Hummingbird Plants

One of the earliest to begin flowering and an RHS Award of Garden Merit winner! Clusters of lilac-pink tubular flowers are produced in abundance beginning in midspring and continuing into fall and are held against a contrasting foil of long-lasting showy deep bronze-red bracts and exceptionally dark green glossy foliage that takes on purple and bronze tones in winter. The flowers of Abelias attract a variety of pollinators including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Edward Goucher Glossy Abelia, considered to be a hybrid of Abelia x grandiflora x A. shumanii, has a naturally dense, rounded to vase-shaped habit on this medium-sized, evergreen to semi-evergreen shrub. Abelias are known for their toughness and adaptability to a variety of soil types provided they have average or better drainage. Deer resistant, somewhat salt tolerant, and mature, well-established plants are moderately drought resistant. Provide a full sun to part shade site with moderately fertile, average moist soil for optimum vigor and flowering. Long one of our personal favorites! Item# 3041

The large, up to 6-7" diameter, rounded clusters are composed of deep violet blue, trumpet shaped flowers that become pendant as they open are held on sturdy 3-4' high stems in summer. Elaine Agapanthus or Lily of the Nile is a vigorous, clump forming, naturally evergreen, tropical, root hardy perennial with arching, narrow strap-like, medium green foliage. Provide Agapanthus with a full sun to partly shaded site in a rich fertile, average moist soil with average or better drainage for optimum vigor and flowering. Makes an easy and low-maintenance container plant where not hardy. Agapanthus flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. May be fully winter deciduous in areas where moderate to hard freezes occur. The image is of Purple Cloud Agapanthus is shown here for reference. Item# 13351

The starry soft primrose yellow, wavy edged flowers are centered by a deeper yellow star shaped throat that is tinged with orange at its edges and are produced in clusters of 3-4 atop light green sturdy stems in late winter to early spring. Evan's Yellow Amaryllis, Hippeastrum evansiae, is a rare and endangered Bolivian Amaryllis species that readily produces offsets at the tips of the fleshy roots during winter dormancy. It is from a relatively dry region and does best in soils with excellent drainage and will prefer a dry winter rest period of 6-8 weeks prior to flowering. Evan's Yellow Amaryllis is considered to be one of the smallest Hippeastrum species and is a naturally deciduous tropical species. It is reported to be hardy into zone 9B, although, it is possible it will withstand colder regions but we have not yet tried it in the ground. Item# 12278

Dense clusters of large pink tubular flowers with a white lower lip are born in late summer and early fall on this easy native perennial. Excellent for attracting bees. This is the latest flowering Physostegia that we grow. The Fall Obedient Plant will readily spread by rhizomes creating a mass of sturdy, 3-4' stems. An easy and reliable native perennial. Item# 10420.

In a nod to the fierceness of hummingbirds protecting their nectar sources we bring you our latest hybrid Porterweed introduction Fiercely Fuchsia! Nearly 1/2" wide bright *fuchsia flowers are produced on narrow elongating spikes on this medium-sized Porterweed from spring to frost attracting a wide array of pollinators. Porterweeds, members of the genus Stacytarpheta, are shrubby tropicals with exceptional flower power and excellent nectar production and these are the plants that many hummingbirds feed on in their winter resting grounds in Central and South America. We can tell you from personal experience, these tiny aerial acrobats will even try to face down a human over their prized plants with a series of strong and forceful "Cheeps!". Expect Fiercely Fuchsia Porterweed to grow to about 3-4' high and 2-3' wide by the end of the growing season. Item# 13261

Producing large, often branched, clusters of large pink tubular flowers in summer atop sturdy 4-7' high stems with narrow medium green foliage. Adored by Hummingbirds and other long-tonged pollinators. Finger False Dragonhead is a rare species that seems quite happy in average garden settings where it readily multiplies by rhizomes. This is evident by the host of new rosettes that emerge in winter for spring's flowers. Item# 10238.

Large rounded clusters composed of a multitude of intense deep red-orange, 1-2" long, tubular flowers and are produced throughout summer and into fall attracting hummingbirds for miles around. The Firecracker Bush, Bouvardia ternifolia, is a naturally small, upright to rounded, subtropical shrub native to the US desert southwest and Mexico growing to 1-2' high and wide but potentially to 4'. Its desert roots makes this an easy and forgiving container plant as well as an excellent addition to the garden and landscape. Provide the Firecracker Bush with a well-drained, fertile, average moist soil in part shade to bright shade for optimum vigor and flowering. Under warm frost free conditions it may flower nearly year-round. Item# 13182

Brilliant red tubular flowers are borne in tall branching spikes atop the glossy deep green foliage in fall and winter. An upright yet bushy shrubby perennial that enjoys shady conditions. Firespike is sure to attract hummingbirds and larger butterflies. It also makes an easy indoor plant where its flowers can be enjoyed through much of winter. Item# 420.

Spikes of deep red upward facing funnel-shaped flowers are produced non-stop from mid to late spring to fall atop the rich glossy deep green foliage attracting hummingbirds, occasional butterflies, and long-tongued bees. Flame Red Hummingbird Bush, a selection of Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii, is a small decidous native shrub from South Texas with excellent flower power. This easy and reliable heirloom has an upright to spreading busny habit rarely exceeding 3-4' in height (3'x3' is fairly typical in our zone 8B gardens) and it revels in the heat and sun of summer and is undaunted by the high humidity and high rainfall of the southeastern US. In the northernmost portion of its hardiness range, zones 7A-8A, the Hummingbird Bush may freeze back to near groundlevel in the hardest winters but readily returns to flowering by mid to late spring. Provide a full sun to mostly sunny site in a well-drained, fertile, average moist soil for optimum vigor and flowering. Small and tough enough for container culture but it also makes a low-maintenance addition the garden and landscape. Item# 13176

Fragrant, flattened clusters of fuzzy white, nectar rich flowers are produced in late summer and fall just as the Monarch butterflies are migrating southward and attracting a variety of late season pollinators like bees, butterflies, flower flies, and hummingbirds. The Fragrant White Mistflower, Ageratina havanensis, is a small to medium-sized, native, rounded shrub to shrub-like perennial cloaked in very dark green, semi-glossy, evergreen to semi-deciduous foliage and growing to 3-6' high and wide. This tough hombre is a native of the Edwards Plateau and is moderately drought resistant once well-estalblished. It is reported to flower best after a hard late winter or early spring pruning that promotes new growth and will also help to keep the plants more compact. Provide a full sun to partly shaded site in an average moist to dryish, well-drained, fertile soil for optimum vigor and flowering. Item# 11358

The bright yellow and green variegated foliage of this dwarf variegated Glossy Abelia is a standout in the garden, landscape, and even as a container plant where its sunny foliage contrasts nicely with surrounding perennials and shrubs. The new growth of Francis Mason Abelia emerges an orange to coppery color and matures to a sunny yellow to gold and green. Francis Mason is a naturally dwarf to semi-dwarf, semi-evergreen to deciduous, naturally rounded shrub selected for its boldly variegated foliage and its clusters of large white tinged pink, lightly fragrant, funnel shaped flowers that begin appearing in late spring or early summer and continue into fall on new growth. The nectar rich flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Provide a full to mostly sunny site for optimum vigor and the brightest foliage color. Tough, pest and disease resistant, easy and reliable. Item# 12052

The red to pinkish-red and white tubular flowers emerge from between the spikes of chartreuse bracts from spring to fall to year-round under warm tropical conditiosn. The Fruit Cocktail Shrimp Plant, one the newest selections of Justicia brandegeeana, has a naturally more compact, better branching habit than the typical Red Shrimp Plant but in all other regards it is nearly identical. It is quite tolerant of light conditions ranging from full sun to light shade but may have the densest habit in sunnier conditions. The flowers attract hummingbirds, larger butterflies, and other pollinators. Use Shrimp Plants to add color in containers, as a specimen plant or in mixed container gardens, as well as in the garden and landscape. Provide an average to well-drained, moderately fertile, average moist soil for optimum vigor and flowering. Caterpillar host: Cuban Crescent, Texan Crescent, White Peacock, and Malachite. Item# 12724

Glowing intense red, 1" long two-lipped tubular flowers are borne along short spikes from summer to frost on this vigorous selection of the drought tolerant Autumn Sage. A 'must have' for the Hummingbird lover! Furman's Red Autumn Sage is an older selection that has proven to be one of the hardiest and most freely flowering of the compact red flowered Autumn Sages and has been deemed a reliable perennial well into zone 5B and 6. A 2005 Plant Select® Award winner. Provide a full to mostly sunny site with very good to excellent drainage for optimum health and flowering. Drought resistant once fully established, deer resistant and this tough little Salvia makes an easy and rewarding low water container specimen as well as a colorful addition to the garden and landscape. Item# 10518

Fuzzy deep fuchsia colored tubular flowers emerge from short dense spikes atop the large deep green foliage beginning in spring and continuing through fall. Fuzzy Bolivian Sage is a vigorous perennial Salvia with large deep green tropical looking foliage on a vigorous plant that can reach 4' high by the end of summer. This species is moderately shade tolerant and may prefer midday shade in hot summer climates. Provide a moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Item# 11201

1 of only 5 Monardas to be selected as an RHS Award of Garden Merit winner, 1 of the top 10 in Mt. Cuba Center's 2014-2016 Monarda trials, and in the top 10 in trials at the Chicago Botanic Gardens in 1998! The extra large, 3-4" wide, clusters of 2" long, deep red tubular flowers are produced over an extended period beginning in late spring to midsummer, depending on your zone. Earlier in warmer climates and later in colder climates. Gardenview Scarlet Monarda or Beebalm, a hybrid selection of native US species, it is similar in many regards to Jacob Cline, still one of the most popular red cultivars, but has improved resistance to powdery mildew and a slightly more compact habit topping out at 3' high. This is a clump-forming, slowly spreading perennial  that enjoys ample sunlight in a moist but well-drained, fertile soil. Sure to be a hummingbird magnet! Item# 12818

Large branching, loose flower spikes to 16" high are composed of blue to purple, up to 2" long, hooded, two-lipped, tubular, lightly fragrant flowers that attract a variety of pollinators including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It may be in flower at anytime of year but may be heaviest in spring and fall. Giant Blue African Salvia, Brillantasia nitens, is an unusual, large and vigorous, naturally evergreen, herbaceous tropical adorned in large, medium green, textured, tropical foliage on square stems and can grow to 6-9' high and potentially to 15' and tree-like under warm tropical conditions. Provide a full sun to part sun site, in an average moist to moist, fertile soil with average or better drainage for optimum vigor and flowering. Item# 10703

The large 1-1/2" long tubular color-changing flowers are produced in spike-like clusters from the leaf axils and start out yellow and fade through orange into red tones and are held on 3-4'H sturdy stems. The flowers are produced during the spring, where plants are not frozen to the ground, and/or in fall just in time for migrating hummingbirds. The Giant Cigar Plant, Cuphea micropetala, is a herbaceous, slowly spreading, upright to branching perennial cloaked in dark green glossy foliage. Considered by many to be the most reliably cold hardy Cuphea species surviving into zone 7B if provided a breathable winter mulch. It typically spreads stoloniferously and via rhizomes but is not considered invasive or aggressive. As with basically all Cupheas, the Giant Cigar is heat and sunloving and will benefit from average moisture, in fertile soils with average or better drainage. Where not hardy it can easily be maintained as a medium to medium-large container plant. Item# 429

Large clusters of frilly, deep purple flowers are produced atop tall sturdy stems beginning in about midsummer and potentially continuing into fall attracting a wide variety of pollinators and garden beneficials, especially bees. Giant Ironweed, Vernonia gigantea, is a vigorous single to multi-stemmed, clump-forming, herbaceous perennial with deep green foliage adorning the tall stems that can reach 10' high by flowering time. This species is found throughout much of the eastern and central US. Giant Ironweed is typically found in areas where it has consistent moisture like along stream banks and flood plains but it does just fine in average garden soils once well-established. It is known to readily reseed on exposed soils and deadheading once flowering is complete can help to minimize that and may also promote repeat flowering. Provide a full to mostly sunny site in wet, moist, to average moist soils for optimum vigor and flowering. Item# 9257

Giant Pink Turk's Cap produces a seemingly endless display of 2-3" long, pendant, sleepy light pink flowers from late summer through spring where kept free from frosts and provided with ample sunlight. Smooth, narrow, waxy, rich green foliage. Excellent for Hummingbirds and other long-tongued pollinators. This is a vigorous, shrub-like woody perennial that can reach 8-12' in mild winter climates and few plants can compete with the enormous amount of flowers that this plant can produce. Item# 566.

Dr. Allen says "Butterflies drink lots of nectar from these plants and I find the pink to have smaller leaves and to be in flower later in the year and thus are used by migrating monarchs. The caterpillars of the io moth (Automeris io) and Straight Lined Mallow Moth (Bagisara rectifascia) are reported to use these plants.'