32 Hummingbird Plants Georgia

cape myrtle

There are so many flowers that attract hummingbirds, but you need to find plants that will survive and thrive in your weather conditions. If it’s too hot or too cold, then they will die or not grow enough to produce the flowers that hummingbirds need to collect nectar from.

The USDA plant hardiness zone map splits the United States into 13 zones based on the average minimum temperature, and within a state, there will also be different zones. Plants thrive in different zones and can tolerate minimum temperatures but not survive if too cold.

Georgia has hot summers and mild winters, with the south being warmer than the north. It sits in plant hardiness zones 6 to 9.

Plant zone map
Credit: U.S. Department of Agriculture

It can also be too hot for some plants so the American Horticultural Society created the plant heat-zone map that shows the average number of days an area has temperatures over 86 degrees F.

Georgia is in plant heat zones 5 to 9, with the south being hotter than the north.

Heat zone map

All of these plants for hummingbirds have been checked against cold zones and heat zones in Georgia to ensure these plants not only have gorgeous nectar-rich flowers that hummingbirds love, but they will also thrive in the weather conditions in Georgia.

The plants suitable for hardniess zones 7 – 8 may not survive the colder winters in zones 6 – 7 in Georgia without protection.

So plant as many of these flowers as you can to attract hummingbirds in Georgia.

Hummingbird Plants Georgia Hardiness Zones 6 – 7

1. Trumpet vine

Trumpet vine, Latin name Campsis radicans, is from the family Bignoniaceae and a native of the eastern United States. It is a species of fast-growing and fast-spreading flowering vines, which can become invasive in western states if not controlled effectively through aggressive pruning. Look for hybrids if in western states.

Otherwise known as hummingbird vine, it lives up to its name because the flowers are too attractive for hummingbirds and make them come back repeatedly when they’re in bloom.

Some also call it the Trumpet Creeper because they can creep into crevices and shingles. Some find them valuable for covering rock piles and tree stumps. Their woody stems are strong enough to survive winter, but they’re also capable of destroying foundations, fences, and trees.

The Trumpet Vine is a plant that requires hardly anything to survive. It will thrive under full sunlight, with profuse flowers, when it gets at least 6 hours of direct light. It can also survive in partial shade but with fewer flowers. Regular watering is not necessary. Just keeping the soil moist is fine.   

But regular pruning is necessary for the Trumpet Vine to keep it in check and prevent it from spreading too much. The best time is in late fall when you can cut it to nearly ground level. They will grow back sooner than you think, especially with full sunlight.   

  • Common Name: Trumpet Vine, Trumpet Creeper, Cow Itch
  • Scientific Name: Campsis radicans
  • Growing Zones: 4 – 9
  • Sun: Full sun, partial shade
  • Soil: Average, moist but well-drained
  • Colors: orange, red, and yellow
  • Height: 25 – 40 feet long
  • Spread:5 – 10 feet wide
  • Plant Type: perennial, Deciduous woody vine

2. Rhododendron

Rhododendrons

Rhododendrons are a large group of woody plants belonging to the heather family, Ericaceae. There are about 1,000 species of rhododendrons ranging from tiny shrubs to large trees. These evergreen shrubs are often used in ornamental landscaping because most hardy plants lose their leaves or die from the frost. They also have bright and colorful flowers.

It is easy to differentiate rhododendrons from azaleas, their most similar species. Most rhododendrons have bell-shaped, colorful flowers with ten stamens, while azaleas have one funnel-shaped flower with five stamens per stem. Rhododendrons have many flowers per stem, azaleas only have one, but since there are many stems to a shrub, this difference is hard to see. 

With many varieties of rhododendrons, it is possible to plant and cultivate them all year long, especially if you have mild climates. However, early spring planting is your best choice when you live in an area with cold temperatures.

When you have hotter weather, early fall is the right time. Rhododendrons thrive better in environments that are not too hot and not too cold. You have to give them time to acclimate to the temperatures when you plant them. 

Soil preparation for rhododendrons is important. You have to keep soil acidity between a pH of 4.5 – 5.5. Do a soil test to make sure. If the pH is too high, apply a small amount of agricultural sulfur or iron sulfate. However, if the pH is too low, apply ground limestone.

Allow rhododendrons to receive 6 hours of full sunlight when you live in colder climates (Zones 4-6) but give them ample shade when you live in hotter regions (Zones 7-11). Make sure they have well-irrigated soil and avoid getting the roots soaked in water. 

Hummingbirds are attracted to rhododendrons because they have a variety of colors like pink, purple, red, white, and yellow.

  • Common Name: Rhododendron
  • Scientific Name: Rhododendron
  • Growing Zones: 4 – 11
  • Sun: Partial shade
  • Soil: Well-drained, Acidic
  • Colors: Pink, Purple, Red, White, and Yellow
  • Height: 18 inches to 50 feet
  • Spread: 2 – 3 feet 
  • Plant Type: Perennial

3. Veronica

Veronica flower

Veronicas are flowering plants that have about 500 species, making them the largest genus in the family Plantaginaceae. They are categorized as herbaceous annuals or perennials that are native to the temperate Northern Hemisphere. 

Veronica plants come in many different varieties. Some are low-growing that are perfect as ground covers, and these tend to flower in the spring. However, some also grow tall and high with upright, vertical flower spikes, and these bloom during the summer.

Of the many Veronica varieties, Veronica spicata is one of the most popular. It is known for its colorful vertical spikes of flowers. These flowers are tiny and clumped at the end of the spike in colors of white, pink, purple, and blue. They’re attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees.

Speedwells, as they are also known, are hardy plants and will tolerate almost any kind of soil. They hardly have any pest problems, and when you deadhead them, you can extend their flowering season. They thrive in full sunlight but need to be watered regularly when they’re young to ensure the best flowers. 

  • Common Name: Veronica, Speedwell
  • Scientific Name: genus Veronica from the family Plantaginaceae 
  • Growing Zones:  3 – 11
  • Sun: Full sun, partial shade
  • Soil: well-drained
  • Colors: white, pink, purple, blue
  • Height: 6 inches to 3 feet tall
  • Spread: 6 inches to 2 feet wide
  • Plant Type: Perennial

4. Figwort

Figwort

Figwort is the collection of about 200 species of herbaceous flowering plants belonging to the genus Scrophularia. There are 17 figwort species in the United States, and among them, Mimbres Figwort, or Scrophularia macrantha, is pollinated by hummingbirds.

It was originally known as Mimbes Figwort, but nursery growers didn’t think it aptly described the beauty of this plant. So, they named it  “Red Birds in a Tree”, because that’s what the flowers resembled. They looked like tiny redbirds on a tree!

Though rare, flower enthusiasts became interested in growing Red Birds in a Tree because they were drought-tolerant, had a long flowering period, and attracted hummingbirds. 

The red, two-lipped flowers that grow on the ends of the stems bloom from summer into fall. The tubular shape of the flower, plus its vivid red color, is a surefire way to attract hummingbirds. Since they’re rare, you may want to visit a nursery specializing in rare or unusual plants. 

Since it’s native to high plains, it needs full sun to really thrive. It needs regular watering when it’s young, but once it’s established, you won’t need to water it as much. Just don’t overwater it, or the roots will rot. 

When they grow, they tend to twine around neighboring plants, so it’s best to pair them with tall and strong plants or provide them with something to support them, like a trellis or an arbor.

  • Common Name: Mimbres Figwort
  • Scientific Name:
  • Growing Zones: 5 – 10
  • Sun: Full sun or Morning sun and afternoon shade
  • Soil: Any soil type, except clay, with some compost if the soil is poor 
  • Colors: red
  • Height: 3 to 4 feet tall
  • Spread:18 inches wide
  • Plant Type: Perennial Vine

5. Hibiscus

hibiscus

Hibiscus plants are from the mallow family, Malvaceae, and there are hundreds of varieties, including perennials and evergreens. Some perennials, like the Hibiscus coccineus, can grow in Zones 6 to 9, while some evergreens, like the Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, can grow year-round in Zones 9 and 10.

Hibiscus plants are characterized by large, trumpet-like flowers that may be colored red, yellow, pink, orange, and white. They may have five or more petals, and some single-bloom varieties flower for only one to three days. However, some tropical hibiscus species can repeatedly flower during their season.

Most Hibiscus plants start to flower from mid to late spring or mid to late summer, depending on the region. Some have also been known to flower until fall, but that may only be possible if the climate is mild.  

If you want your hibiscus plants to flower, make sure they receive up to 6 hours of full sunlight daily. Watering your hibiscus depends on the weather. If it’s too hot, give it water daily. If it’s average, a couple of times a week will be enough, as long as the soil is moist. If it gets cold, hold off on watering until the soil is dry, and make sure to keep the plant indoors because they don’t really tolerate cold weather. 

Hibiscus plants are a sight to behold when they’re in full bloom, and it’s understandable why they can attract hummingbirds. Taking care of your hibiscus will keep hummingbirds coming to your backyard for sure.

  • Common Name: Hibiscus
  • Scientific Name: Hibiscus
  • Growing Zones: 6 – 10
  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Soil: Well-drained, 
  • Colors: Red, Yellow, Pink, Orange, and White
  • Height: 3 – 8 feet
  • Spread: 3 – 5 feet
  • Plant Type: Perennial, Evergreen

6. Bleeding heart

Bleeding Heart flower during the spring and have a lovely sweet smell. They are perennial and require little maintenance, and can be planted in full sun or partial shade.

They make a fantastic addition to a shady corner, and the delicate flowers look amazing arching out of a hanging basket.

If they get too hot or too much sun, they will die back, but the roots will be fine, and the plant will come back the following year. Keep them well watered in the growing season, with the soil moist but not too wet.

It goes dormant in the fall and can be cut back once it starts to yellow, but it will grow back.

  • Common Name: Bleeding heart
  • Scientific Name: Dicentra spectabilis
  • Growing Zones: 3 – 9
  • Sun: Partial shade
  • Soil: Well-drained, moist
  • Colors: Red, White, Pink
  • Height: 3 feet
  • Spread: 3 feet
  • Plant Type: Perennial

7. Cardinal flower

The long bright red tubular flowers of Cardinal flowers are designed for hummingbirds’ long bills.

These herbaceous perennials flower in late summer. The bright red flowers appear on terminal spikes.

Cardinal flowers are not drought tolerant and prefer moist soil that does not dry out.

When planting cardinal flowers in pots, ensure they are set in a tray of water that can be topped up easily.

  • Common Name: Cardinal flower
  • Scientific Name: Lobelia cardinalis
  • Growing Zones: 3 – 9
  • Sun: Full sun to partial shade
  • Soil: Rich, moist
  • Colors:  Red, pink, white
  • Height: 2 – 4 feet
  • Spread: 1 – 2 feet
  • Plant Type: Perennial

8. Catmint

Catmint

Catmint, Latin name Nepeta mussinii, is often mistakenly interchanged with Catnip (Nepeta Cataria). They are both of the same genus, Nepeta, but Catmint is more ornamental than the weedy Catnip. Catnip is also what’s euphoric to cats, not Catmint. 

Catmint is an aromatic herb plant that has a long flowering time, is drought-tolerant, easy to grow, has beautiful flowers that are attractive to hummingbirds, and can be used for culinary and herbal tonics. 

Gardeners love using Catmint as groundcover and as an edging plant because it is easily propagated and they grow fast. Catmint has lavender-blue flowers rising from its stalks and flowers in early summer, much more continuously than Catnip.

They flower well into fall, and even when the flowers have disappeared, the plant itself continues to provide cover and interest. 

The leaves are gray-green and aromatic because Catmint belongs to the mint family. They are often used for tea and are also added to make soups and sauces.

Growing catmint is simple. It thrives under full sunlight and in rich, well-drained soil. When they’re young, they need regular watering, but once they’re established, they become drought-tolerant. 

  • Common Name: Catmint
  • Scientific Name: Nepeta mussinii
  • Growing Zones: 4 – 8
  • Sun: Full sun, partial shade
  • Soil: Dry, Well-drained soil
  • Colors: lavender, blue
  • Height: 12 – 18 inches
  • Spread: 12 – 18 inches
  • Plant Type: herbaceous perennial

9. Phlox

Phlox paniculata (Garden phlox) in bloom

Phlox is a genus of flowering plants whose name is from a Greek word for “Flame” because of its intensely-colored flowers. While there are many varieties, it commonly has three types:  Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata), Woodland Phlox (Phlox stolonifera/divaricata), and Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata).

Creeping Phlox grow low and wide, close to the ground, which is why they’re perfect as ground covers. Woodland Phlox are of medium height, so they’re usually best for filling gaps. Garden Phlox plants grow tall and erect, so even if they’re at the back, they usually stand out.

Phlox flowers are dainty and grow in clusters of twelve at the top of hardy stems. Most of the flowers are fragrant.  Some flower in the spring, others in summer until fall. With many varieties, there are also many colors to choose from, like shades of white, pink, red, purple, and blue. 

Since they flower profusely, sometimes it’s hard to appreciate their leaves because you hardly see them. But their leaves are also worthy of your attention. Some are oblong, pointed, and lance-shaped. Some even have border colors, but they’re mostly bright or deep green.

Regardless of their differences, they all attract hummingbirds and other pollinators. Luckily, they’re also easy to grow, and some can spread by self-seeding, so you really have nothing to do except give them the occasional water and let them have a full dose of sunlight. 

  • Common Name: Garden Phlox, Creeping Phlox, Woodland Phlox
  • Scientific Name: Phlox
  • Growing Zones: 2 – 9
  • Sun: Full sun, part sun, shade
  • Soil: Moist, fertile soil with a layer of compost
  • Colors: white, pink, red, purple, blue
  • Height: 4 to 6 inches, 8 to 12 inches, 2 to 4 feet tall
  • Spread: 4 to 6 inches wide, 8 to 12 inches wide, 2 to 3 feet wide
  • Plant Type: Perennial

10. Viburnum

viburnum

Viburnum now belongs to the family Adoxaceae with over 150 species of flowering plants. It used to be classified under the honeysuckle family, Caprifoliaceae. Deciduous shrubs and trees are native to temperate North America, while some varieties are evergreens from the tropical regions of Southeast Asia. 

Viburnum flowers are attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies because they have a variety of nectar-rich shapely flowers. You will also love them because some of them have intoxicating fragrances, like Cayuga and Burkwood. They also have very interesting leaf colors, like purplish-red or blue-green. Finally, their berries also have eye-catching colors, like red, pink, purple, blue, and black. 

Early spring to late summer is the flowering season for Viburnum for most varieties. However, there are some like the Bodnant Viburnum that flower in winter. After these flowers bloom, get ready for the showcase of brilliantly-colored fruits and captivating fall foliage. 

Most viburnums prefer to grow with their fill of sunlight, about 6 hours worth, and this will ensure the best flowers, bountiful fruits, and fall foliage. There are some varieties that will also thrive with partial shade. While they may vary in sunlight needs, they all prefer well-draining soil and a bit of pruning after flowering to remove old, dead, and broken branches.

Viburnums are a perfect asset to your backyard – they have fragrance, colorful flowers, and foliage, and they even have eye-catching fruits. Hummingbirds will surely find their way toward your viburnums. 

  • Common Name: Viburnum
  • Scientific Name: Viburnum
  • Growing Zones: 2 – 9
  • Sun: Full sun, Partial sun
  • Soil: Moist but well-drained soil
  • Colors: white, pink
  • Height: 3 – 8 feet, 8 – 20 feet
  • Spread: 3 to 12 feet wide, depending on the type
  • Plant Type: Perennial, Evergreen, Deciduous shrub

11. English Hawthorn

Hawthorn

The English Hawthorn (Craetaegus Laevigata), also commonly called Midland hawthorn or Woodland hawthorn is a deciduous, thorny tree that originated in Europe and North Africa. It is similar to apple, pear, and crabapple trees that bloom profusely during spring. 

English Hawthorn trees are small to medium-sized trees that can reach up to 30 feet high. They are tolerant of drought and poor soil conditions and can be confined to small spaces, which is why they are popular as street trees, in landscapes, and as bonsai trees.

In springtime, these English Hawthorn trees will flower radiant colors of white, pink, lavender, and red. They grow in flat clusters of 6 to 12 flowers, each with five petals, along its branches. When these flowers fade, small red or orange fruit will start to grow from summer into winter. These red and orange fruits provide a great contrast against the white tree in winter. 

When planting your English Hawthorn, make sure to plant them where fallen fruit is not an issue. They also grow slowly but will live for as long as 150 years.

  • Common Name: English Hawthorn, Midland hawthorn, or Woodland hawthorn
  • Scientific Name: Craetaegus Laevigata
  • Growing Zones: 3 – 9
  • Sun: Full sun
  • Soil:  moist, well-drained
  • Colors: white, pink, lavender, red
  • Height: 6 to 30 feet tall
  • Spread: 6 to 30 feet wide
  • Plant Type: Perennial, Deciduous tree

12. Flowering currant

flowering currant

The Flowering Currant, Latin name Ribes sanguineum, is a large deciduous shrub growing up to 10 meters tall, native to the western United States and Canada. They are considered an ornamental plant because of their lovely reddish flowers, but they’re also cultivated for food because of their edible berries for humans and animals. 

The Flowering currant, also called red-flowering currant or redflower currant, is multi-stemmed with upright arching stems. With careful pruning, it can be cultivated as a tree with rounded branches. It thrives under the full sun but can be grown in partial shade. It is drought-tolerant, but ideally, you should keep the soil moist. 

The flowers of the Flowering Currant are wildly attractive to hummingbirds and bees during early spring (April to May). They’re clusters of 10-30 flowers, each cluster as long as three inches. The flowers are light pink to red that seemingly cover the stems and sometimes hang from them. 

The leaves are deep green that are shaped like small maple leaves. They appear at the same time as flowers, and when they’re young, they emit a type of woodsy scent. They’re essential because moths and butterfly larvae eat them. 

During the fall, blue-black fruits appear. Songbirds love these berries. People may use the berries for jams and syrup. 

  • Common Name: Flowering Currant
  • Scientific Name: Ribes sanguineum
  • Growing Zones: 5 – 9
  • Sun: Full sun or partial shade
  • Soil: well-drained soil 
  • Colors: light pink, red
  • Height: 10 feet tall
  • Spread: 5 feet
  • Plant Type: Perennial, Deciduous shrub

13. Indian Pink

Indian Pink flower

Indian Pink, or Spigelia marilandica, is a herbaceous perennial native to areas in the southeastern United States. It is an uncommon yet attractive plant that is considered threatened in some areas due to indiscriminate harvesting. 

Pinkroots, as they are sometimes called, bloom strikingly beautiful flowers from late spring to summer. They are tubular, bright red or burgundy, flowering one at a time from the bottom up, on a single side of a stem. The tip of the flowers opens up to five red petals that curve downward.  

When viewed from the top, these flowers resemble a five-pointed bright red star. Each flower is about 2 inches long, and there are about 6 to 12 flowers along the stem. These flowers are a definite magnet for hummingbirds because they’re bright red and they’re tubular. 

Once established, you can collect ripe seed capsules in the summer. Indian Pink is easy to grow and is one of the few flowering plants that grow well even in partial shade. 2 to 6 hours of sunlight is enough for them to grow best. 

They love good rich, moist soil and can even tolerate a few days of drought. But those that are exposed to more sunlight will do well with regular watering, just avoid too much watering to prevent root rot. 

  • Common Name: Indian Pink, Pinkroot, woodland pinkroot
  • Scientific Name: Spigelia marilandica
  • Growing Zones: 5 – 9
  • Sun: Partial shade
  • Soil: high organic, well-draining
  • Colors: red, yellow
  • Height: 1 – 2 feet tall
  • Spread: 1 – 2 feet wide
  • Plant Type: Perennial

14. Clematis

Clematis

Clematis belongs to a large group of about 300 species of flowering vines under the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae. Originally from Japan and China, Clematis are among the most popular ornamental plants because they come in a variety of colors, there are many varieties suitable for your type of climate, and they never fail to attract hummingbirds and other pollinators to your backyard.

If you’re thinking of filling your trellis, arbor, or fence with beautiful and colorful flowers, then clematis are your best vine choice. They are mostly star-shaped flowers that come in large and small sizes. They have a wide range of colors – white, yellow, pink, blue, purple, and some are dual-colored, that bloom in spring or late summer, depending on the variety. 

Aside from color, clematis also feature different flower types. There are flowers in loose clusters, bell-shaped flowers, and flat or open flowers. The large flowers are about 6-10 inches across and, with their color, are bound to attract hummingbirds and butterflies alike. Smaller varieties often have fragrances.

Clematis generally thrive under full sun, at the latest 6 hours of direct sunlight. What makes them different is that while they need that much sunlight, their soil needs to be constantly moist and must never dry up if you want gorgeous and plentiful flowers. 

Depending on how tall you want your clematis to grow, pick a suitable support system for it. Larger clematis will be more suited for arbors, while smaller varieties can be grown on poles, fences, and trellises.

Give them space for their sunlight and shade for their roots. When they’re in flower, you’ll have a feast for your eyes, not just with the flowers but with all the hummingbirds that will visit your garden.  

  • Common Name: Clematis, woodbine, old man’s beard
  • Scientific Name: Clematis
  • Growing Zones: 4 – 8
  • Sun: Full sun
  • Soil: Moist, well-drained soil
  • Colors: white, yellow, pink, blue, purple
  • Height: 2 – 5 feet, 8 – 12 feet, 20 – 30 feet
  • Spread:2 – 6 feet wide 
  • Plant Type: Perennial, Woody deciduous, herbaceous, and evergreen vines

15. Foxglove

Foxglove is a beautiful woodland flower that grows dramatically tall stems with many bell-shaped blossoms. Due to the fact they are often found in woodlands, they are great shade-tolerant plants that hummingbirds’ long bills and tongues can reach into.

These are biennial plants, which means you need to plant them two years in a row as in their first year, they do not produce flowers and then die off after their second year of flowering. However, they readily self-seed, so you will get their dramatic display for many years.

Foxgloves are easy to grow from seed outside in late spring or late summer when temperatures are cooler.

  • Common Name: Foxgloves
  • Scientific Name: Digitalis
  • Growing Zones: 4 – 8
  • Sun: Full sun to partial shade
  • Soil: Slightly acidic, well-drained but moist.
  • Colors: Purple, pink, white
  • Height: 5 foot
  • Plant Type: biennials 

16. Lupin

Lupine

Lupine, or its scientific name Lupinus, comes from the family Fabaceae and is cultivated as an ornamental plant and as a food source, despite having some toxicity that can induce allergic reactions in humans and animals. 

It was originally named “lupinus” because it was thought to be “wolfing” the nutrients of the soil. But in truth, it is a nitrogen-fixer plant, meaning it naturally adds nitrogen to the soil. So, if you have any plants that need nitrogen as a fertilizer, Lupines will naturally provide it for you.

With over 199 species of flowering plants, Lupines have such a diverse array of flowers. The Texas bluebonnet (Lupinus texensis) is one popular variant in the United States because of its prolific blue flower spikes. It is also why lupine is known as bluebonnet, too.

Lupines are easily recognizable because of their tall, vertical spiky flowers. Wild ones are often blue and white, while garden-variety ones come in blue, yellow, pink, red, and purple. These colorful hybrids originated from Lupinus polyphyllus and crossed with other variants.

Lupines, with their bright, numerous flowers, are a magnet for hummingbirds. They bloom in early spring when most other flowers are still in the process of growing, and that quality attracts hummingbirds because they’re the only food source available. 

  • Common Name: lupin, lupine, bluebonnet
  • Scientific Name: Lupinus
  • Growing Zones: 4 – 8
  • Sun: Full sun
  • Soil: Rich, moist, well-drained
  • Colors: white, pink, red, yellow, blue, purple, bicolor
  • Height: 3 – 4 feet tall
  • Spread: 1 – 1.5 feet wide
  • Plant Type: Annual, Perennial

17. Red Buckeye

Red buckeye flowers

Red Buckeye (Aesculus pavia) is a large shrub or a small tree that’s native to the Southeastern United States. Its other names include Scarlet Buckeye and Firecracker plant. They can be single-trunked trees or shrubs or multi-trunked trees, depending on how you prune them. 

The attraction of the Red Buckeye are numerous red, tubular flowers that bloom in the spring. These red flowers belong to the typical Red Buckeye, but there are also yellow flowers that are the flavescens variety of the Aesculus pavia.

These red flowers are extremely attractive to hummingbirds and bees because they rise upright from the leaves.

The leaves of the Red Buckeye are a good contrast to the bright red flowers. They are composed of 5 leaflets connected to a central point. They’re shiny and glossy, dark green above and whitish on the underside. 

Red Buckeyes are easy to grow and maintain because they can be grown in any soil texture, but they thrive when in moist and well-drained soil. You can grow them in the shade, but you may stunt their growth, and they will remain as small shrubs.

While the Red Buckeye looks brilliant when it is in full bloom, caution must be exercised as almost all their parts, bark, flowers, fruits, leaves, seeds, and stems, are poisonous and toxic to humans. 

  • Common Name: Red Buckeye
  • Scientific Name: Aesculus pavia
  • Growing Zones: 4 – 8
  • Sun: Full sun or partial shade
  • Soil: all soil textures
  • Colors: red or yellow
  • Height: 15 – 20 feet tall
  • Spread: 15 – 25 feet wide
  • Plant Type:  Perennial, Deciduous flowering tree

18. Crab apples

Crab Apple Trees

Crab Apples are small deciduous trees that belong to the genus Malus and the rose family, Rosaceae. Their origins may be traced to Russia and Asia, but they now inhabit temperate regions of North America. They are popular ornamental, fruit-bearing trees with colorful blossoms and great leafy foliage. 

Crabapples put on quite a display during spring when their flowers bloom. You’ll see a profusion of white, pink, magenta, red flowers opening from darker-colored buds generally for a 4-5 week period. 

There are many varieties of crabapple trees, so their flowers also come in many different forms. There are single (five petals), semi-double (6-10 petals), and double (more than ten petals) blossoms. Hummingbirds keep coming back to these large, colorful, and bountiful flowers.

Aside from crabapple blossoms, their foliage is also a sight to behold in the fall. Ordinarily, they have green and dark green leaves, while some varieties have reddish and purplish leaves. But come fall, their leaves turn gold-yellow, red, orange, or bronze before they fall on the ground. 

Crabapple fruits are also a reason why these trees attract birds and other mammals. From fall into winter, the trees are filled with orange, bright red, yellow, and many shades or variations of fruits. They come in many sizes, too depending on the trees.

Whether you go for a large crabapple tree or a small crabapple tree, you can look forward to many blooms and fruits that also bring hummingbirds to your backyard.

  • Common Name: Crab apple, Crabapple
  • Scientific Name: Malus sylvestris
  • Growing Zones: 4 – 8
  • Sun: Full sun
  • Soil: rich, loamy, well-drained soil
  • Colors: white, pink, or red
  • Height: Small-10-15 ft, Med – 15-20 feet, Large – up to 40 feet
  • Spread: up to 12 meters wide
  • Plant Type: Perennial

19. Ligularia

Ligularia is a fantastic addition to a shade garden. The tall spikes of flowers in bright yellow really pop against the green leaves.

The leaves of the ligularia add more interest and come in deep green and are large and heart-shaped or thin and deeply serrated.

They prefer moist soil, out of the heat of the day, and they will wilt if too hot and dry.

Hummingbirds will love to visit your shady garden if these flowers are there to welcome them.

  • Common Name: Ligularia, summer ragwort or leopardplant
  • Scientific Name: Ligularia
  • Growing Zones: 4 – 8
  • Sun: partial shade
  • Soil: moist
  • Colors: yellow, orange-yellow
  • Height: 3 – 8 feet
  • Spread: 2 – 4 feet
  • Plant Type: Perennial

20. Northern Catalpa

Northern Catalpa

The leaves of the Northern Catalpa are an attraction themselves. They’re huge, around a foot long, heart-shaped, bright green on the topside and dark green on the underside. They turn yellow before dropping down to the ground in the fall. 

The Northern Catalpa also has seed pods, which look like cigars, that’s why they’re sometimes called cigar trees. These pods are about 2 feet long, like a green bean, but they turn dark brown in the fall when they split open to let the seeds free to fall on the ground. 

When growing the Northern Catalpa, you have to consider that its flowers, leaves, seedpods, and seeds naturally fall down from spring until winter. It understandably makes a mess on the ground, and its twigs and branches are brittle and easily break and fall from wind and ice damage. 

  • Common Name: Northern Catalpa
  • Scientific Name: Catalpa speciosa
  • Growing Zones: 4 – 8
  • Sun: Full sun (4 hours) and partial shade
  • Soil: wide range of moisture conditions, even hot and dry
  • Colors: white 
  • Height: 40 – 60 feet tall
  • Spread: 20 – 40 feet in diameter
  • Plant Type: Perennial, Deciduous tree

The Northern Catalpa, or Catalpa speciosa, is a medium-sized deciduous tree native to the midwestern United States. However, some trees have found their way to New England and east of the Rocky Mountains. They are mostly treated as ornamental lawn, roadside, and sidewalk trees because they’re tough and can survive a wide range of moisture conditions. 

The flowers of the Northern Catalpa are beautiful, to say the least. They bloom in late spring to early summer and are white, bell-shaped, with yellow, orange, or purple streaking on the inside. Hummingbirds are attracted to them because of the showy flowers. 

The leaves of the Northern Catalpa are an attraction themselves. They’re huge, around a foot long, heart-shaped, bright green on the topside and dark green on the underside. They turn yellow before dropping down to the ground in the fall. 

The Northern Catalpa also has seed pods, which look like cigars, that’s why they’re sometimes called cigar trees. These pods are about 2 feet long, like a green bean, but they turn dark brown in the fall when they split open to let the seeds free to fall on the ground. 

When growing the Northern Catalpa, you have to consider that its flowers, leaves, seedpods, and seeds naturally fall down from spring until winter. It understandably makes a mess on the ground, and its twigs and branches are brittle and easily break and fall from wind and ice damage. 

  • Common Name: Northern Catalpa
  • Scientific Name: Catalpa speciosa
  • Growing Zones: 4 – 8
  • Sun: Full sun (4 hours) and partial shade
  • Soil: wide range of moisture conditions, even hot and dry
  • Colors: white 
  • Height: 40 – 60 feet tall
  • Spread: 20 – 40 feet in diameter
  • Plant Type: Perennial, Deciduous tree

21. Fire Pink

Fire Pink flower
Credit: Eric Hunt

Fire Pink, Silene Virginica, is a wildflower from the pink family, Caryophyllaceae. One species, Silene virginica var. Robusta is endemic to West Virginia, while others are found in eastern North America. It is protected as endangered species in Wisconsin and Florida and as a threatened species in Michigan.

Fire Pink is also known as Scarlet Catchfly because its hairy and sticky stems catch flies and other insects.  The sticky residue discourages these insects from eating the plant. They, as well as hummingbirds, are naturally attracted to these Fire Pink plants because of their bright-red, nectar-rich flowers.

There are about 3 to 10 scarlet flowers that grow loosely from the stems. Each flower is five-petaled and deeply notched on the tips. They flower from mid-spring to summer. One of its principal pollinators is the ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris).

Fire Pink is best suited to growing in beds and borders. If you want them to self-seed, plant them in prairies and meadows. They thrive in part shade with dry to medium moisture and well-drained soils. 

  • Common Name: Cliff Pink, Fire Pink, Scarlet Catchfly
  • Scientific Name: Silene Virginica
  • Growing Zones: 4 – 8 
  • Sun: Partial Shade
  • Soil: dry, moist
  • Colors: Red
  • Height: 6 inches  – 2 feet tall
  • Spread: 10 inches to 2 feet wide
  • Plant Type: Perennial

22. Weigela

Weigela

Weigela are a favorite flower of hummingbirds and butterflies because of their pink and reddish colors, although there are varieties of Weigela that are yellow and lavender. The flowers are tubular-shaped, about 2 cm long, and form clusters. They flower from early spring to late summer. 

Weigela are a group of 6 to 38 species of flowering deciduous shrubs from the family Caprifoliaceae. All of the flowers are natives of East Asia, the most popular variety is the Weigela florida. The “florida” does not represent the state of Florida but instead stands for “florid” or “covered with flowers”.

The leaves of Weigela are also as interesting as the flowers. They come in different shapes – some are long, some are oblong, and some have a serrated edge. Normal colors are green, but there are others that are variegated (dual-colored), gold, and burgundy.

These Weigela plants are perfect ornamental plants, whether you use them as specimen plants when they bloom or as hedge plants because of their dense foliage. The key is to put them in moderately acidic soil that is well-draining. They flower best when receiving full sunlight, but they can still grow in partial shade. 

Weigelas are easy plants to take care of and have the advantage of being drought-tolerant too. They hardly need water unless the weather has been exceptionally hot, so they may need just enough to keep their soil moist. 

  • Common Name: Weigela
  • Scientific Name: Weigela
  • Growing Zones: 4 – 8
  • Sun: Full sun, partial shade
  • Soil: Well-drained, moderately acidic soil 
  • Colors: red, pink, white, yellow, and lavender
  • Height: 3 – 10 feet tall
  • Spread: up to 12 feet 
  • Plant Type: Perennial, Deciduous

23. Cape fuchsia

Cape Fushia

Cape Fuchsia, Latin name Phygelius capensis, is a flowering plant from the family Scrophulariaceae. It is a semi-evergreen shrub that can grow from 3 to 5 feet and is native to South Africa, and its name comes from the Cape of Good Hope. 

What makes Cape Fuchsia a good ornamental plant is its long flowering season. From May to November, you can enjoy its brilliant colors, depending on the variety that you have. There are yellow, peach, coral, magenta, and red variants that are 2 inches long, tubular, and hang upright or vertical on stems. 

Cape Fuchsia is easy to take care of because it is not picky about the soil you place it in as long as it receives just the right amount of water and a full dose of sunlight. It grows and spreads fast too from its underground stems, so you just need to make sure to constrict it to its space so it won’t overwhelm other shorter plants. 

It’s pretty drought-tolerant, but you have to keep the soil moist when the weather becomes too hot. Also, when it’s too hot, it wouldn’t hurt to bring it under partial shade. It flowers for a long time too, which is a really good treat for hummingbirds. 

  • Common Name: Cape Fuchsia
  • Scientific Name: Phygelius capensis
  • Growing Zones: 5 – 7
  • Sun: Full sun
  • Soil: well-drained soil 
  • Colors: yellow, peach, coral, magenta, red
  • Height: 3 – 5 feet
  • Spread: 3 – 5 feet
  • Plant Type: Perennial, annual

24. Delphinium

delphinium

Delphiniums are a genus of about 300 species of flowering plants belonging to the family Ranunculaceae. They are known for their striking, tall, colorful, nectar-rich flowers that are a feast for butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. 

Many gardeners love to plant delphiniums mainly because of their rare blue flowers despite their toxicity and somewhat tricky growing conditions. But, if you’re looking for other colors, delphiniums won’t disappoint because they also have them in pink and red. You can enjoy these flowers from late spring to late summer. 

Delphiniums can grow to a height of 8 feet tall in some variants. Their foliage is attractive as well, with their small, palm-shaped leaves.  These plants flower well in full sun. It may need to be shielded from too much heat though, and very strong winds. As they grow vertically, you may need to create some support for their stalks, too.

These flowers grow profusely for every stalk and within each flower is a stockpile of nectar that attracts hummingbirds to them. The bright colors of the flowers are already a huge attraction, but having that much available nectar is guaranteed to draw in pollinators repeatedly.

  • Common Name: Larkspur, Delphinium
  • Scientific Name: Delphinium
  • Growing Zones: 3 – 7 
  • Sun: Full sun, part shade
  • Soil: well-draining soil
  • Colors: white, pink, red, purple, blue
  • Height: 1 to 3, 3 to 8 feet tall
  • Spread: 1 to 3 feet wide
  • Plant Type: Perennial

25. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus are a large group of 700 species of flowering trees and shrubs. Almost all species are native to Australia, but some have found their way into Hawaii, California, Arizona, western Washington, western Oregon, and southwestern British Columbia.

Eucalyptus trees are also called gum trees or stringybark trees and are considered invasive species in places like California because they are highly flammable, so do not plant them in fire risk states.

Though most eucalyptus trees grow as tall as 800 feet in the wild, there are eucalyptus varieties that you can grow in your backyard like the Red-Flowering gum (Eucalytpus ficifolia) and the Silver dollar eucalyptus (Eucalyptus cinerea) that can reach from 20 to 50 feet tall. They provide good shade because of their height.

They’re also easy to maintain in urban areas because they can grow in any type of soil as long as it’s well-drained. However, they’re most suited for regions with tropical temperatures, like in zones 8-11. They don’t do well in the cold. 

What’s fascinating about eucalyptus trees is that they technically have no flowers because they have no petals. The flowers that you would see are actually the numerous stamens that are freed from their petal-like enclosure. They are usually colored white, yellow, orange, pink, or red. 

Hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies love the eucalyptus trees because they produce a large amount of nectar. Bees can use it to make eucalyptus honey. Hummingbirds also love the scarlet color of the blossoms, and they even make their nests in Eucalyptus trees. 

  • Common Name: Eucalyptus, Gum Tree
  • Scientific Name: Eucalyptus
  • Growing Zones: 7 -11
  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Soil: well-drained, slightly acid soil
  • Colors: white, yellow, orange, pink, red 
  • Height: up to 120 feet tall (note: Pacific Northwest varieties) 820 feet (250 m) (Wild)
  • Spread: 25 to 57 feet wide (note: Pacific Northwest varieties) 500 feet (150 m) (Wild)
  • Plant Type: Perennial, Evergreen Tree

26. Crape Myrtle

cape myrtle

Crape Myrtle, or crepe myrtle, with the Latin name Lagerstroemia, belongs to the Lythraceae family. They are deciduous and evergreen shrubs originally from India, Asia, and Australia. They are sometimes called crepe myrtle because their flower petals have a crepe-like texture. 

These Crape Myrtle trees or shrubs are brilliant additions to backyards because of their bright, large flowers, peeling bark in winter, and foliage that changes color in the fall. There are many varieties to grow, from single to multi-stemmed trees, smaller shrubs, and even dwarf trees as small as 2 to 5 feet tall. 

Like most deciduous trees and shrubs, it’s best to plant them during fall or early spring to get their roots adjusted before the cold of winter or the heat of summer hits. They need at least 6 hours of full sunlight to encourage large, full blooms. They flower in mid-May and early June. 

To ensure that your Crape Myrtle tree flower profusely, it is essential that you prune old and dead branches carefully. Give the new plants room to grow, so remove crisscrossing branches, short twigs, and branches that grow toward the center. Shrubs hardly need pruning except maybe to remove old and dead branches. 

With their bright-colored flowers and a varying range of height, it’s easy to see why hummingbirds and butterflies love hanging around Crape Myrtles. 

  • Common Name: Crape Myrtle or crepe myrtle
  • Scientific Name: Lagerstroemia
  • Growing Zones: 7 – 10
  • Sun: Full sun
  • Soil: Moist soil
  • Colors: dark purple, dark red, bright pink, magenta, and white 
  • Height: trees 15 – 20 feet, shrubs 5 – 7 feet
  • Spread:trees 15 – 20 feet, shrubs 5 – 7 feet
  • Plant Type: Perennial, Deciduous shrubs or trees

27. Azalea

Azalea

North America has 16 native species of azaleas, and they’re all deciduous Deciduous azaleas that drop all of their leaves in the fall and they grow back in the spring. They mainly flower in colors that range from white to pink and from yellow to orange. 

Azaleas are flowering plants that belong to the Rhododendron family. One way to distinguish them from rhododendrons is to check the number of stamens. Azaleas generally have five stamens, while rhododendrons have 10. Also, while azaleas have smaller and thinner leaves, rhododendrons have large, impressive evergreen foliage. 

Asian azaleas are mostly evergreen. They have colors that range from white to purple to red, but no yellow azaleas. Though they are called evergreen, they still do drop some of their leaves in the fall because they grow two sets of leaves. Spring leaves are the ones that drop in the fall, and they’re mostly thinner and larger. Summer leaves are thicker and smaller, but they do not fall in the winter. 

Azaleas have many varieties but generally, most flower in the spring, around April and May, and some around June through September. Azaleas thrive in loose, moist, or well-drained, acidic soil (4.5 – 6.0 ph). If azaleas show signs of drooping because of too much sun or exposure to winds, revive them with slow watering.

Azalea flowers carry a floral scent that attracts hummingbirds. Their nectar is the treat that will make hummingbirds return to your backyard. 

  • Common Name: Azalea
  • Scientific Name: Rhododendron
  • Growing Zones: 7 – 9 
  • Sun: Filtered sunlight, partial shade
  • Soil: Well-drained, acidic
  • Colors: Pink, Lavender, yellow-orange, and white
  • Height: as high as 10 feet 
  • Spread:3 – 5 feet
  • Plant Type: Perennial, Evergreen, Deciduous shrubs

Hummingbird Plants Georgia Cold Zones 8 – 9

1. Lantana

Lantana

Lantanas are a great way to add interest to pots and containers, and hummingbirds are attracted to their small clustered flowers.

Due to their vine-like growing nature, they look great spilling over pots and baskets.

They can be grown as an annual in colder regions and as an evergreen shrub in frost-free areas. 

They are considered invasive in frost-free areas, so check if there are restrictions but growing them in pots will help to stop any spread.

  • Common Name: Lantana
  • Scientific Name: Lantana
  • Growing Zones: 8 – 11 or grow as annual
  • Sun: Full sun
  • Soil: Well-drained, slightly acid
  • Colors: Red, orange, yellow, blue, pink, and white
  • Height: 6 feet
  • Spread: 6 feet
  • Plant Type: Perennial

2. Bougainvillea

Bougainvillea

Bougainvillea is a genus of thorny, woody, ornamental vines that belong to the family Nyctaginaceae or the 4 o’clock family. They’re called the 4 o’clock family because they have a typical habit of their flowers opening at 4’oclock in the afternoon and closing them by morning. 

Bougainvillea flowers are unique because what you see as “flowers” aren’t, in fact, the flowers themselves. The large, showy, colorful, paper-thin “flowers” are actually leaves or bracts. The flowers are the tiny, white ones in the middle of these leaves. The bracts act as protectors for the tiny flowers and help in attracting hummingbirds and other pollinators to the plant. 

Hummingbirds truly appreciate bougainvillea flowers because they repeatedly bloom year-round, especially in zones 9-11. However, you need to bring them inside during winter because their roots may freeze if left outside. That’s why it’s better to grow them in containers when you live in regions with colder temperatures so you can quickly bring them inside.  

Thorny bougainvillea flowers may be trained to cover fences and as security hedges. You may also let them crawl along the walls of houses, but caution must be taken when you have kids or pets that may accidentally graze themselves on the thorns. 

  • Common Name: Bougainvillea, paper flower
  • Scientific Name: Bougainvillea glabra
  • Growing Zones: 9 – 11
  • Sun: Full sun
  • Soil: loamy, well-draining soil
  • Colors: yellow, orange, crimson, purple bracts, white flowers
  • Height: up to 40 feet tall
  • Spread: up to 40 feet wide
  • Plant Type: Perennial, Deciduous, or Evergreen Vine

3. Mandevilla

Mandevilla

Mandevilla is a group of tropical and subtropical flowering vines from the family Apocynaceae. Mandevilla is also referred to as rocktrumpet, dogbane, or dipladenia, and these plants are native to South America, southwestern United States, and Mexico.

There are many species of Mandevilla, and most of them are climbers with large, showy, fragrant flowers that bloom between late spring to late summer, even up to fall if the weather is mild.

They may have white, pink, and red flowers that look great against fences, trellises, and arbors. The tube-shaped structure of the flowers, plus their bright colors, make them attractive to hummingbirds and other pollinators. 

Mandevilla can be grown in pots on the ground or in hanging gardens. They may also be planted directly onto soil with a support structure for them to climb and twine around. They prefer full sunlight, moist soil unless the climate has turned colder, where you have to water them less to keep their roots from rotting. 

Another thing to do with Mandevilla to keep them growing and flowering is to re-pot them every year. A good change of soil and pot to accommodate for new growth is essential to keeping Mandevilla healthy. Just be mindful during the process, as Mandevilla is considered toxic. Their milky sap can irritate the skin upon contact, and while they’re not totally poisonous, pets may have a reaction when they ingest any part of the plant. 

  • Common Name: Mandevilla, rocktrumpet, dogbane or dipladenia
  • Scientific Name: Mandevilla
  • Growing Zones: 9 – 11
  • Sun: Full Sun, partial shade
  • Soil: Moist but well-drained
  • Colors: white, pink, red
  • Height: 3 – 10 feet tall
  • Spread: 3 – 4 feet wide
  • Plant Type: Perennial vine, an annual vine in colder climates

4. Petunias

potted plants for hummingbirds

These colorful and inexpensive annuals are easy to grow in a sunny location, and they work great in a container. They create abundant flowers that look great tumbling out of pots and containers.

They are often sold as young plants in flats at a nursery, but you can also grow them from seed. If growing from seed, grow them ten weeks before your last frost date and then plant out once this risk has passed.

Petunias are quite heat-tolerant, but they should get a good soaking about once a week. Prune them to about half the height to prevent them from getting thin and leggy.

Try planting the brighter colors in the reds and pinks for hummingbirds.

  • Common Name: Petunias
  • Scientific Name: Petunias
  • Growing Zones: 9 to 11
  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Soil: Well-drained moist soil
  • Colors: Red, pink, white, blue, purple
  • Height: 6 – 18 inches
  • Spread: 18 inches to 4 feet
  • Plant Type: Tender Perennial, Annual

5. Calibrachoa

Calibrachoa, million bells

Calibrachoa, more commonly known as million bells or trailing petunia, are small shrubs belonging to the Solanaceae family. They are a relatively new species of ornamental plants, having been introduced only in the 1990s. But they’ve grown popular because of their prolific, colorful blooms that look like small petunias, which is why they’re also called mini petunias.  

Calibrachoa plants are well-suited for containers and hanging baskets since they grow so fast and have a tendency to cascade.  They can only grow to as high as 12 inches, but they do give you so many flowers you’ll hardly see any foliage. 

The flowers of the Calibrachoa plant are small, bell-shaped, and pretty colorful. They come in shades of coral, yellow, orange, red, pink, blue, purple, burgundy, lavender, and cream. There are even varieties that give you dual-colors and veined and segmented petals. Regardless of the diversity of the flowers, calibrachoa flowers attract pollinators like hummingbirds. 

They are not hard to grow and maintain. Calibrachoa grows well in full sun and well-draining soil. Just pay attention to the weather because if it gets too hot, you may need to adjust the amount of water that you give them. 

  • Common Name: Calibrachoa, million bells, trailing petunia, mini petunia
  • Scientific Name: Calibrachoa 
  • Growing Zones: 9 – 11
  • Sun: Full Sun to Part Shade
  • Soil: Moist, rich, well-drained
  • Colors: coral, yellow, orange, red, pink, blue, purple, burgundy, lavender, cream
  • Height: 6 – 12 inches tall
  • Spread: 12 – 24 inches wide
  • Plant Type: Perennial