Hello Little Hummingbird! My Garden is Over Here...

Photo Credit: Wix.com

If you’ve ever watched a hummingbird hover in place, wings buzzing like a miniature machine, you know the magic these little creatures bring to the garden. In USDA Zone 9—where mild winters and hot summers bless us with long growing seasons—we have many flower choices that are both beautiful and irresistible to hummingbirds.

Here are five standout plants that grow well in Zone 9 and are sure to bring hummingbirds zipping into your garden:

Photo Credit: Wix.com

Azaleas (Rhododendron spp.)

• Bloom Time: Spring

• Flower Colors: Shades of pink, red, white, and purple

• Growing Conditions: Part shade; acidic, well-drained soil

Azaleas offer a big splash of color in spring and are a favorite among hummingbirds. Choose native or deciduous varieties if possible, as they tend to produce more nectar. Plant them under filtered shade or beneath tall trees for best results.

Photo Credit: Adobe Stock

Bee Balm (Monarda spp.)

• Bloom Time: Summer

• Flower Colors: Red, pink, purple

• Growing Conditions: Full sun to partial shade; moist, well-drained soil

Bee Balm is a pollinator magnet. Its bright, tubular blooms are perfectly shaped for hummingbird beaks. Not only do hummingbirds love it, but bees and butterflies will thank you too. Try planting it in drifts for a colorful, fluttering display all summer long.

Photo Credit: Adobe Stock

Sage (Salvia spp.)

• Bloom Time: Spring to Fall

• Flower Colors: Red, purple, blue, white

• Growing Conditions: Full sun; well-drained soil

With hundreds of species to choose from, Salvia is one of the best all-around hummingbird plants. In Zone 9, try Salvia greggii, Salvia guaranitica, or native varieties like Salvia coccinea (Scarlet Sage). They're drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and bloom for months.

Photo Credit: Wix.com

Delphinium (Delphinium spp.)

• Bloom Time: Spring and early summer

• Flower Colors: Blue, violet, pink, white

• Growing Conditions: Full sun (afternoon shade in hotter areas); rich, well-drained soil

Though a bit finicky in hotter climates, Delphiniums can thrive in Zone 9 with care. Their tall spires and bold colors attract hummingbirds while adding drama to borders or cottage gardens. Stake tall varieties and mulch to keep roots cool.

Photo credit: Adobe Stock

🔴 Penstemon (Penstemon spp.)

• Bloom Time: Spring through summer

• Flower Colors: Red, pink, lavender, purple

• Growing Conditions: Full sun; well-drained, sandy or rocky soil

Known as “Beardtongue,” Penstemon is made for hummingbirds. Native to North America, these plants thrive in our warm climate and often reseed themselves. Look for Penstemon eatonii (Firecracker Penstemon) or Penstemon barbatus for nonstop hummingbird activity.

4 Tips for Creating a Hummingbird-Friendly Garden

• Avoid pesticides—hummingbirds eat small insects too!

• Provide water—a mister or shallow fountain works wonders.

• Plant in layers—use shrubs, perennials, and vines to create cover.

• Use red—hummingbirds are especially drawn to red and bright pink blooms.

Whether you're tucking a few sages into containers or designing a whole hummingbird garden, these flowers will bring your garden alive with movement, color, and the joyful hum of wings.