Hummingbird Plants for the High Desert

Plants a cited source says attract hummingbirds.

4.8 Stars / 114 Reviews CSLB #957605 Since 2009

Reviewed by Freddie Ruiz, Owner and CSLB-licensed contractor License C-27 #957605 Building landscapes in the High Desert since 2009 Last updated September 29, 2026

Each plant here is documented by an extension service, native plant database or grower as attracting hummingbirds, and each one handles High Desert conditions.

8 Hummingbird Plants That Handle the High Desert

Autumn Sage

Salvia greggii

Shrub · Moderate water · Hardy to 0°F

California Fuchsia

Epilobium canum

Perennial · Moderate water · Hardy to 0°F

Cleveland Sage

Salvia clevelandii

Shrub · Low water · Hardy to 10 to 20°F (marginal)

Desert Willow

Chilopsis linearis

Tree · Moderate water · Hardy to -10 to 15°F by source

Lantana

Lantana camara and Lantana montevidensis

Shrub and groundcover · Moderate water · Hardy to 20°F (freezes back)

Ocotillo

Fouquieria splendens

Accent shrub · Very low water · Hardy to 0 to 20°F by source

Penstemon

Penstemon palmeri, P. eatonii and P. parryi

Perennial · Low water · Hardy to -30 to 15°F by species

Red Yucca

Hesperaloe parviflora

Accent succulent · Low water · Hardy to -20°F

Quick Comparison

Plant	Water (High Desert)	Cold hardy to	Size	Pets
Autumn Sage	Moderate	0°F	2 to 3 ft	Not on ASPCA list
California Fuchsia	Moderate	0°F	3 to 18 in	Not on ASPCA list
Cleveland Sage	Low	10 to 20°F (marginal)	3 to 4 ft	Not on ASPCA list
Desert Willow	Moderate	-10 to 15°F by source	20 to 25 ft	Not on ASPCA list
Lantana	Moderate	20°F (freezes back)	Trailing to upright 3 to 6 ft	Toxic (ASPCA)
Ocotillo	Very low	0 to 20°F by source	15 to 20 ft	Not on ASPCA list
Penstemon	Low	-30 to 15°F by species	Varies by species	Not on ASPCA list
Red Yucca	Low	-20°F	3 to 4 ft	Not on ASPCA list

Related Guides & Services

All High Desert Plants Low-Water Plants California and Mojave Native Plants Cold-Hardy Plants for Zone 8b Rockscape Design

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