I was in my backyard with a proper cup of Earl Grey— with milk, of course—when a hummingbird zipped past my ear like it was late for an appointment. And just like that, it was spring again. Earth Day, even! Yay!
Some folks love their sugar water feeders to attract hummingbirds, and I get it. But I prefer not to use them. Native plants just do the job better. They’re safer, cleaner, and frankly, more beautiful. Plus, you don’t have to scrub mold out of a plastic bottle every few days.
If you’re hoping to celebrate Earth Day by doing right by your local wildlife—without giving them a high-fructose hangover—here are three of my favorite native plants for Western North Carolina. They look lovely, thrive in our region, and truly deliver for our hummingbird friends.
Red Buckeye (Aesculus pavia)
This small tree (or large shrub, depending on who you ask) is the ultimate early-season head-turner. It blooms just in time for the hummingbirds’ return and throws up bright red flower spikes like botanical fireworks.
It does best in part shade, handles clay soil well, and once it’s established, it minds its own business. It’s the plant version of a good neighbor—low-maintenance, quietly brilliant, and always offering snacks.
Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)
Now this one is a show-off, and I mean that in the best way. It throws wild red or deep pink shaggy blooms that practically scream “pollinators welcome!”
Hummingbirds love it. So do bees, butterflies, and, thankfully, not deer. It spreads a bit, sure—but who doesn’t want a bit more beauty than you expected? It thrives in full sun and is about as unfussy as they come, as long as it doesn’t get bone dry. Thin them out in spring to avoid powdery mildew in summer and fall and give the ones you’ve dug up to friends!
Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
If Bee Balm is the party guest who laughs too loud, Cardinal Flower is the one in red heels who shows up fashionably late and turns every head.
This one loves wet soil, so it’s perfect for those boggy or hard-to-use spots. The red is intense, and hummingbirds lose their minds over it. I’ve seen a single bird defend a patch like it owned the deed.
Plant it where you’ll remember to water, or near a natural low spot. It can be picky about moisture but worth the fuss. Pipevine Swallowtail butterflies adore it too.
My Secret: Bloom Timing
Want hummingbirds to stick around? Plan your bloom times like you’re scheduling an afternoon tea:
- Spring: Red Buckeye
- Summer: Bee Balm
- Late Summer: Cardinal Flower. Gives them a nice treat before they migrate south for winter.
- Toss in some Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) on a fence, and now you’ve really outdone yourself.
Hummingbirds need more than nectar—they need insects, nesting material, and a thriving, balanced ecosystem. Native plants make that possible. They don’t just feed pollinators—they feed the soil, the birds, and the web of life around us. On Earth Day, it’s worth remembering: when you plant what belongs, everything else begins to belong, too.
You don’t need a meadow. You don’t need a degree in botany. Just a patch of earth, a bit of patience, and perhaps a kettle on while you work.
Trust me—you’ll need the tea.
Hummingbird turf wars are surprisingly intense!