One of my favorite signs of summer in Hilltop is seeing and hearing hummingbirds zip through my garden. Even in the middle of Central Denver, these tiny birds will happily visit our yards, patios, and balconies if we give them what they’re looking for: bright flowers, layered plantings, and reliable nectar throughout the season.

You don’t need a huge space to attract hummingbirds. In fact, some of the busiest hummingbird activity in our neighborhood happens in small backyard gardens and container-filled patios. Plants like Salvia, Penstemon, Agastache, Lantana, Columbine, Hummingbird Trumpet, and Cuphea are all favorites. Cuphea, sometimes called cigar plant or firecracker plant, is especially attractive to hummingbirds because of its small tubular flowers packed with nectar. It blooms continuously through the heat of summer and works beautifully in containers and mixed flower beds.

One thing I’ve learned gardening in Denver is that grouping flowers together makes a big difference. Clusters of colorful blooms are much easier for hummingbirds to spot as they move through the neighborhood searching for nectar. Bright flowers naturally catch their attention, while movement in the garden helps guide them in. Airy perennials and ornamental grasses that sway in the breeze create gentle visual cues, making the garden feel active, inviting, and easy for hummingbirds to navigate safely.

Water helps too. A small fountain or gentle mister can quickly become part of their daily route, especially during Denver’s hot, dry days.

Hummingbirds are also important pollinators. As they feed, they transfer pollen from flower to flower, helping plants reproduce and supporting healthy gardens and ecosystems. While bees often get most of the attention, hummingbirds play a valuable role in pollinating many tubular flowers and native plants throughout Colorado.

Another key is planting for continuous bloom. Early spring flowers help fuel hummingbirds during migration, while late-season blooms provide energy before they head south in the fall. A garden that changes throughout the season keeps both the birds and the landscape active and beautiful.

For anyone looking to add hummingbird-friendly plants to their yard this year, City Floral Garden Center is a great local resource. They offer an incredible selection of pollinator-friendly perennials, annuals, hanging baskets, and container plants that thrive in Denver. Many of the plants are grown locally in their Golden, Colorado greenhouses, meaning they’re already acclimated to our unique climate and ready to flourish in your garden. Plus, their knowledgeable staff is always happy to help you find the perfect plants for your space.

There’s something special about creating a garden that feels alive. In a neighborhood like Hilltop, where so many of us value beautiful outdoor spaces, attracting hummingbirds is one more way to bring nature a little closer to home.