Coral Honeysuckle
Lonicera sempervirens
Bloom Time
Mar–Oct
Light
Full sun to part shade
Water
Medium
Height
Vine (10–20 ft)
Native throughout Southeast; semi-evergreen; red tubular flowers
Native Plants for Hummingbirds
Southeast US: Georgia, Florida, South Carolina & Alabama
Native plants are the foundation of a hummingbird-friendly garden. Unlike ornamental cultivars, native species have co-evolved with local wildlife and provide complete nutrition: energy-rich nectar, the tiny insects hummingbirds need for protein, natural nesting materials, and protective shelter.
By selecting a mix of species with staggered bloom times, you can maintain continuous flowering from early March through late October, covering the full hummingbird season in the Southeast. Native plants also require less water, fewer fertilizers, and no pesticides once established.
Top-Tier Plants
These are the most reliable, longest-blooming native plants for attracting hummingbirds in the Southeast. Start with these for maximum impact.
Cardinal Flower
Lobelia cardinalis
Bloom Time
Jun–Sep
Light
Part shade to full sun
Water
Wet to moist
Height
2–4 ft
Brilliant red spikes; needs consistent moisture; thrives near streams/ponds
Trumpet Vine
Campsis radicans
Bloom Time
Jun–Sep
Light
Full sun
Water
Low–medium
Height
Vine (30+ ft)
Aggressive grower—needs sturdy support; orange-red trumpets; native
Scarlet Sage
Salvia coccinea
Bloom Time
May–frost
Light
Full sun to part shade
Water
Medium
Height
1–3 ft
Self-seeds readily; red/coral flowers; annual in cooler areas
Bee Balm
Monarda didyma
Bloom Time
Jun–Aug
Light
Full sun to part shade
Water
Medium
Height
2–4 ft
Red varieties most attractive to hummers; can spread
Cross Vine
Bignonia capreolata
Bloom Time
Apr–May
Light
Part shade to full sun
Water
Medium
Height
Vine (30–50 ft)
Orange-red flowers; semi-evergreen; native to Southeast
Mid-Tier Plants
Excellent supporting species that fill bloom gaps and add diversity. Pair these with top-tier plants for a well-rounded garden.
Fire Pink
Silene virginica
Bloom Time
Apr–Jun
Light
Part shade
Water
Medium
Height
1–2 ft
Brilliant red; short-lived perennial; woodland edges
Indian Pink
Spigelia marilandica
Bloom Time
May–Jun
Light
Part shade
Water
Medium
Height
1–2 ft
Red/yellow tubular flowers; native to Southeast; deer resistant
Standing Cypress
Ipomopsis rubra
Bloom Time
May–Jul
Light
Full sun
Water
Low
Height
2–6 ft
Biennial; feathery foliage; red tubular flowers
Red Buckeye
Aesculus pavia
Bloom Time
Mar–Apr
Light
Part shade
Water
Medium
Height
10–20 ft (shrub/small tree)
Early bloomer—feeds first spring arrivals
Wild Columbine
Aquilegia canadensis
Bloom Time
Mar–May
Light
Part shade
Water
Medium
Height
1–2 ft
Red and yellow; early season; self-seeds
Spotted Jewelweed
Impatiens capensis
Bloom Time
Jul–Oct
Light
Part shade
Water
Wet
Height
2–5 ft
Orange flowers; annual; loves moist areas
Native Shrubs & Trees
Larger plants that provide structure, shelter, and nesting sites along with their blooms.
Bottlebrush Buckeye
Aesculus parviflora
Large shrub; white flowers; native to Southeast
Plumleaf Azalea
Rhododendron prunifolium
Late-blooming native azalea; orange-red; rare
Native Azaleas
Rhododendron spp.
Many Southeast natives; prefer acidic soil
Buttonbush
Cephalanthus occidentalis
Wetland shrub; white ball-shaped flowers
Bloom Calendar
Plan your garden for continuous blooms throughout the hummingbird season. Each row shows which native plants are flowering that month.
March
Red Buckeye Wild Columbine Coral Honeysuckle
April
Cross Vine Native Azaleas Coral Honeysuckle Fire Pink
May
Indian Pink Standing Cypress Scarlet Sage
June
Cardinal Flower Trumpet Vine Bee Balm
July
Cardinal Flower Bee Balm Plumleaf Azalea
August
Cardinal Flower Trumpet Vine Scarlet Sage
September
Scarlet Sage Spotted Jewelweed Cardinal Flower
October
Coral Honeysuckle Scarlet Sage
Where to Buy Native Plants
Support local conservation by purchasing from native plant nurseries and societies in your state. Many hold annual plant sales with expert advice on species selection and garden design.