March is the perfect time to get ahead of hummingbird season. Plant the right flowers now, and you’ll create a vibrant, nectar-rich habitat that draws these tiny dynamos straight to your yard. Here are seven early bloomers that hummingbirds can’t resist.
Pasque Flower
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Check PricePasque flower is one of the earliest spring bloomers, often pushing through late snow in cooler climates. Its delicate, cup-shaped flowers come in shades of purple, white, and pink, and they’re surprisingly attractive to early hummingbirds migrating northward. Plant pasque flower in well-drained soil with full sun exposure, and you’ll enjoy blooms from late March through April. This low-growing perennial works beautifully in rock gardens or along borders. While it’s native to prairie regions, it adapts well to a range of USDA zones 4 through 8. The ferny foliage adds texture even after blooms fade, and the plant requires minimal maintenance once established. For hummingbirds arriving early from migration, pasque flower offers a crucial nectar source when few other options exist. Pair it with other early bloomers to create a layered feeding station that keeps hummingbirds coming back throughout spring.
Lungwort
Lungwort might have an unfortunate name, but it’s a shade-loving powerhouse for early hummingbird activity. This perennial produces clusters of tubular flowers that shift from pink to blue as they mature, creating a stunning two-tone display that catches the eye of passing hummingbirds. Plant lungwort in partial to full shade with consistently moist soil, and it’ll reward you with blooms from March through May. The spotted, silvery foliage remains attractive long after flowering ends, making it a valuable addition to woodland gardens or shaded borders. Lungwort thrives in zones 3 through 8 and requires little care beyond occasional watering during dry spells. Because it blooms so early, it’s especially important for hummingbirds that arrive ahead of most other nectar sources. Consider planting several varieties with different bloom times to extend the flowering period and keep hummingbirds fed throughout early spring.
Coral Honeysuckle
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Coral honeysuckle is a native vine that hummingbirds absolutely adore. Unlike its invasive cousin, Japanese honeysuckle, this species is well-behaved and incredibly beneficial for wildlife. The trumpet-shaped flowers bloom in brilliant coral-red with yellow interiors, creating an irresistible target for hungry hummingbirds. Plant coral honeysuckle in March, and you’ll see blooms from late spring through summer, with occasional rebloom in fall. This vine thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts to most soil types, making it versatile for different yard conditions. It grows in zones 4 through 9 and can reach 10 to 20 feet, perfect for covering fences, arbors, or trellises. The tubular flowers are perfectly shaped for hummingbird beaks, and the plant produces small red berries that attract other songbirds later in the season. Coral honeysuckle is low-maintenance, drought-tolerant once established, and provides critical habitat for nesting birds.
Salvia Greggii
Salvia greggii, commonly called autumn sage, is a hummingbird magnet that blooms prolifically from spring through frost. Despite its common name, this Texas native starts flowering in March in warmer zones and keeps producing nectar-rich tubular blooms for months. Available in red, pink, white, coral, and purple varieties, salvia greggii thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it ideal for dry, sunny spots where other plants struggle. It’s hardy in zones 6 through 9 and reaches about two to three feet tall and wide. The compact, rounded shape works beautifully in borders, container gardens, or mass plantings. Hummingbirds are drawn to the bright colors and abundant nectar, often visiting the same plants multiple times daily. Salvia greggii requires minimal water once established and benefits from occasional light pruning to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. This low-maintenance perennial is one of the most reliable hummingbird plants you can add to your yard.
Cardinal Flower
Cardinal flower is a stunning native perennial with brilliant red flower spikes that seem designed specifically for hummingbirds. Plant it in March, and you’ll enjoy towering blooms from mid-summer through early fall. This moisture-loving plant thrives along pond edges, in rain gardens, or anywhere with consistently damp soil and partial shade to full sun. Hardy in zones 3 through 9, cardinal flower can reach three to four feet tall, creating dramatic vertical interest in the landscape. The intensely red tubular flowers are perfectly shaped for hummingbird feeding, and the birds will return repeatedly throughout the blooming period. Cardinal flower also attracts butterflies, making it a pollinator powerhouse. While it prefers wet conditions, it’s surprisingly adaptable and will tolerate average garden soil with regular watering. Deadheading spent blooms encourages additional flowering, and the plant often self-seeds in favorable conditions. For maximum hummingbird impact, plant cardinal flower in groups of three or more.
Bee Balm
Bee balm is a classic hummingbird favorite with shaggy, tubular flowers in shades of red, pink, purple, and white. Plant it in March for spectacular blooms from June through August. This native perennial thrives in full sun to partial shade with average to moist soil, making it adaptable to many garden settings. Bee balm grows in zones 4 through 9, reaching heights of two to four feet depending on the variety. Hummingbirds are particularly drawn to the red-flowered cultivars, which provide abundant nectar throughout summer. Beyond attracting hummingbirds, bee balm supports bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators. The aromatic foliage adds a pleasant minty fragrance when brushed, and the plant spreads readily to fill in garden spaces. Choose mildew-resistant varieties like ‘Jacob Cline’ or ‘Gardenview Scarlet’ for healthier plants with less maintenance. Regular deadheading extends the bloom period, and dividing clumps every few years keeps plants vigorous and prevents overcrowding.
Fuchsia
Fuchsia produces elegant, pendulous flowers that dangle like jeweled earrings, and hummingbirds can’t get enough of them. These shade-loving plants bloom continuously from late spring through fall when planted in March, providing a reliable nectar source for months. Fuchsia thrives in partial to full shade with consistently moist, well-drained soil, making it perfect for shaded porches, hanging baskets, or woodland gardens. While many varieties are grown as annuals in colder climates, hardy fuchsias survive winters in zones 6 through 9. The tubular, two-toned flowers come in combinations of pink, purple, red, and white, creating eye-catching displays that attract hummingbirds from a distance. Fuchsia benefits from regular watering and occasional feeding to support continuous blooming. Pinch back growing tips early in the season to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. The drooping flowers are perfectly positioned for hovering hummingbirds to feed, and you’ll often see them working their way along an entire plant during a single visit.