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If you’ve ever watched a hummingbird dart through your garden, you know how magical these tiny visitors can be.
Their iridescent feathers, incredible speed, and playful personalities make them one of the most welcome guests in any cottage garden.
The good news is that creating a hummingbird-friendly cottage garden is easier than you might think.
By choosing flowers rich in nectar and planting a variety of blooms that flower throughout the growing season, you can attract hummingbirds from spring through fall.
Here are some of the best cottage garden flowers that attract hummingbirds.
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Why Hummingbirds Love Cottage Gardens
Traditional cottage gardens are filled with layers of colorful flowers, climbing vines, and perennial favorites.
This abundance of blooms provides a steady source of nectar while also offering shelter and nesting areas.
If you’re just getting started, be sure to read my guide on Companion Gardening for Beginners to learn how to create a thriving garden ecosystem.
Bee Balm
Bee balm is one of the very best flowers for attracting hummingbirds. Its bright red, pink, and purple blooms are loaded with nectar and bloom throughout much of the summer.
Bee balm fits beautifully into cottage gardens and pairs well with many traditional cottage flowers.
Hollyhocks
Towering hollyhocks create a dramatic backdrop in cottage gardens while providing plenty of nectar-rich blooms for hummingbirds.
Before planting, be sure to read What Not to Plant With Hollyhocks in Cottage Gardens to avoid common companion planting mistakes.
Zinnias
Zinnias are easy to grow, bloom continuously, and provide nectar for both hummingbirds and pollinators.
If you’d like to grow more plants for free, check out How to Grow Zinnias from Cuttings: Easy Steps for a Blooming Garden.
Lavender
Lavender is often associated with bees, but hummingbirds are also attracted to its fragrant blooms. Lavender adds structure, fragrance, and beautiful color to cottage garden borders.
Learn more in Lavender Plants for Cottage Gardens.
Climbing Roses
While roses aren’t usually the first flower people think of for hummingbirds, climbing varieties can attract insects that hummingbirds feed on while adding height and beauty to the garden.
For inspiration, visit Storybook Climbing Roses for a Dreamy Cottage Garden and Dreamy Cottage Garden Roses to Plant This Year.
Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are a favorite among gardeners because they’re easy to grow, edible, and loved by hummingbirds.
Their bright orange, yellow, and red blooms stand out beautifully among cottage garden flowers.
You can learn more in Best Flowers for Cottage Gardens? Try Nasturtiums!
Peonies
While peonies aren’t a major nectar source, they contribute beauty and seasonal interest to a hummingbird garden.
Combining peonies with other nectar-rich flowers creates a layered landscape that supports pollinators all season.
For ideas, see The Best Pink Peonies for a Dreamy Cottage Garden and Peonies and Hydrangeas: A Dreamy Cottage Garden Pairing.
White Cottage Garden Flowers
White flowers can help brighten shady areas and create beautiful evening gardens. While hummingbirds are generally drawn to brighter colors like red, pink, and orange, white blooms add contrast and visual interest.
Explore more options in 10 Beautiful White Flowers Every Cottage Garden Needs.
Flowers That Bloom All Summer
One of the best ways to attract hummingbirds consistently is to provide a continuous source of nectar.
Planting a mix of flowers with different bloom times ensures hummingbirds always have something to feed on. For ideas, read Cottage Garden Flowers That Bloom All Summer.
Create a Hummingbird Haven
For the best results, include a variety of flower shapes, heights, and bloom times. Combine annuals, perennials, and flowering shrubs to keep nectar available throughout the growing season.
You can also add:
- A shallow water source
- Native flowering plants
- Small trees or shrubs for resting spots
- Avoid pesticides whenever possible
The result is a beautiful cottage garden that not only looks stunning but also provides food and habitat for hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and other beneficial pollinators.
Whether you’re planting bee balm, hollyhocks, lavender, zinnias, or climbing roses, these cottage garden favorites will help transform your yard into a hummingbird paradise.
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