🌸 Fast-Growing Flowers for Hummingbirds (USA Guide)
There’s nothing more magical than watching a flash of color dart through your garden — the quick, glittering wings of a hummingbird. If you want to attract these tiny visitors fast, planting quick-blooming flowers is the secret. The good news? You don’t need to wait months for results. In this guide, you’ll discover the best fast-growing flowers for hummingbirds in the USA, plus easy tips to help them thrive in your backyard.
🌺 Why Hummingbirds Love Certain Flowers
Hummingbirds aren’t attracted to all blooms — they seek bright colors (especially red and orange) and nectar-rich flowers shaped perfectly for their long beaks. The key is to grow plants that:
- Bloom early and last long
- Offer continuous nectar through the season
- Can handle the U.S. climate and soil variations
Fast-growing flowers not only bring these birds sooner but also make your garden vibrant and pollinator-friendly.
🌼 Below are top-performing options you can plant across most U.S. regions — perfect for quick color and instant hummingbird attraction.
1. Zinnias (Zinnia elegans)
Growth time: 6–8 weeks
Best for: Summer bloomers
Zinnias are colorful, sun-loving flowers that germinate quickly and bloom for months. Their large, bright heads are irresistible to hummingbirds — and butterflies too.
🕊️ Tip: Plant in full sun and deadhead regularly to encourage new blooms.
2. Petunias
Growth time: 5–7 weeks
Petunias are easy to grow from seed or starter plants and bloom nonstop from spring to fall. The funnel-shaped flowers are perfect for hummingbirds’ slender bills.
🕊️ Recommended: Mix red and pink varieties for the best visual appeal.
3. Salvia (Sage)
Growth time: 6 weeks
This hardy plant is a nectar powerhouse. Red and purple salvia varieties like Scarlet Sage and Texas Sage are magnets for hummingbirds.
🕊️ Bonus: Drought-tolerant and ideal for southern states.
4. Nasturtium
Growth time: 6–8 weeks
These vibrant orange and yellow flowers grow fast and trail beautifully over pots or fences. They’re also edible and attract both hummingbirds and bees.
5. Morning Glories
Growth time: 5–6 weeks
Morning glories climb quickly and produce trumpet-shaped blooms that open early — right when hummingbirds are most active.
🕊️ Note: Give them a trellis or fence to climb on.
6. Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)
Growth time: 8 weeks to establish
One of the most popular hummingbird attractors. The bold orange-red trumpet flowers are perfectly shaped for their beaks.
🕊️ Warning: Can spread aggressively — best for large gardens or fences.
7. Bee Balm (Monarda)
Growth time: 6–8 weeks
Bee Balm is native to North America and blooms in red, pink, and purple. Hummingbirds absolutely love its spiky flowers and minty scent.
🕊️ Tip: Cut it back after flowering to encourage a second bloom.
8. Cosmos
Growth time: 7 weeks
Cosmos flowers bring light, airy charm to any garden. Their long stems and colorful petals attract hummingbirds and butterflies alike.
🕊️ Recommended: Plant a mix of red and orange varieties for a stunning display.
9. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
Growth time: 8–10 weeks
The bright red spikes of this native wildflower make it one of the most reliable plants for attracting hummingbirds in the U.S.
🕊️ Best for: Moist soil near ponds or shaded garden beds.
10. Four O’Clocks
Growth time: 6 weeks
As the name suggests, these flowers open in the afternoon and release a sweet fragrance that hummingbirds love.
🕊️ Fun fact: They come in multiple colors and self-seed easily.
🌿 Quick Planting Tips for Fast Growth
To get results fast:
- Start from young plants, not seeds, if you want blooms within 4–6 weeks.
- Use nutrient-rich soil and ensure 6+ hours of daily sunlight.
- Water consistently but avoid soggy roots.
- Mix perennials and annuals to keep flowers blooming all year.
- Avoid pesticides — they can harm hummingbirds and their food sources.
🕊️ Recommended: Try Miracle-Gro Bloom Booster for faster flowering (Check on Amazon)
🌤️ Seasonal Guide (U.S. Climate Zones)
| Region | Best Planting Months | Ideal Flowers |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast | April–May | Bee Balm, Zinnia, Salvia |
| Southeast | March–April | Trumpet Vine, Petunia, Cosmos |
| Midwest | May–June | Zinnia, Cardinal Flower |
| Southwest | February–March | Salvia, Nasturtium |
| Pacific Northwest | April–May | Morning Glory, Bee Balm |
❓ FAQs
Q1. What color flowers attract hummingbirds the most?
A: Red and orange flowers are top favorites, but they’ll also visit pink, purple, and yellow blooms.
Q2. How can I make my garden more attractive to hummingbirds?
A: Plant continuous bloomers, add a water source, and hang a red hummingbird feeder.
Q3. Do hummingbirds prefer native or hybrid flowers?
A: Native flowers usually have more nectar, so they’re more appealing to hummingbirds.
Q4. Can I grow these flowers in pots?
A: Yes! Many fast-growing flowers like zinnias, petunias, and nasturtiums thrive in containers.
🌸 Conclusion
If you’re eager to see hummingbirds in your yard this season, start with fast-growing flowers that provide bright color and nectar quickly. From zinnias to bee balm, these blooms will attract hummingbirds in just weeks — turning your garden into a buzzing, fluttering paradise. So grab your gardening gloves, pick a sunny spot, and get ready to welcome your new feathered visitors!
