California Full Sun Plants That Attract Hummingbirds

Flowering Plants

• Although hummingbirds tend to gravitate toward red colored flowers since bees avoid them, hummingbirds really prefer nectar with higher sugar content. Include flowers of varying color and shape in your garden to keep hummingbirds interested.

  The Zauschneria Californica Uvas Canyon, commonly known as the California fuchsia, prefers full-sun exposure, and can tolerate drought or regular watering. It is characterized by a bright fuchsia or red-orange color. According to Las Pilitas Nursery, this plant frequently blooms from July through December.

  The Penstemon centranthifolius, commonly called the Scarlet Bugler, frequently grows up to 2 or 3 feet tall and is known for its bright red flowers and gray foliage, and can tolerate just about any climate California has to offer, from 115 to -15 degrees F. The Scarlet Bugler can grow in full-sun or shade, but blooms better with more sun.

Bushes

• Hummingbirds are frequently found among the branches and flowers of the gooseberry or currant bushes. Both bush varieties are native to California, and can grow in either full-sun or shade.

  The Ribes aureum gracillimum, commonly known as the Golden Currant, is a yellow flowering shrub that grows in the full sun and is known for attracting other birds and insects such as butterflies and berry-eating birds. Golden Currants commonly grow about 6 feet wide and 3 feet tall.

  The Santa Lucia Gooseberry naturally grows along the California coast, and does well in full-sun or shade. It is characterized by spiny purple fruits, and naturally attracts hummingbirds.

Trees

• Hummingbirds commonly nest between the branches of the Arctostaphylos, commonly known as Manzanita, especially in cooler areas. Manzanita blooms vary from pink to white and vary in shapes and sizes; taller Manzanita trees may reach up to 20 feet tall. Las Pilitas Nursery notes that the Manzanita will grow in even the harshest conditions and are quite drought tolerant.

  The Platamis racemosa California sycamore tree is a favorite for hummingbirds and butterflies alike. The tree makes a great addition to the garden because it changes colors in the fall, unlike many native California trees.