We asked our Field Editors to tell us about the flowers that their hummingbirds never visit.
Hummingbirds prefer some colorful flowers more than others. They typically seek out long, tube-shaped flowers—especially red ones. But have you ever wondered which plants that hummers aren’t so crazy about? This list is a good place to start. Keep in mind that your own results may vary based on your location, habitat, and other backyard factors.
Birding experts Kenn and Kimberly Kaufman say ruby-throated hummingbirds, in particular, have to be more adaptable than many other hummingbirds because they migrate such a long distance through different habitats, dealing with big variations in weather and climate. It’s an advantage for them to be flexible and to check out whatever flowers are available.
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Courtesy Susan Terry Hummingbirds don’t like roses as much as other flowers
Roses
Do hummingbirds like roses? Our Field Editors say no. “Hummers seem to stay away from flowers with a large opening, like roses. Instead, they visit the flowers that are tiny, like lilacs. I think their narrow little beaks help them to drink easier from something smaller. They will also drink from tomato plant flowers. Just my observation,” says Donna Stafford Sleight. We found 11 nectar plants for hummingbirds you aren’t growing yet.
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Courtesy Laura Netro Price American goldfinch on black-eyed Susans
Black-Eyed Susans
“I can’t say I’ve ever seen (hummingbirds) on the purple coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, daylilies, or astilbe,” says Birds & Blooms Field Editor Judy Roberts.
Backyard tip: You will want to add these seed-bearing plants to your goldfinch garden.
“I only have a few hummingbirds visit during warmer months. However, I notice they never show any interest in my iris blooms. In my many years of gardening, I have never seen any hummingbirds visit them,” says Field Editor Lori Burdette-Bowers. Check out the top 10 purple flowers that attract hummingbirds.
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Courtesy Nora Hicks
Daylilies
“I have hundreds of daylilies and have never seen a hummer at them,” says Field Editor Robin Evans. To attract hummingbirds, try growing canna lilies instead.
We know that these easy-to-grow perennials are popular with butterflies and songbirds, but do hummingbirds like coneflowers? “As others have said, I’ve never seen hummingbirds feed from echinacaea (coneflower), daylilies, or roses. In addition, they don’t visit my Tecoma stans, which has larger flowers, or coral honeysuckle,” says Field Editor Pat Northington.
Backyard Tip: Even if you haven’t had luck attracting hummingbirds, don’t give up. Juveniles will be looking for a place to eat, so you could attract visitors at any time.
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Justus de Cuveland/Getty Images Autumn joy sedum
Sedum
“In 50 years of extensive gardening, I have never seen (hummingbirds) feed on sedum. We had five varieties in the gardens blooming this year, pink, purple, yellows, and various sizes from ground covers to nearly 3 feet tall—never saw a hummingbird on any of them,” says Field Editor Keith Golden. Psst—hummingbirds will flock to a hummingbird mint plant.
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ZoomTravels/Getty Images
Shasta Daisies
“I love the way that Shasta daisies look, but they attract nothing to my yard. The hummingbirds fly right around them to other things. Not even the butterflies would touch them,” says Field Editor Rebecca Williamson. We found the best salvias to grow for hummingbirds.
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Courtesy Arlean Bower
Oriental Poppies
“We have a large bed of oriental poppies and have never seen the hummers visit them,” says Field Editor Sue Gronholz. You might have better luck attracting pollinators with these native plants instead.
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