Kniphofia
Looking for something with an exotic air? The name is a tongue twister (pronounced nee-FOF-ee-a) but these plants are easy to grow many even say tough to kill and deliver colorful, spiky, wand-like flowers that hummingbirds love. Once established, these Red Hot Poker plants can also manage drought, although they tend to bloom more profusely with supplemental water.
Some varieties of my choice
'Alcazar' Red Hot Poker
Brings warm, fiery color to the garden with its vibrant flower spikes. Each flame-like bloom is formed with dangling red-orange buds that open from bottom to top, revealing faded yellow interiors. A favorite of hummingbirds and butterflies, this unusual plant is easy to grow, even for beginners. Requires full sun.
Pineapple Popsicle' dwarf poker
A hummingbird favorite, is a reblooming cultivar with yellow pineapple-colored spikes that bloom all season long. Its grassy foliage grows about 2 feet tall.
Mango Popsicle dwarf poker
Has yellow-orange blooms and 12- to 18-inch-tall reed-like foliage.