11 flowers you can plant to attract hummingbirds to your yard in Wisconsin

Jennifer Lazewski is the executive director of the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology and a Master Gardener who has planted flowers in the garden of her Wauwatosa home to attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. These are some of her favorite hummingbird plants.

Hot lips salvia

This annual is a hummingbird magnet. It has an interesting flower that gets its name from its unusual white upper half and lower red half. The flower color can change to more red or white depending on weather and water conditions.

Black and blue salvia

Named for its blue flowers and black base, this annual is easily found in many garden centers in Wisconsin and is an absolute must for a hummingbird gardener. It can grow to 2 feet high or more and can be planted in the ground or in containers.

Cardinal flower

Although this perennial doesn't always survive a Wisconsin winter in clay soil, its striking red color and strong hummingbird attraction make it worth planting.

Cardinal climber vine

This annual vine is related to the morning glory, but it has unusual and attractive lobed leaves and prolific red flowers. It’s a fast grower and needs a wide trellis to climb.

Honeysuckle vine

There are several perennial varieties derived from native plants with different-colored flowers. Major wheeler is an early-blooming red variety. Goldflame and mandarin are other hummingbird favorites. These need the support of a large trellis.

Red bee balm

An easy plant to care for that usually expands into a large patch by its roots. This is probably where most people see hummingbirds since it is a common garden plant.

Hummingbird mint

This semi-hardy perennial will sometimes return in the ground but will usually return if left in large pots and overwintered in a garage. It comes in pastel colors such as pink, salmon and light orange, as well as some reds and yellows. Great for spots that get less water.

Skyscraper salvia

This annual blooms prolifically on tall stems all season long. Comes in pink, purple and a striking orange that goes reddish at times. Best to put more than one in a pot or let their stems overlap for a fuller look and more hummingbird action.

Vermillionaire firecracker plant

An annual that pulls hummingbirds in for a stop as they cruise the neighborhood. It’s bright orange with many blooms that open at the same time. Does best in hanging containers and window boxes.

Scarlet sage lady in red

This annual is taller than the typical bedding salvia, but still does best in raised beds or containers. Its red flowers are reliably prolific throughout the summer. Forest fire is another variety that often grows a little taller.

Amistad salvia

This purple annual salvia grows 3 to 4 feet high, which is tall enough to be planted in the ground and used extensively by hummingbirds. It may need the support of other plants or stakes, but hummingbirds will work through every bloom even if it gets tangled with other plants.

More:This Wauwatosa Master Gardener plants with hummingbirds in mind