5 Hummingbird Plants for the Southeast
Here are 5 plants that hummingbirds in the southeast absolutely love — all known for producing nectar-rich, tubular flowers that hummingbirds can easily feed from. Planting several of these together can bring hummingbirds to your yard from spring through fall.
1. Coral Honeysuckle
* Type: Native vine
* Bloom: Spring–summer
* Why hummingbirds love it: Bright red tubular flowers full of nectar
* Garden tip: Grow it on a trellis, arbor, or fence.
This is one of the best native hummingbird plants in the Southeast and is often described as a “hummingbird magnet.”
2. Bee Balm (Monarda)
* Type: Perennial flower
* Bloom: Early–mid summer
* Why hummingbirds love it: Big clusters of nectar-rich red or purple blooms
* Bonus: Also attracts butterflies and bees.
It’s widely recommended for hummingbird gardens because the flowers produce abundant nectar.
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3. Cardinal Flower
* Type: Native perennial
* Bloom: Mid–late summer
* Why hummingbirds love it: Brilliant scarlet flowers that hummingbirds can’t resist
* Best spot: Moist soil or near ponds/streams.
The vivid red spikes are a major hummingbird food source in summer.
4. Salvia (various species)
* Type: Perennial or annual
* Bloom: Spring through fall
* Why hummingbirds love it: Long tubular blooms packed with nectar
*Extra: Many varieties are heat- and drought-tolerant.
Some salvias bloom for months, giving hummingbirds a steady nectar supply.
5. Eastern Red Columbine
* Type: Native wildflower
* Bloom: Early Spring
* Why hummingbirds love it: Red and yellow hanging flower perfectly shaped for hummingbird feeding.
This plant is especially valuable because it provides early-season nectar when hummingbirds first return
Best strategy for southeastern gardens:
Plant a mix that blooms at different times of the year so hummingbirds always have food. Native plants are especially helpful because local hummingbirds already recognize them.
Example bloom timeline:
* Spring: Eastern Red Columbine
* Late spring–summer: Coral Honeysuckle
* Summer: Bee Balm & Salvia
* Late summer: Cardinal Flower