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The Southeastern United States is home to a wide variety of native plants that attract hummingbirds, providing them with nectar and habitat throughout the year. These plants thrive in the region’s warm climate and diverse ecosystems.
Native Flowers
Scarlet Sage (Salvia coccinea)
Key Characteristics
Scarlet Sage (Salvia coccinea), also known as Tropical Sage or Blood Sage, is a native herbaceous perennial that is highly valued for its 
vibrant, tubular red flowers. These blooms are rich in nectar and attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. Scarlet Sage is easy to grow, self-seeds readily, and adds a pop of color to gardens from spring through fall.
- Height
Scarlet Sage typically grows between 2 to 4 feet tall and spreads 1 to 2 feet wide. Some cultivars may reach up to 5 feet in height, making it versatile for garden beds, borders, or containers.
- Bloom Time
This plant blooms from late spring through fall, offering a long-lasting nectar source for pollinators. Deadheading encourages repeat blooming and keeps the plant looking fresh throughout the growing season.
- Light Requirement
Scarlet Sage thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. For optimal flowering, plant it in locations that receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Soil Preference
Scarlet Sage prefers well-drained soil with moderate moisture levels. It adapts to various soil types, including sandy, loamy, or slightly clay soils. While drought-tolerant once established, regular watering during dry spells ensures better flowering.
- Natural Habitat and Growing Conditions
Native to the southeastern United States and Mexico, Scarlet Sage thrives in USDA zones 7–10. It is commonly found in open woodlands, 
meadows, and coastal areas. In cooler climates (zones 6 and below), it can be grown as an annual.
- Ecological Benefit
Scarlet Sage is a magnet for hummingbirds due to its tubular flowers that perfectly suit their long beaks and tongues. Butterflies and bees also flock to its blooms for nectar. Additionally, its seeds provide food for small birds like finches. By planting Scarlet Sage, gardeners support pollinators while enhancing biodiversity.
- Garden Uses
Scarlet Sage is versatile in the garden and works well in pollinator gardens, cottage-style landscapes, or naturalized settings. Its bright flowers add bold color to borders, pathways, or mixed flower beds. It can also be grown in containers for patios or balconies where hummingbirds frequently visit.
- Why Choose Scarlet Sage?
Scarlet Sage is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance plant that attracts pollinators while adding vibrant color to their outdoor spaces. Its adaptability to various soil types and climates makes it a reliable performer in most gardens. Additionally, its self-seeding ability ensures it will return year after year with minimal effort, creating a consistent habitat for hummingbirds and other wildlife.
What Are the Unique Characteristics of This Plant That Make It Attractive to Hummingbirds?
The bright red tubular flowers of Scarlet Sage are specifically designed for hummingbirds. Their shape allows easy access to nectar while minimizing competition from other pollinators. The extended bloom period ensures a reliable food source during critical times like migration and breeding seasons. Scarlet Sage’s ability to thrive in sunny spots makes it ideal for gardens where hummingbirds are active. Its self-seeding nature also ensures it returns year after year, creating a consistent habitat for these feathered jewels.
Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)
Key Characteristics
Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) is a native, twining woody vine celebrated for its vibrant, tubular flowers that range in color from 
scarlet red to reddish-orange with yellow throats. These blooms are rich in nectar and attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. The vine also produces bright red berries in late summer to fall, which serve as a food source for birds.
- Height
Coral Honeysuckle can grow 6–15 feet long and spread 3–6 feet wide. Its climbing habit makes it ideal for trellises, fences, arbors, or even as ground cover in naturalized landscapes.
- Bloom Time
This vine blooms profusely from spring through summer, with sporadic flowering continuing into fall. Its extended bloom period ensures a reliable nectar source for pollinators throughout the growing season.
- Light Requirement
Coral Honeysuckle thrives in full sun to partial shade. Planting it in full sun encourages abundant flowering, while partial shade may result in fewer blooms but still healthy growth.
- Soil Preference
This adaptable vine grows well in well-drained soils ranging from sandy to clay types. It tolerates both acidic and slightly alkaline soils and 
performs best with moderate moisture levels.
- Natural Habitat and Growing Conditions
Native to the eastern United States, Coral Honeysuckle is found in sandhills, floodplain forests, hardwood hammocks, and open woodlands. Hardy in USDA zones 4–9, it is semi-evergreen in warmer climates and deciduous in colder regions.
- Ecological Benefit
Coral Honeysuckle is a magnet for pollinators like hummingbirds, butterflies, and moths due to its nectar-rich flowers. Birds such as cardinals enjoy its berries as a food source. Additionally, it serves as a larval host plant for Spring Azure butterflies and Snowberry Clearwing moths.
- Garden Uses
Coral Honeysuckle is perfect for vertical gardening on trellises or fences. It can also be used as ground cover or trained into a weeping shrub form. Its vibrant blooms add bold color to pollinator gardens or cottage-style landscapes.
- Why Choose Coral Honeysuckle?
Coral Honeysuckle is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance vine that attracts wildlife while adding beauty to their outdoor 
spaces. Its adaptability to various soil types and climates makes it versatile and reliable. The combination of nectar-rich flowers and bird-friendly berries ensures year-round ecological benefits.
What Are the Unique Characteristics of This Plant That Make It Attractive to Hummingbirds?
The tubular shape of Coral Honeysuckle’s flowers is perfectly suited for hummingbirds’ long beaks and tongues, allowing them easy access to nectar. The bright red color acts as a visual beacon for these birds, who are naturally drawn to vibrant hues. The extended bloom period provides a consistent food source during critical times like breeding and migration seasons. Additionally, its climbing habit places the flowers at accessible heights for hummingbirds while creating stunning vertical displays in the garden.
Eastern Red Columbine
Cardinal Flower
Jewelweed
Butterfly Weed
Spotted Bee Balm
Fire Pink
Indian Pink
Native Shrubs
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Red Buckeye
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American Beautyberry
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Sweet Pepperbush
Native Vines
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Trumpet Honeysuckle
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Cross Vine
Additional Favorites
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Hoary Skullcap
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Blue Sage
These native plants are excellent choices for attracting hummingbirds, providing nectar-rich blooms throughout the growing season. Incorporating these species into your garden supports pollinators while enhancing the natural beauty of your landscape.
