Hummingbird Plants

The large, 3-4'' wide, blue to lavender, Hibiscus-like flowers are produced throughout the warmer months of the year to year-round under warm frost free conditions. The Blue Hibiscus, Alyogyne huegelii, is an upright to rounded, naturally evergreen, Australian native shrub that is heat and sunloving and is somewhat drought resistant once well-established. It is fairly adaptable to soil types and moisture as long as they are provided with excellent drainage, otherwise it tends to be fairly short-lived. Full sun is optimal and it can be enjoyed both as a container plant as well as making a nice specimen or informal hedge in the garden and landscape. It is sometimes trained as a tree standard to good effect. Plants tend to be somewhat open and if foliage becomes too sparse or the plants too larger they can be pruned back fairly hard and will put out vigorous new growth and some sources suggest that it flowers best after a good pruning. Caterpillar host: Gray hairstreak. Item# 12881

2022 Missouri Botanic Garden Plants of Merit selection! One of the most amazingly blue colored flowers in the plant world! This small growing but vigorous annual or tender perennial vine produces loads of brilliant deep blue flowers with recurving and overlapping petals with a white to creamy yellow throat. It can be successfully overwintered but it's easier just to save a few seeds to plant in spring. Caterpillar host: Longtail Skipper. Item# 9114

Blue dye can be extracted from the blossoms!!

Light blue to blue-purple 1/4" wide nectar-rich flowers adorn the tall narrow indeterminate flower spikes from spring to frost to year round under warm tropical conditions. Native to Florida and much of the tropical Americas, Blue Porterweed, Stachytarpheta jamaicensis, has smoother lighter green foliage and generally grows wider than tall whereas the other Blue Porterweed, Stachytarpheta cayennensis or S. urticifolia, has more rugose or quilted deeper green glossier foliage with a typically upright habit. Porterweeds are excellent pollinator plants where they attract a continuous menagerie of aerial acrobats from spring until frost. This a heat and sunloving tropical to tender perennial that can be added to gardens and landscapes or plant them in containers to draw the pollinators in for upclose viewing. Blue Porterweed is also a caterpillar host plant for the Tropical Buckeye butterfly. Item# 12046

The widely flaring deep blue-purple fan shaped flowers open from tubular buds, and are very reminiscent of Scaevola or Half-Flower, open singly and in clusters held at the growing tips as well as in the leaf axils attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The 5-lobed flowers of Blue-Lips, Sclerochiton harveyanus, are produced most heavily throughout the warmer months of the year. This is a shade tolerant naturally spreading to scandent (vine-like) evergreen tropical shrub with rounded, glossy deep green foliage. Blue-Lips is considered to be frost resistant but not freeze tolerant and it is easily maintained as a shrub form for containers, including hanging baskets, in and around larger growing shade-loving tropicals in the garden as well as on a shaded porch or patio. Provide it with an average moist, acidic to neutral, well-drained soil in a site that receives at least some cool morning sunlight or filtered sunlight for optimum vigor and flowering. Item# 12268

Spikes of 1/2" long, tubular, two-lipped, deep azure blue flowers have a contrasting bright white bee-guide and throat are produced in late spring or early summer and continue into fall atop the tall wispy stems. The nectar rich flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Bog Sage, Salvia uliginosa, is a rhizomatous, herbaceous perennial producing a multitude of tall thin wiry stems that can reach 5-6' high in rich fertile moist soils but tends to remain shorter, 3-4' high or so, under average moist garden conditions, which it can tolerate quite well, despite its name, once fully established. it tends to be more restrained under drier conditions as well. Its long flowering season and ease of care have garnered Bog Sage the RHS Award of Garden Merit. It can tolerate full sun in the cooler portions of its range but may be at its best where it receives a little midday shade in areas with hot summer climates. Item# 12906

Spikes of 1" long and nearly 1" wide, deep purplish red, two-lipped, tubular flowers are produced from spring to fall and attract a variety of pollinators including hummingbirds, medium to large butterflies, and larger bees. Boysenberry Jam Salvia, a Salvia x jamensis hybrid or Jame Sage, is adorned with large, rounded, fragrant, rich green foliage that immediately sets this Salvia apart from most similar cultivars and acts as a nice backdrop for the dark colored flowers. This cultivar appears to be brand new to horticulture in 2025 but we expect it to have a similar habit and hardiness as most other Jame Sages growing to about 18-24" high and 12-18" wide. Provide a well-draining, average moist, fertile soil in a full to mostly sunny site for optimum vigor and flowering. Item# 12475

Unusual fuchsia colored flowers with exerted purple stamens and pistil are produced throughout the year attracting hummingbirds along with occasional butterflies. Brazilian Candles, Pavonia multiflora, is an exceptionally free flowering, naturally evergreen tropical shrub with an upright to vase shaped growth habit and glossy dark green textured foliage. Provide a well-drained, average moist, fertile soil for optimum vigor and flowering. This rare tropical shrub is sure to be a conversation piece! Item # 544

Clusters of sunny yellow orchid-like flowers are borne in summer and into fall to yearround under warm tropical conditions on this vigorous twining vine. The Brazilian Golden Orchid Vine, Stigmaphyllon ciliatum, is a naturally evergreen woody twining climbing with dark green arrowhead shaped foliage that has a heart-shaped, or cordate, leaf base and fine bristles along their edges as well as along the sepals. It is not quite as cold hardy as the Yellow Butterfly Vine, Mascagnia macroptera, with which it is easily confused but it has larger flowers. The flowers attract a variety of pollinators including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Where not hardy it is easily overwintered indoors in a warm sunny location. Provide a well-drained, moderately fertile, acid soil for optimum vigor and flowering. Item# 12001

Spikes of large, 2" long, vivid fuchsia, velvety, tubular flowers emerge from dark colored calyxes and are held atop the dark green, glossy rounded foliage from spring to fall attracting a wide array of larger pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Buchanan's Sage, Salvia buchananii, is a naturally evergreen, loosely branching, clump forming, herbaceous perennial growing to about 16-24" high and wide. It is small enough to enjoy as a container specimen or in mixed container gardens as well as in the garden and landscape. This is a popular and easy to grow Salvia that is now considered to be rare in its native habitat of Mexico. Provide a full sun to partly shaded site in an average moist, fertile, soil with average or better drainage for optimum vigor and flowering. Its reliability as a garden plant have earned it the RHS Award of Garden Merit. Item# 9857

Large clusters of 2" long creamy white tubular flowers are produced throughout the warmer months and potentially year-round under warm tropical conditions. Buttercream Icing Iochroma, an Almost Eden selection and exclusive introduction, develops into an upright to spreading, exceptionally free-flowering, naturally evergreen, shrub-like tropical that can easily be maintained in medium-sized containers or add it to the garden and landscape in tropical climates. Provide a full sun to part shade site in a fertile, well-drained, average moist soil for optimum vigor and flowering. In hot summer climates midday or afternoon shade may be beneficial. The flowers of Iochromas attract hummingbirds and the occasional long-tongued bee. Easy and rewarding and sure to add a tropical flair to any garden and landscape. Item# 12673

2-3' high spikes of glowing scarlet tubular flowers are produced in late spring or summer on this US native wildflower. A rosette forming herbaceous perennial to biennial, the Red Cardinal Flower is commonly found along stream banks, marshes, and bogs and will perform well in average to wet garden soils. Attracts hummingbirds and other pollinators. Item# 1217

Masses of bright 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. Carolina Yellow Jessamine, Gelsemium sempervirens, is 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. It is native to the southeastern US from eastern Texas, all along the Gulf Coast, north to Virginia, as well as in the southern half of Arkansas and about 3 counties in southcentral Tennessee. Provide Carolina 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! Item# 1208

As sexy as Hot Lips but in an all new shade! The spikes of two-lipped tubular bright white flowers are tipped with a broad band of deep cherry red at the tips of the petals creating a stunning contrast. Flowers may be solid cherry red when the weather is cool and dreary but quickly revert to their two-toned splendor with a little sunshine. Cherry Lips Salvia begins flowering in late spring or early summer and continues into fall, all the while attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. A hybrid of the two native species S. greggii and S. microphylla, a.k.a S. x jamensis, this sunloving Sage develops into a naturally rounded, shrub-like perennial that may remain evergreen in mild winter climates, like zones 9B-10, but acts like a die-back perennial where temperatures fall much below about 30^oF. Provide a full to mostly sunny site in well-drained, average moist, fertile soils for maximum flower power. Item# 12471

Spikes of red to rose red, 1" long, tubular two-lipped flowers are produced from spring to fall atop the mounds of medium green rounded foliage attracting mainly hummingbirds as well as a occasional bees and butterflies. Cherry Queen Salvia, reported to be a hybrid between Salvia greggii x S. blepharophylla but in our opinion it is nearer S. macrophylla in foliage and habit, is a well-branched, upright to mounding to semi-spreading, shrub-like perennial. The oval, medium to bluish-green foliage is naturally evergreen in mild winter regions, but may become deciduous in areas that experience hard freezes. Utilize this easy to grow, deer and drought resistant Sage in sunny well-drained gardens and landscapes or enjoy it as a container plant as a specimen or in mixed company. Item# 11401

Graceful foot-long spikes of fuzzy bright fuchsia tubular flowers are produced from summer through fall and throughout winter under frost free conditions on a mannerly shade tolerant plant with deep green textured foliage. Chiapas Sage develops into a 3' high and wide plant and hails from the Cloud Forests of San Cristobal, Chiapas, Mexico and should do wonderfully in the humid central and eastern US. It is frost tender but is reported to withstand zone 7 winters if given a breathable protective winter mulch in a well-drained soil. In hot summer climates plan to give Chiapas Sage midday and afternoon shade and it can tolerate light shade and will be sure to brighten up these areas. The nectar rich flowers are a treat for hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators. Easy to overwinter as a container plant and floriferous enough to be enjoyed as an annual. Item# 11691 

Rounded clusters of medium purple tubular flowers are produced in late spring to early summer atop sturdy stems. The flowers attract hummingbirds and larger butterflies. Claire Grace Beebalm was selected not only for its long-lasting masses of darker purple flowers but also for its glossy green healthy foliage with good resistance to powdery mildew. This was one of the top 3 performing Monardas in trials that included over 40 cultivars at Mt. Cuba Center near Wilmington Delaware. Discovered in Mississippi by Barb and Michael Bridges of the now defunct Southern Perennials and Herbs and named for their daughter. Beebalm makes an easy and reliable addition to the garden and landscape as well as in naturalized areas. Provide a full to mostly sunny position in well-drained soils for optimum health and flowering. Item# 11946

The dark maroon spikes to 30" high are adorned with clusters of dangling 2" long tubular bright red flowers that flare at their ends and are produced in cycles throughout the growing season attracting a variety of pollinators but especially hummingbirds. COLORBURST™ Deep Red Cape Fuchsia, a hybrid Phygelius, is a clump forming, heat and humidity tolerant perennial that is normally relegated to the West Coast but newer cultivars and hybrids like this one are showing that these plants can be enjoyed in the Southeast as well. They will do best in an acidic, well-draining, fertile, moist to average moist soil and can be enjoyed as both container specimens as well as in the garden and landscape. After a flowering cycle, remove the spent stems to help promote the production of new flowering stems. Images courtesy of Terra Nova Nurseries, Inc., www.terranovanurseries.com, all rights reserved. Item# 13323

The large creamy white flowers emerge from loose purple-black tinged spikes and calyxes from spring to fall attracting hummingbirds and other garden beneficials. Cool Cream Salvia, a selection or hybrid of the Little Leaf or Mountain Sage, Salvia microphylla, boasts excellent vigor and flower power with flowering beginning early and continuing reliably through summer and into fall. In areas where hard freezes do not occur, The Mountain Sages may develop a shrubby semi-woody base, while in zone 8 and colder, established plants act more like herbaceous perennials dying back to near ground level and returning in early spring. Enjoy these colorful pollinator attractors in the garden and landscape or as rewarding and forgiving container specimens. Provide full sun to partly shaded sites in well-drained, fertile soils for optimum vigor and flowering. Photos courtesy of New World Plants, LTD., all rights reserved. Item# 13146

The large hot pink flowers are center by a contrasting bright white bee guide and adorn loose red-purple tinged spikes and calyxes from spring to fall attracting hummingbirds and other garden beneficials. Cool Pink Salvia, a selection or hybrid of the Little Leaf or Mountain Sage, Salvia microphylla, boasts excellent vigor and flower power with flowering beginning early and continuing reliably through summer and into fall. In areas where hard freezes do not occur, The Mountain Sages may develop a shrubby semi-woody base, while in zone 8 and colder, established plants act more like herbaceous perennials dying back to near ground level and returning in early spring. Enjoy these colorful pollinator attractors in the garden and landscape or as rewarding and forgiving container specimens. Provide full sun to partly shaded sites in well-drained, fertile soils for optimum vigor and flowering. Item# 13147

The large violet colored flowers emerge from loose purple tinged spikes and calyxes from spring to fall attracting hummingbirds and other garden beneficials. Cool Violet Salvia, a selection or hybrid of the Little Leaf or Mountain Sage, Salvia microphylla, boasts excellent vigor and flower power with flowering beginning early and continuing reliably through summer and into fall. In areas where hard freezes do not occur, The Mountain Sages may develop a shrubby semi-woody base, while in zone 8 and colder, established plants act more like herbaceous perennials dying back to near ground level and returning in early spring. Enjoy these colorful pollinator attractors in the garden and landscape or as rewarding and forgiving container specimens. Provide full sun to partly shaded sites in well-drained, fertile soils for optimum vigor and flowering. Photos courtesy of New World Plants, LTD., all rights reserved. Item# 13148