If you're a fan of iridescent hummingbirds and luminous butterflies, you already know how important it is to attract them to your garden. The best way to do this is by planting flowers that they love.
The flowers not only add colors and fragrances to your garden but also attract exquisite birds and butterflies to your garden. In this article, we'll look at some of the best flowers for hummingbirds and butterflies, divided by geographical areas in the US.
But before that, let's look at how hummingbirds and flowers help each other grow, thrive, and evolve.
The relationship between hummingbirds and flowers
Hummingbirds and flowers have a special relationship where both species rely on each other for survival. Flowers provide a crucial nectar source for hummingbirds, their primary energy source. In return, hummingbirds play an essential role in pollinating flowers and spreading their pollen to other plants, which is crucial for many plant species' reproduction and genetic diversity.
Hence, the relationship between hummingbirds and flowers is mutually beneficial, where both species rely on each other for survival and reproduction. Without flowers, hummingbirds would not have a source of nectar; without hummingbirds, many plant species would struggle to reproduce and maintain their genetic diversity.
Best evergreen hummingbird flowers in the US
You need to confirm if these plants are well-suited to your region. These flowers have foliage that stays green throughout the year, providing a consistent source of cover and shelter for hummingbirds, in addition to their attractive blooms.
- Winter Honeysuckle (Lonicera fragrantissima) - This shrub has fragrant, creamy white flowers that bloom in late winter and early spring, providing an early source of nectar for hummingbirds. Its foliage stays green throughout the year and is an excellent addition to any garden.
- Pineapple Guava (Feijoa sellowiana) - This evergreen shrub has beautiful pink and white flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer. Hummingbirds love the sweet nectar, and its foliage provides a year-round source of cover and shelter.
- Mahonia (Mahonia spp.) - This evergreen shrub has beautiful yellow flowers that bloom in late winter and early spring, providing an early source of nectar for hummingbirds. Its foliage is also a great source of cover and shelter.
- Camellia (Camellia spp.) - This evergreen shrub has beautiful blooms in various colors, including pink, red, and white. Its flowers bloom in winter and early spring, providing a much-needed nectar source for hummingbirds during the colder months.
- Salvia (Salvia spp.) - Several species of Salvia are evergreen and bloom throughout the year, providing a consistent source of nectar for hummingbirds. Some popular options include Mexican Bush Sage (Salvia leucantha), Pineapple Sage (Salvia elegans), and Black and Blue Sage (Salvia guaranitica).
You can provide year-round food and shelter for these beautiful creatures by planting these evergreen hummingbird flowers in your garden. Just be sure to choose flowers that are native to your region and are well-suited to the local climate and soil conditions.
Hummingbird Flowers in Northeastern US
The northeastern region of the US includes states such as Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. This region is known for its four seasons: hot summers and cold winters.
When it comes to hummingbird-friendly flowers specific to this region, several options exist. One popular choice is the Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis), native to much of the eastern US and can grow in damp areas such as wetlands, meadows, and along stream banks. This vibrant red flower is a favorite of hummingbirds attracted to its nectar.
Another option is the Trumpet Creeper (Campsis radicans), a native vine that produces large, trumpet-shaped flowers that are irresistible to hummingbirds. This plant is known for its ability to climb and cover trellises, walls, and other structures, making it an excellent choice for adding vertical interest to your garden.
The Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) is another hummingbird-friendly flower native to the eastern US. This twining vine produces tubular, coral-red flowers that bloom throughout the summer and fall, providing a long season of nectar for hummingbirds.
Other options for northeastern US gardens include the Bee Balm (Monarda didyma), the Red Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis), and the Eastern Blazing Star (Liatris scariosa), all of which are native to the region and attract hummingbirds with their bright colors and abundant nectar.
Best Hummingbird Flowers in Southeastern US
The southeastern region of the US includes states such as Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisiana. This region is known for its hot, humid summers and mild winters, making it an excellent place for various plants to grow.
There are several options to consider when setting up a garden in this region for hummingbirds. One popular choice is the Red Buckeye (Aesculus pavia), a native tree that produces showy red flowers in the spring that are attractive to hummingbirds. This tree is also tolerant of wet soils and is a good choice for areas prone to flooding.
Another option is the Scarlet Sage (Salvia coccinea), a popular annual plant that produces vibrant red flowers in summer and fall. This plant is easy to grow from seed and is an excellent choice for attracting hummingbirds to your garden.
The Coral Bean (Erythrina herbacea) is another hummingbird-friendly plant native to the southeastern US. This plant produces showy spikes of coral-red flowers in the spring that are a favorite of hummingbirds. The Coral Bean also tolerates a wide range of soil types and can grow in wet and dry conditions.
Other options for southeastern US gardens include the Crossvine (Bignonia capreolata), the Firebush (Hamelia patens), and the Cardinal Climber (Ipomoea sloteri), all of which are native to the region and attract hummingbirds with their bright colors and abundant nectar.
Hummingbird Flowers in Midwestern US
The midwestern region of the US includes states such as Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Kansas. A continental climate with cold winters and warm summers characterizes this region.
When it comes to hummingbird-friendly flowers specific to the midwestern US, several options exist. One popular choice is the Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis), a tall plant that produces bright red flowers that are a favorite of hummingbirds. This plant is native to the region and thrives in moist soils, making it an excellent choice for gardens near bodies of water.
Another option is the Bee Balm (Monarda didyma), a showy plant that produces clusters of flowers in shades of red, pink, and purple. This plant is also native to the region and attracts hummingbirds with its abundant nectar.
The Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is another popular choice for midwestern gardens, as it produces large, daisy-like flowers attractive to hummingbirds and other pollinators. This plant is native to the region and can thrive in various soil types, making it an excellent choice for gardens throughout the Midwest.
Other options for midwestern US gardens include the Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), the Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), and the Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa), all of which are native to the region and attract hummingbirds with their bright colors and abundant nectar.
Hummingbirds Flowers in Western US
The western region of the US includes states such as Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. This region is characterized by a wide range of climates, from the temperate rainforests of the Pacific Northwest to the arid deserts of the Southwest.
When it comes to hummingbird-friendly flowers specific to the western US, several options exist. One popular choice is the California Fuchsia (Epilobium canum), a drought-tolerant plant that produces bright red or orange flowers in summer and fall. This plant is native to California and is adapted to the region's hot, dry summers.
Another option is the Hummingbird Trumpet (Zauschneria californica). This perennial plant is native to the western US and produces showy red or orange flowers that are a favorite of hummingbirds. This drought-tolerant plant can grow in various soil types, making it an excellent choice for gardens throughout the region.
The Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis) is another hummingbird-friendly plant native to the western US, particularly the desert regions of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. This tree produces showy pink or purple flowers in the spring and summer that are attractive to hummingbirds.
Other options for western US gardens include the Penstemon (Penstemon spp.), the Firecracker Penstemon (Penstemon eatonii), and the Beardtongue (Keckiella cordifolia), all of which are native to the region and attract hummingbirds with their bright colors and abundant nectar.
Conclusion
If you're looking to attract hummingbirds and butterflies to your garden, planting these flowers can be a great way to do it. Whether you live in the Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, or West, hummingbirds and butterflies will love a variety of flowers. By planting a mix of these flowers, you can create a beautiful, welcoming garden that will attract these magical, flying creatures all season.
Remember, when choosing flowers for your garden, it's crucial to select those that are native to your region. Native plants are well-adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, making them easier to grow and maintain. Additionally, they provide important habitat for local wildlife, including hummingbirds and butterflies.