Hummingbird Plants

Masses of primrose yellow, 1" long trumpets herald the coming of spring and have a strong Jasmine-like fragrance that is produced in early evening and at night suggesting that they are pollinated by hummingbird or sphinx moths as well as by native bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. *It is not a suitable nectar plant for honeybees. Margarita Carolina Yellow Jessamine, with larger flowers, more flowers, and improved cold hardiness over the species surviving -25^oF at North Creek Nurseries in Landenberg, PA. This a native, twining, evergreen to semi-evergreen vine with glossy, dark green, narrow foliage that can climb up to 20' high but is just as happy on a 6' fence or other sturdy support. The species, Gelsemium sempervirens, is native to the southeastern US, but, Margarita was selected by Don Jacobs of Eco Gardens in Decatur, Georgia. Provide Carolina Yellow Jasmine with a full sun to mostly sunny site in an average to well-drained, fertile soil for optimum growth and to maximize flowering. Although, it is shade tolerant it doesn't flower as profusely. Tough and easy as well as drought, deer, and rabbit resistant. Its fragrance is enough to stop you in your tracks on an evening stroll! A Pennsylvania Horticulture Society Gold Medal Award Winner! Item# 9071

Deep brick red petals surround the rounded 'cones' of this spicily colored Helenium beginning in midsummer and continuing well into fall. As the flowers age oranges and yellows begin to show up adding to the festivities. The flowers attract smaller butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. Mariachi™ Salsa Helenium is an easy to grow and pest resistant perennial that provides a riot of color on sturdy, compact, upright plants. Provide a full to mostly sunny location and average moisture. Item# 11395

A rare color among Hardy Hibiscus, Marshamallow Moon produces medium to large, solid white, 6" wide saucer-shaped flowers with good substance and are produced in abundance from summer to fall. The flowers are a stand out against the backdrop of deep green foliage. Marshamallow Moon Hardy or Perennial Hibiscus is an indeterminate type meaning that they both begin flowering earlier and flower all up and down the stems instead of just on the upper half of the plant creating a knockout display in the garden and landscape. Provide a full to mostly sunny location in moist to average moist to wet, moderately fertile soils. Caterpillar host: Gray hairstreak. Images courtesy of Walter's Gardens, Inc., all rights reserved. Item# 13299

The large rounded clusters of tubular open to deep orange, fragrant flowers with a contrasting gold splotch that attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds in early spring atop the bare stems. Mauvilla Gold Aromi Deciduous Azalea develops into an upright to rounded, medium-sized deciduous shrub well suited to bright woodland settings but will also thrive in full sun under good conditions. The Aromi Deciduous Azaleas were developed by Dr. Eugene Aromi of Mobile, Alabama, and are known for both their amazing spring display of fragrant flowers as well as their ability to withstand the heat and humidity of the Southeastern US. Sometimes still fondly referred to as Wild Honeysuckle Bushes, these nativars will do best in an average moist, well-drained, fertile, acidic soil from partial shade to full sun conditions. Topdress with an organic mulch like pinestraw, a.k.a. pine needles, or pine bark. Item# 13291

From dense spikes of dark colored calyxes emerge purple two-lipped tubular flowers that are produced throughout much of the year on a compact dense and low growing plant with bright green quilted foliage. Mesa Azure Salvia is a hybrid selection from the Mesa series and the nectar rich flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and long tongued bees anytime this tidy plant is in bloom. If flowering slows down a light pruning and fertilizing will send back into production. Mesa Azure Salvia will perform best in a well-drained sunny location and is moderately drought resistant once well-established. Item# 11147

Large clusters of fiery orange-red tubular flowers are produced from summer through fall to yearround in warm tropical climates and attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Clusters of shiny black 3/8" fruit develop on pollinated flowers and are utilized by songbirds. When grown in full to mostly sunny conditions the foliage generally has a reddish tinge. The Firebush, Hamelia patens var. patens, is native to the southern half of Florida and is evergreen under frost free conditions and can develop into a medium to large shrub. *We have grown this species in our zone 8B gardens for over 30 years as a quite reliable 3-4' high die-back perennial. Each winter it freezes back to its crown and then returns in mid to late spring to flower through much of summer and into fall. Provide a full to mostly sunny site, although they are fairly tolerant, for optimum vigor and flowering. Item# 10668

Clusters of bright orange 1-2" wide, daisy-like flowers with a yellow 'eye' that matures to orange are produced throughout the growing season to potentially year-round under warm frost free conditions. The Mexican Flame Vine, Senecio confusus, a.k.a Pseudogynoxis chenopodioides, is a naturally evergreen, small to medium-sized, herbaceous, twining tropical vine whose nectar and pollen-laden flowers are favored by butterflies, especially migrating Monarchs, as well as bees and hummingbirds. It is known to be a root hardy perennial in zones 9-10 and even in 8B if provided with a breathable insulative mulch for winter. It can be easily overwintered as a container plant and it is vigorous enough to enjoy as an annual where not hardy. Use this easy and vigorous vine on trellises and fences or allow it to spill from a hanging basket. Provide the Mexican Flame Vine with a full to partly sunny site in an average to well-drained, fertile soil for optimum vigor and flowering. Item# 505

Rich purplish-pink, ruffly edged, nearly 3" wide flowers with a deep red-purple blotch and darker flecking are produced in midspring and are held against a foil of medium to coarse-textured foliage with the flowers attracting bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and curious passersby. Michaele Lux Evergreen Azalea is an unusual and uncommon Aromi hybrid that develops into a small to medium-sized, densely branched shrub. Azaleas do best in average moist, acidic soils that are rich in organic matter but have good to excellent drainage and should be top dressed with an organic mulch such as pine straw and pine bark. We recommend using a slow-release, non-burning fertilizer that is labeled for acidic loving plants. Images courtesy of Maarten Van der Giessen, Van der Giessens Nursery, all rights reserved. Item# 12573

Midnight Mexican Bush Sage produces long, rich purple, tubular flowers that emerge from velvety purple calyxes creating long upright to gently arching spikes of flowers in late summer and fall (and spring where protected from freezing). Soft velvety finely textured foliage on a durable and deer proof, reliable, clump forming perennial. Great for hummingbirds and butterflies! Item# 2981.

The deep maroon foliage provides a contrasting foil for the ball-like clusters of 2" long, tubular light pink flowers whose nectar and pollen attract a variety of pollinators like hummingbirds, larger butterflies, and long-tongued bees. Midnight Oil Eastern Beebalm, a selection of Monarda bradburiana, is a many stemmed, clump-forming to slowly spreading, upright growing, native, herbaceous perennial selected for its unique, dark and mysterious foliage. This species is noted for its earlier flowering, excellent disease resistance, a naturally shorter 18-24" high habit, drought resistance as compared to other species of Monarda, and tolerance for thinner, poorer, and/or gravelly soils. Plants may lose foliage when drought stressed so average moisture is generally preferred under garden conditions. Provide a full to mostly sunny to partially shaded site in well-drained, average moist soils for optimum vigor and flowering. Images courtesy of Brent Horvath, Intrinsic Perennial Gardens, Inc., all rights reserved. Item# 13167

Clusters of fragrant pure white flowers are produced atop sturdy 15-20" high stems in mid to late spring providing a feast of nectar for butterflies and hummingbirds. Minnie Pearl Phlox, a selection of our native Phlox caroliniana, begins flowering earlier than Garden Phlox, Phlox paniculata, and is an easy slowly spreading, groundcovering perennial with excellent disease resistance. This plant was discovered along a Mississippi roadside by Karen Partlow and was introduced by Tony Avant of Plant Delights Nursery in 2003. With its easy and reliable nature it has quickly become an enduring native perennial for the garden and landscape as well as part of more naturalistic settings like meadows, prairies, and of course roadsides. Item# 12311 

Spikes of deep dark red two-lipped tubular flowers are produced from spring to fall atop this dwarf densely branching perennial Salvia. A 5-star performer in Salvia trials at the Chicago Botanic Gardens! Mirage™ Cherry Red Salvia, a form of Autumn Sage or Salvia greggii, was selected for its heat and cold tolerance, and exceptional flower power. Its dwarf and compact habit is perfectly suited for use as a low maintenance and forgiving container specimen as well as in hot and sunny garden and landscape settings. The dark colored flowers are sure to attract low flying hummingbirds as well as the occassional butterfly and larger bees with its nectar rich flowers. Provide a well-drained soil in full to mostly sunny conditions and never keep soggy wet. Images courtesy of Ball Horticulture, all rights reserved. Item# 12204

Spikes of deep rose tubular buds open to display starkly contrasting near white lower petals creating a bright two-tone effect and are produced from spring to fall atop this densely branching perennial Salvia with excellent flower power. The top performer in trials at Welby Flower Trials in 2020! Mirage™ Rose Bicolor Salvia, a form of Autumn Sage or Salvia greggii, was selected for its heat and cold tolerance, and exceptional flower power. Its vigorous well-branched semi-compact habit is perfectly suited for use as a low maintenance and forgiving container specimen as well as in hot and sunny garden and landscape settings. The two-toned flowers are sure to attract low flying hummingbirds as well as the occassional butterfly and larger bees with its nectar rich flowers. Provide a well-drained soil in full to mostly sunny conditions and never keep soggy wet. Images courtesy of Darwin Perennials, all rights reserved. Item# 12423

As well mannered in the garden as it name implies Miss Manners Physostegia stays in a tidy clump. In summer it produces dense spikes of tubular white flowers atop sturdy stems that attract a variety of pollinators including hummingbirds. This is a hardy, perennial that is native to the eastern half of North America and prefers moist to wet soils but performs well with average moisture. Image courtesy of North Creek Nurseries, all rights reserved. Item# 11094

 A knockout combination! The large, 7-8" wide, white to very pale pink flowers with large starkly contrasting scarlet eye that is surrounded by a narrow fuchsia halo that bleeds out into overlapping petals and are set against a dark backdrop of deep burgundy to deep green maple-like foliage. Mocha Moon Perennial or Hardy Hibiscus is a moderately vigorous growing, clump forming, herbaceous perennial building to about 4' high and 5-6' at maturity. Like most of the newer Hibiscus developed by Walter's Gardens, Mocha Moon is an indeterminate type meaning that the plants both begin flowering earlier and flower all up and down the stems instead of just on the upper half of the plant creating a knockout display in the garden and landscape. *Provide full sun for the darkest foliage and provide a location in moist to average moist to wet, moderately fertile soils. Caterpillar host: Gray hairstreak. Images courtesy of Walter's Gardens, Inc., all rights reserved. Item# 13329

Huge, deep orange-red tubular flowers open from dark tinged calyxes and 8-12" long spikes in summer and fall, when grown as a perennial, to potentially year round under warm tropical conditions attracting hummingbirds for miles! Mole Poblano Mexican Chocolate Scarlet Sage, a selection of Salvia gesneriflora, is more compact and flowers much longer than its parent growing to about 6-7' high and wide. This giant growing Salvia, the species is reported to grow over 20' high, is a shade tolerant, herbaceous to shrub-like tender perennial Salvia that is adorned with fragrant, large heart-shaped, fuzzy, quilted foliage and is anecdotally root hardy into zone 8A. Its only real drawback is that it should be grown in a sheltered area protected from strong winds and heavy rains as the stems are subject to breakage. It can be pruned to help keep the plant shorter, stronger, and fuller. Provide Mole Poblano Salvia with a moist to average moist, well-drained, fertile soil for optimum vigor and continuous flowering. Item# 12583

Loads of 1-1/2" wide, purple tinged rich peachy-pink, starry funnel shaped flowers are produced in midspring with good repeat in fall all on a low mounding spreading plant. Momo No Haru Azalea, which roughly translates to 'Spring of Peach', is a dwarf Satsuki evergreen azalea slowly building to about 2-3'H x 4-5'W. Its compact habit lend it to use as a bonsai specimen but it can also be utilized as a low growing evergreen hedge or as a specimen plant in the garden and landscape. Azaleas do best in average moist, acidic soils that are rich in organic matter but have good to excellent drainage and should be top dressed with an organic mulch such as pine straw and pine bark. We recommend using a slow-release, non-burning fertilizer that is labeled for acidic loving plants. Azalea flowers attract a variety of pollinators including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Item# 12801

Large dense fragrant flower spikes to 12" long are composed of many hundreds of small orange-eyed flowers that open lavender and deepen to dark violet and indigo and are held atop a compact mound of blue-green foliage. The honey-mead like scented, nectar rich flowers of MONARCH® Blue Knight Butterfly Bush or Buddleia are adored by a host of pollinators and garden beneficials including butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, and more! Provide a full to mostly sunny location in well-drained average moist soils for optimum health and flowering. This Walter's Gardens introduction and is part of the MONARCH® Butterfly Bush series that have been selected for rich colors, excellent flower power, and a midsize habit. Images courtesy of Walter's Gardens, Inc., all rights reserved. Item# 11694

The 7-12" long conical panicles are composed of numerous fragrant icy periwinkle blue flowers that attract pollinators of all shapes and sizes throughout summer and into fall. MONARCH® Glass Slippers Butterfly Bush is a deciduous to semi-evergreen shrub with gray-green foliage and a densely branching compact, mounding habit that matures to about 3'H x 4-5'W. The nectar rich flowers attract butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, and other garden beneficals. Provide a well-drained soil in a full to mostly sunny site for optimum vigor and flowering. Images courtesy of Walter's Gardens, Inc., all rights reserved. Item# 12836

Large conical clusters of deep cerise red, to 10" long, composed of tiny fragrant nectar rich flowers sit atop the sturdy stems of this well-branched Butterfly Bush from summer through fall are held against softly contrasting a backdrop of gray green foliage. Prince Charming Buddleia is a vigorous hybrid and a 2018 Walter's Gardens introduction that is part of the MONARCH® Butterfly Bush series that have been selected for rich colors, excellent flower power, and a midsize habit. The flowers attract loads of butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. Images courtesy of Walter's Gardens, Inc., all rights reserved. Sterile Variety.  Item# 11783