This is a list of the best perennials that are favorites of hummingbirds. It is not a current inventory list, but a good starting reference for those who wish to support these important native pollinators.

Agastache, Hummingbird Mint

Agastache ssp. (Popular varieties include ‘Tutti Frutti’ ‘Apricot Sunrise’ and ‘Golden Jubilee’) – Deciduous. Thrives best in full sun and provides fragrant, minty foliage and plumes of flowers in colors from white, red, orange, and purple. Grows easily from seed to 18”‐30” by same and may re‐seed itself freely in the garden.

Acanthus, Flame

Anisacanthus wrightii ‐ Deciduous. Native. Needs full sun and tolerates hot, dry locations. Grows 3’ x 3’ or larger in some areas, becoming a woody subshrub over time. Flaming red‐orange, tubular blossoms are a favorite of many pollinators, including hummingbirds.

Beardtongue, Penstemon

Penstemon ssp. ‐ Deciduous. Many native species are available, as well as many hybrids including ‘Garnet’ and ‘Husker’s Red’. Most grow to be between 18” and 36” in bloom, and send up graceful stems with tubular flowers that vary from pale pink to deep red and violet. Most are happiest in full sun areas.

Bee Balm

Monarda spp. – (Popular varieties include native species M. citriodora and M. punctata as well as hybrids such as ‘Jacob Cline’). Widely varied in color and form across native species and hybrids. Clusters of tubular blossoms are a favorite among many pollinators; and native species are easily started from seed in mid to late summer. Typically grows 18”‐36” inches in height and thrive in full sun.

Columbine

Aquilegia spp. (many hybrids and varieties)‐ Deciduous. Native varieties red (A. canadensis) and golden (A. hinckleyana) are easily grown from seed and can freely re‐seed themselves once established. Appreciate dappled light and are best in areas with morning sun but afternoon shade. Typically grows 18”‐24” tall.

Cypress, Standing

Ipomopsis rubra‐ Technically a deciduous biennial, this Texas native also readily re‐seeds itself. Tall, airy wand‐like stems reaching 3’‐4’ in height with delicate foliage produce spikes of brilliant red, tubular flowers that are irresistible to hummingbirds. Best in areas with full sun and space to spread over time.

Firecracker Plant

Russelia equisetiformis‐ Semi‐Evergreen. Airy, arching branches smothered in brilliant red‐orange, tubular blossoms make this an appealing shrubby perennial for gardens with plenty of space. Can reach 4’x 4’ and thrives best in full sun. Once established, it is tolerant of some drought conditions.

Hesperaloe

Hesperaloe parviflora (several hybrids and varieties)‐ Evergreen. Often called ‘Red Yucca’, this xeric native thrives best in full, hot sun and is tolerant of drought and poor soils. Tough, grassy foliage to 2’‐3’ in height with taller bloom spikes reaching up to 5’ in height depending on variety. Blooms in colors from pale yellow to dark red. ‘Brakelights’ is a popular, more compact variety.

Honeysuckle

Lonicera spp.‐Evergreen or semi‐evergreen. Multiple species and cultivars, several of which are native to Texas. Forming woody vines that will sprawl over neighboring shrubs or fences, their fragrant, tubular flowers are a favorite nectar source for many pollinators. Coral honeysuckle, Lonicera sempervirens, is a favorite native species with tubular red blossoms tipped in yellow.

Mexican Oregano

Poliomintha longiflora‐ Deciduous, tender perennial. Fragrant foliage on a semi‐woody, sprawling subshrub that is covered with tubular, lavender flowers in early summer. Grows best in full sun and can reach 3’‐4’ in height and width.

Mexican Petunia

Ruellia spp. ‐ Deciduous. Another Texas native plant with a variety of hybrids and species, all attractive to hummingbirds and blooming in either pink, lavender, or blue. Upright forms can grow to 3’ in height and spread aggressively through re‐seeding, while dwarf hybrids such as ‘Katy’s’ are more clumping and compact.

Phlox, Summer

Phlox paniculata‐ Deciduous, with several hybrids available including ‘John Fanick’, ‘Robert Poore’, and ‘David’. Popular garden flower for height and interest; forms clumps of bushy foliage and sends up tall stems with clusters of fragrant, tubular flowers in shades from pink, violet, white and orange. Best in full sun areas. Can reach 3’‐4’ x 2‐3’ wide.

Salvia

Salvia spp. (many species, cultivars and hybrids available, both perennial and annual) –Deciduous or semi evergreen, depending on variety. Some native varieties such as S. lyrata or ‘Lyreleaf Sage’ are suitable for shady spots, while familiar native favorites such as Autumn Sage (S. greggii) or Mexican bush Sage (S. leucantha) are best in full sun. Many forms, sizes, colors and growth habits are available, but all produce tubular flowers that are a hummingbird favorite.

Torch Lily, Red Hot Poker

Kniphofia uvaria‐Semi‐evergreen. Tough, xeric perennial that forms attractive clumps of grassy foliage and sends up striking bloom spikes packed with red/orange and yellow tubular blossoms in spring and early summer. Ideal for full sun areas and tolerant of drought once established. Grows to 2’‐3’ tall with similar width.

Turk’s Cap

Malvaviscus arboreus ‐ Deciduous. Another Texas native plant that will tolerate more shade than many hummingbird plants. Can spread aggressively when well established. Either white, pink or (most common) bright red flowers that resemble small, whorled hibiscus blooms. Typically 3‐6’ with an open, slightly branching form.

Perrenials in North Texas

Speak with an NHG Garden Advisor for questions and availability.