Florida’s warm climate makes it a paradise for flowers and hummingbirds alike. If you want to welcome more of these tiny, colorful birds into your garden, you need to grow the right flowers. In this guide, we’ll explore which blooms will catch a hummingbird’s eye, thrive in Florida’s environment, and keep your garden buzzing with life. From native plants to easy-to-grow garden favorites, you’ll find plenty of options to bring beauty and movement to your outdoor space. Let’s dive into the flowers that hummingbirds simply can’t resist.
1. Understanding Hummingbirds in Florida
The Charm of Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds are small, fast, and full of energy. In Florida, the most common species is the ruby-throated hummingbird. They arrive in early spring and may stick around until fall. Some even stay through winter in southern parts of the state.
These birds need a lot of energy, which they get from flower nectar. They are especially drawn to red, orange, pink, and bright purple blooms. Their long beaks and tongues make it easy for them to reach deep into tubular flowers.
Why Flowers Matter
While you can use feeders, natural food sources are best. Flowers offer nectar that’s not only fresh but also rich in nutrients. They also support other pollinators and add beauty to your yard. Choosing the right flowers can help create a balanced, bird-friendly habitat.
2. Key Features of Hummingbird-Friendly Flowers
Color and Shape
Bright colors are the first thing hummingbirds notice. Red is their favorite, but they also love orange, pink, and purple flowers. These colors signal high nectar content.
The shape of the flower is just as important. Hummingbirds prefer tubular or trumpet-shaped flowers because they hold more nectar and match the shape of their beaks.
Nectar Production
Hummingbirds feed several times an hour, so they look for flowers that produce plenty of nectar. Some flowers may look pretty but don’t have enough nectar to attract these birds.
Choose plants known for high nectar production. Native species often do this best because they’ve evolved alongside local wildlife.
Blooming Period
To keep hummingbirds coming, your garden should offer blooms throughout the year. This means planting a mix of early, mid, and late-blooming flowers. In Florida, with its long growing season, this is easy to achieve.
3. Best Native Florida Flowers for Hummingbirds
Firebush (Hamelia patens)
Firebush is one of the top flowers for attracting hummingbirds in Florida. It’s a hardy native shrub with red-orange tubular flowers. It blooms from spring through fall and sometimes all year in South Florida.
Firebush thrives in sun or partial shade and grows well in sandy soil. It also attracts butterflies and bees, making it great for pollinator gardens.
Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)
This native vine is known for its bright red, trumpet-shaped flowers. Coral honeysuckle blooms heavily in spring and sporadically through the year. It’s a favorite of ruby-throated hummingbirds.
It does best in full sun and climbs fences, trellises, and walls. It’s also non-invasive, unlike its Asian cousins.
Scarlet Sage (Salvia coccinea)
Scarlet sage is a low-maintenance plant with bright red flowers that bloom throughout the year in Florida. It grows well in both sun and partial shade.
Hummingbirds visit scarlet sage often, and so do butterflies. You can also find pink and white varieties, but red is most effective for hummingbirds.
Tropical Sage (Salvia miniata)
Tropical sage is another salvia species native to Florida. It has bright coral-red flowers and attracts hummingbirds in all seasons. It prefers well-drained soil and can handle both dry and moist conditions.
4. Other Excellent Hummingbird Flowers for Florida Gardens
Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii)
Though not native, butterfly bush grows well in Florida and attracts hummingbirds. It features long spikes of flowers in purple, pink, or white.
Make sure to choose a sterile or non-invasive variety, as some types can spread aggressively. Butterfly bush needs full sun and regular pruning.
Turk’s Cap (Malvaviscus arboreus)
Turk’s cap is a shade-loving plant with small, red, hibiscus-like flowers that never fully open. These flowers are full of nectar and perfect for hummingbirds.
It grows as a small shrub or ground cover and blooms from spring through fall. It also tolerates salty air, making it ideal for coastal gardens.
Pentstemon (Penstemon spp.)
Penstemons are great for well-drained soils and dry areas. Their tubular flowers come in red, pink, or purple shades and are a favorite among hummingbirds.
They need full sun and are drought-tolerant once established. In Florida, choose heat-resistant varieties for the best results.
5. Seasonal Planting Guide for Hummingbird Flowers in Florida
Spring Bloomers
- Coral honeysuckle
- Penstemon
- Scarlet sage (early blooms)
Start your garden early with spring bloomers that give the first hummingbirds something to feed on when they arrive.
Summer Stars
- Firebush
- Butterfly bush
- Tropical sage
These plants thrive in the heat and provide nectar during the hummingbirds’ most active months.
Fall Favorites
- Turk’s cap
- Late-blooming salvias
- Native milkweeds (though not ideal for nectar, they support garden diversity)
Keep your garden blooming into the fall to help migrating hummingbirds refuel before they head south.
Winter Winners (South Florida)
- Firebush
- Tropical sage
- Some hibiscus varieties
South Florida gardeners can enjoy year-round hummingbird visits with the right mix of winter-blooming plants.
6. How to Design a Hummingbird Garden in Florida
Group Your Plants
Plant in clusters to make flowers more noticeable. A large patch of red flowers will attract more hummingbirds than single scattered plants.
Use Different Heights
Hummingbirds love to explore. Mix groundcovers, shrubs, and vines. Vertical space also makes your garden feel lush and full.
Avoid Pesticides
Pesticides harm not only insects but also the hummingbirds that feed on them. Avoid spraying your garden or choose bird-safe products.
Add Water Sources
A misting fountain or shallow birdbath can help hummingbirds stay cool and hydrated. They also love to bathe in running water.
7. Avoiding Common Mistakes in Hummingbird Gardening
Choosing the Wrong Flowers
Not all bright flowers are rich in nectar. Avoid plants that are all show but no reward.
Relying Only on Feeders
Feeders can help, but they don’t replace natural food. Flowers offer a better long-term food source and help support a healthy ecosystem.
Poor Garden Maintenance
Deadhead spent blooms to keep plants producing new flowers. Prune wisely to promote growth without stressing the plant.
8. Synonym Section: Alternate Plants That Also Work
Wild Petunia (Ruellia caroliniensis)
Also called Florida petunia, this native plant blooms in purple and draws in hummingbirds with its shape and color.
Crossvine (Bignonia capreolata)
Sometimes called trumpet vine, it produces bright orange blooms and climbs walls or trees with ease.
Mexican Cigar Plant (Cuphea ignea)
Known as firecracker plant, this low shrub produces tiny red-orange flowers that hummingbirds adore.
These plants are just as effective as their more commonly known cousins and add diversity to your garden.
9. Container Gardening for Hummingbirds
If you don’t have space for a large garden, try planting in pots. Use hanging baskets or container clusters on patios and balconies.
Great container plants:
- Scarlet sage
- Pentas
- Firecracker plant
- Coral honeysuckle (trained on a trellis)
Use rich soil, water regularly, and place pots where hummingbirds can easily see them.
10. Final Tips for Success
- Start small and expand each season
- Choose native plants when possible
- Mix colors, heights, and blooming times
- Keep your garden pesticide-free
- Watch and enjoy!
Conclusion
A hummingbird-friendly garden in Florida is more than possible—it’s easy, rewarding, and full of life. By choosing the right flowers and planting thoughtfully, you’ll turn your garden into a vibrant stop for these beautiful birds. Let your garden bloom, and the hummingbirds will come.
