Fuchsia

 

Fuchsia (fuchsia magellanica) produces masses of brilliant red pendant flowers act as beacons for hummingbirds. In warmer climates it’s an attractive evergreen and is deciduous in colder regions. Grows into a very ornamental specimen planting. Be careful when ordering, however, to make sure you are getting a species tolerant to colder climates. Hardy fuchsias are available to zone 4, but the traditional plants have typically been hardy only to zones 6-10. It can tolerate full sun – just so long as the soil is never permitted to dry out – but is probably better suited to full or partial shade.

Foxglove

 

Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) is as well-known by its genus name of Digitalis because its leaves provide the drug used as a heart stimulant; the species is purpurea. Hybrid forms in many colors such as pink, yellow, and purple are available from nurseries. Its large flowers make it a favorite of the typical Ruby-throated Hummingbird. It is a biennial plant, blooming in summer. Foxglove does best in moist, but well-drained soil in areas receiving full sun or light shade, or even in full shade in hot areas.

Columbine

Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) is zone 2 tolerant, and especially valuable in a hummingbird garden because they bloom starting in April across the eastern U.S. just when hummingbirds are beginning to return from their wintering grounds. Grows best in partial to full shade in well-drained soil.