The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the primary species Florida residents will encounter, either as a summer breeder in the north or a spring and fall migrant throughout the state. These tiny birds have an extremely high metabolism, requiring them to feed frequently on high-energy sources like flower nectar and small insects. To attract them reliably, the most effective strategy is planting a continuous supply of native and non-native flowers with the specific tubular shape they prefer. By providing a natural, safe, and nectar-rich habitat, you can turn your yard into an essential refueling station for these acrobatic flyers.
Essential Native Florida Plants
Florida’s native plants offer the best foundation for a hummingbird garden because they are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions. Native species like Firebush (Hamelia patens) provide a reliable, long-blooming nectar source. This semi-woody shrub thrives in full sun to partial shade, producing clusters of orange-red tubular flowers that can bloom almost year-round in Central and South Florida.
Another native choice is Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens), a vine that works well on a trellis or fence. Its scarlet, trumpet-shaped flowers appear from spring through summer, and it is evergreen in the central and southern parts of the state. For lower plantings, Tropical Sage (Salvia coccinea) offers bright red, tubular blooms, performing best in full sun with well-drained soil. These native options generally require less intervention like watering or fertilizing once established.
Popular Non-Native and Annual Options
While native plants form the backbone of a habitat, non-native and annual flowers offer vibrant color and continuous bloom, which can be essential during migration periods. Pentas (Pentas lanceolata) is a favorite because its star-shaped flowers bloom profusely throughout the Florida summer. They attract hummingbirds, particularly the red-flowered selections, and function as perennials in the warmest parts of Florida, but are grown as an annual elsewhere.
Various Salvias, especially the non-native ornamental varieties, are also effective at attracting hummingbirds. Gardeners often use annuals like Zinnias to provide instant color and a seasonal boost of nectar, with the shorter, single-flowered varieties being particularly attractive. When selecting these non-native options, focusing on red, orange, and pink colors helps catch a hummingbird’s eye.
Designing the Hummingbird Feeding Habitat
The hummingbird garden should be structured in layers, providing food, shelter, and perching spots. Hummingbirds feed most comfortably at blooms positioned two feet or higher above the ground, so a layered approach using trees, shrubs, and shorter flowering plants is beneficial. Clustering plants of the same species in large groups, or “drifts,” makes the nectar source easier for the birds to spot from a distance.
Incorporate structures such as a trellis for vines like Coral Honeysuckle, or leave dead twigs on trees to act as perching spots. Hummingbirds frequently use perches to rest and monitor their feeding territory. Supplementary feeders can be used alongside natural nectar sources, especially during migration, but should be filled with a simple 1:4 mixture of refined white sugar and water, and kept clean. Place feeders a safe distance from windows and within 15 feet of shrubs or trees to provide quick cover from predators.
Regional Climate and Garden Maintenance
Florida’s climate varies, with the state spanning USDA hardiness zones 8b in the north to 11b in the Keys. In North Florida (zones 8b-9a), plants like Firebush may die back after a winter freeze, acting as a root-hardy perennial that returns in spring. Conversely, in South Florida (zones 10b-11b), the same plants will grow year-round, often requiring regular pruning to maintain a desirable size.
Garden maintenance should focus on maximizing continuous blooms, which can be achieved by deadheading spent flowers or pruning certain plants like Tropical Sage a few times a year. The use of pesticides must be avoided, as systemic chemicals like neonicotinoids are absorbed into the plant’s nectar and pollen, which can harm the birds’ metabolism and navigation. Maintaining a chemical-free environment also ensures a healthy supply of small insects and spiders, which provide the protein hummingbirds need, especially during nesting season.