Do petunias attract hummingbirds? They may hold the secret to encouraging these popular birds to visit

Petunias have long been a favorite in flowerbeds, window boxes, and hanging baskets thanks to their rich color, generous blooms, and easygoing nature. But beyond their decorative appeal, many gardeners grow petunias in pots in the hopes of drawing in pollinators, especially the ever-charming hummingbird. So, do petunias attract hummingbirds to your yard? The short answer is yes – though the full story is a little more nuanced.

Hummingbirds are famously attracted to bright, tubular flowers rich in nectar. While petunias don’t produce as much nectar as some native wildflowers or specialty blooms, they still offer enough to pique the interest of these curious, fast-moving birds. The key lies in their shape and color. The trumpet-like form of many petunia varieties allows hummingbirds to feed with ease, while their bold shades – especially reds, pinks, purples, and fuchsias – catch the attention of birds in flight.

Some top choices include Wave Petunias, Tidal Wave Petunias, and Cascading Petunias, which bloom profusely and create an inviting environment for these little visitors.

Their long blooming season makes petunias one of the best plants for pollinators, attracting hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees throughout the year, including during the late summer hummingbird migration.

However, not all petunias are equally suited to the task. Simpler, single-flower varieties are better at attracting hummingbirds than those with heavy hybridization or ruffled, double blooms, which can make nectar harder to access.

Some of the more classic or spreading types, such as those used in hanging baskets or container gardens, are particularly good at bringing color and movement up to a hummingbird’s preferred feeding height.

'Petunias are a stunning summer bloom perfect for pots and hanging baskets, and in my experience, they rank among the best low-maintenance plants for container gardening,' agrees Thomas Rutter, resident garden expert at Homes & Gardens.

'With regular watering and consistent deadheading, they reward you with continuous vibrant flowers all season long. Their trumpet-shaped blooms are perfectly designed for hummingbirds’ long bills, with nectar nestled deep inside to lure these beautiful visitors to your garden. Hummingbirds dart in and out quickly, so stay alert to catch their brief but magical visits.'

To give petunias the best chance of attracting hummingbirds, they should be planted in full sun and kept blooming all season through regular watering and deadheading. Gardeners often have the most success when they group petunias with other nectar-rich plants that offer variety and abundance – hummingbirds are always in search of high-energy food sources, so diversity in the garden is a plus.

While petunias might not be the number one choice for hummingbirds compared to native flowering plants, they do play a meaningful role in creating a pollinator-friendly space. And when placed thoughtfully – in sunny spots, in containers, or cascading from baskets – they can offer a long-lasting, colorful buffet that hummingbirds will gladly return to.

So, if you're looking to bring a bit more life, color, and movement into your garden this season, petunias are a beautiful and surprisingly effective way to do just that. With the right conditions, they’ll not only brighten up your borders – they might just bring a hummingbird or two along with them.

Shop everything you need to attract hummingbirds

To attract hummingbirds using petunias and to help them thrive in your garden, here are some helpful product suggestions: