Hummingbirds are wonderfully vibrant birds that can add a splash of color to an otherwise dreary-looking yard over the winter period. And while nectar sources are running low in the cold January weather, hummingbirds can be found keenly darting around looking for somewhere to stop and refuel.
And where they stop could be your yard, if you introduce the right kind of winter blooms that hummingbirds love that is. There are certainly tips for attracting more hummingbirds all year round, but these are the five flowers you want to introduce to your yard to reap the rewards of hummingbirds' presence when winter comes around.
It's worth noting that you'll need to reside between USDA zones 8-10, which can be checked on the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, as the other zones cannot support the growth of these wintery flowers.
1. Cape Honeysuckle
Cape Honeysuckle (also known as tecomaria capensis) is an evergreen shrub that thrives, and most importantly blooms, in the winter months. With clusters of tubular bright orange-red flowers, this plant is irresistible to hummingbirds who can use it as a great nectar source.
It flowers on and off, meaning it's not just enjoyed in the winter months, but throughout the entire year. And fortunately, it's also incredibly drought tolerant for when the weather does finally begin to heat up.
Cape Honeysuckle can grow well in USDA zones 9-11.
2. Grevillea
Grevillea aren't particularly known for being winter blooms, but certain varieties have been bred to suit this particular clime, so you'll have to be picky with which ones you choose such as Winter Wonder and Cherry Cluster.
An incredibly unique looking plant, it has looping needle-shaped foliage that's bright and alluring for hummingbirds. And while it's a native to Australia, it makes it a particularly hardy species that can survive in different types of weather across the world. Though again, some are more cold-tolerant than others.
Grevillea grow well in USDA planting zones 9-11.
3. Manzanita
Manzanita is a California native plant, meaning they're well suited to the temperatures of the US and can provide a perfect early source of nectar as they bloom in late winter – excellent for hummingbirds feeling the cold.
The name translates to 'little apple' and that's because of the lantern-shaped flowers that literally look like tiny pieces of fruit. Thanks to its production of both blooms and berries, it's an ideal source of pollen and food for birds visiting your yard. And it doesn't hurt that it looks great, too.
Manzanita is suitable for USDA planting zones 8-10.
4. Red Buckeye
Another late winter bloomer is the Red Buckeye that provides nectar in the depths of the cold weather to those poor hummingbirds in desperate search of food. With tall clusters of pink-red flowers, it's also an attractive addition to your yard, especially during the frost.
Like the Manzanita, it's also a US native, though this time in the southern and eastern regions, ranging from Texas to Illinois, meaning they like it to be cold, but not too cold.
Red Buckeye generally thrive in USDA zones 7-9.
5. Winter Jasmine
Finally, winter jasmine is a hummingbird favorite, thanks to its wonderfully vibrant yellow flowers littered throughout the long, arching branches. So, if the jasmine alone hasn't already cheered you up, the arrival of the hummingbirds to secure some nectar will certainly add to that.
Again, it's a winter bloom meaning it'll provide for the hummingbirds when little else is, flourishing between November and March (typically known as the coldest months of the year).
Winter Jasmine prefers USDA zones 8 or 9.
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