I've been letting these plants flower recently after realizing the butterflies enjoy the blooms so much and have seem hummers visiting both quite often this summer. Although eventually I will have more shrubs and perennials for nectar plants, Coleus and basil are inexpensive as plants or seeds, easy to propagate into many more plants, work well in pots if desired, and don't require the forethought and real estate commitment of perennials and shrubs. One takes care of naked shady spots, the other for sun, handy.

What has been your experience with hummers visiting these blooms? What other common plants do you think are overlooked as nectar sources?