Hibiscus flowers add stunning colors to North Carolina gardens while serving as natural magnets for hummingbirds. These nectar-rich blooms provide essential food for our ruby-throated friends during their busy season from April through October.
By planting the right hibiscus varieties, you can transform your garden into a hummingbird haven while enjoying spectacular flowers all summer long.
1. Scarlet Rose Mallow (Hibiscus coccineus)
Native to southeastern wetlands, Scarlet Rose Mallow produces fiery red star-shaped blooms that hummingbirds simply can’t resist. The vibrant color acts like a beacon to these tiny flyers.
Growing up to 6 feet tall, this showstopper thrives in moist areas of North Carolina gardens. Plant it near water features or in low spots where it can access consistent moisture. The dramatic flowers appear from July through September when hummingbirds need reliable nectar sources.
2. Swamp Hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos)
Dinner-plate sized blooms make Swamp Hibiscus an absolute knockout in North Carolina gardens. Hummingbirds dart eagerly toward the massive pink, white, or red flowers that can reach 10-12 inches across!
Hardy throughout the state, this native perennial returns reliably each year despite winter freezes. Morning sun with afternoon shade creates ideal growing conditions. The hollow stems provide natural drinking straws for hummingbirds to access the sweet nectar hidden deep inside each bloom.
3. Lord Baltimore Hibiscus
Brilliant crimson flowers with ruffled petals make Lord Baltimore a hummingbird magnet from July until frost. Reaching nearly 5 feet tall, this hardy hibiscus creates a dramatic backdrop in perennial gardens while serving up sweet nectar.
Unlike tropical varieties, Lord Baltimore survives North Carolina winters with ease. Cut back the stems in late fall after the first hard freeze. Though the plant dies to the ground each winter, patience pays off when new growth emerges in late spring, followed by those spectacular red blooms hummingbirds love.
4. Luna Red Hibiscus
Compact growth habit makes Luna Red perfect for smaller North Carolina gardens or container planting. Despite its modest 2-3 foot height, this variety produces enormous 6-8 inch crimson blooms that hummingbirds spot from impressive distances.
Luna Red begins flowering earlier than many hardy hibiscus varieties. The burgundy-red blooms appear in June and continue until autumn frost. Place this beauty near patios or windows where you can enjoy watching hummingbirds make their frequent feeding visits throughout the day.
5. Disco Belle White Hibiscus
Surprising but true – hummingbirds adore the Disco Belle White’s creamy flowers with their ruby-red centers! This hardy hibiscus creates a striking contrast against darker foliage plants in North Carolina gardens.
Growing just 2-3 feet tall and wide, Disco Belle fits perfectly into smaller spaces. The white petals reflect sunlight, making the red eye zone even more visible to passing hummingbirds. Plant in groups of three for maximum visual impact and to create a substantial nectar station for your tiny winged visitors.
6. Carolina Breeze Hibiscus
Developed specifically for southeastern gardens, Carolina Breeze thrives in our humid climate while producing masses of lavender-pink blooms. The delicate color might fool you, but not the hummingbirds who recognize its nectar-rich flowers immediately.
Heat tolerance gives this variety an edge during scorching North Carolina summers. While other plants wilt, Carolina Breeze keeps pumping out those 8-inch flowers from July through September. The slightly cupped shape of each bloom holds morning dew, providing hummingbirds with both nectar and fresh water in one convenient stop.
7. Tropical Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)
Flamboyant colors ranging from salmon to orange to yellow make tropical hibiscus an irresistible hummingbird buffet. Though not winter-hardy in North Carolina, these showstoppers thrive in containers that can be moved indoors when temperatures drop.
Daily blooms throughout summer provide consistent nectar sources. Each flower lasts just one day, but new buds open continuously. Position pots near hummingbird feeders to encourage birds to discover these natural nectar sources. The trumpet-shaped blooms perfectly accommodate a hummingbird’s specialized bill and tongue.
8. Cranberry Crush Hibiscus
Deep burgundy-red blooms with crinkled petals distinguish Cranberry Crush from other hardy hibiscus varieties. The rich color creates a dramatic focal point while attracting hummingbirds like a beacon in North Carolina gardens.
Bushy growth habit makes this variety perfect for mid-border plantings. Unlike taller hibiscus types, Cranberry Crush maintains a neat 3-4 foot height. The dark red blooms appear in striking contrast against the unusually deep green, maple-like foliage, making it easy for hummingbirds to spot from a distance.
9. Blue River II Hibiscus
Pure white dinner-plate sized blooms make Blue River II stand out dramatically in North Carolina gardens. Despite lacking the red hues typically associated with hummingbird favorites, these massive 10-inch flowers still attract plenty of tiny visitors.
The secret lies in the abundant nectar produced deep within each bloom. Hummingbirds quickly learn these giant white flowers offer substantial rewards. Plant Blue River II where its pristine blooms can be appreciated against a dark background like evergreens or a fence, creating both visual drama for humans and easy spotting for hummingbirds.
10. Turn of the Century Hibiscus
Bicolor blooms featuring pale pink petals with raspberry-red centers create a vintage charm that’s equally appealing to gardeners and hummingbirds. Turn of the Century hibiscus offers a softer alternative to bolder varieties while still providing abundant nectar.
Moderate height of 4-5 feet fits perfectly in mixed perennial borders throughout North Carolina. The distinctive pinwheel pattern of each bloom, with color radiating from the center outward, serves as a natural target guide for approaching hummingbirds. Plant where afternoon shade protects the delicate pink blooms from fading in intense summer sun.