adding elegance and height to your garden. These perennials are nectar-rich and a favorite feeding stop for hummingbirds.
9. Violet (Viola spp.)
As a ground cover, violets bring a splash of delicate purple to shady areas of your garden. These charming flowers spread to form a colorful carpet, creating a picturesque backdrop for hummingbirds.
10. Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
Foxglove’s towering spikes of tubular purple flowers make an unforgettable statement. Blooming in late spring to early summer, they provide hummingbirds with a rich nectar source during a critical feeding period.
Your Hummingbird Haven Awaits
By planting these ten purple-flowered beauties, you’ll create an inviting space for hummingbirds while enhancing the natural allure of your garden. Start planning today, and soon you’ll enjoy the lively sights and sounds of these enchanting birds flitting through your backyard.
Your garden can be more than a place of beauty—it can be a vibrant ecosystem supporting these vital pollinators. Ready to bring the magic of hummingbirds to your doorstep? Start planting and watch your outdoor haven come to life!