Porterweed is a GREAT choice, Flowerlady! I didn't mention it in my top three because I'm in a borderline zone for porterweed's return. Pentas work the same way for me; they may or may not return. Red Porterweed Blue Porterweed I started last year with 4 of the purple/blue porterweed. I rooted more. Only 2 of the originals came back this spring. I had three of the red/coral. All 3 came back, but one is only two inches tall so far. I saved seeds and have 2 blues and 4 reds so far from seed, about half inch tall. Sigh, porterweed's a real tropical. Butterflies appreciate it. It's available at nurseries and a good sized plant would be a great annual choice for anybody's butterfly garden. Nell

You could try a number of penstemon species such as penstemon eatonii, penstemon barbatus coccineus, or penstemon pinifolious. All of which are great drought tolerant/heat resistant hummer plants. Although in Phoenix i would give them part shade since it gets so hot. Another possibility could be red-hot poker which is relatively drought tolereant as well. Im sure aloe sp. would also thrive in Phoenix, i had a huge aloe plant in my front yard when i lived in california(Zone 9 as well) and it drew in the hummingbirds when it was in bloom.

In the ground, Twinberry and orange honeysuckle, when in bloom are top notch attractors, along with Lucifer Crocosmia and Jacob Cline Bee Balm. I have what is labeled as Dropmore Scarlet Honeysuckle in a 5 gallon pot, it is very popular, along with Chilean Glory Vine, also in a large pot. They have both overwintered in pots the past 4 years. I have grown cuphea the past 6 years or so, Cuphea ignea does not overwinter for me but seems to get the most use. I grow it with the cuter Bat faced and Tiny Mice type cupheas in baskets.

My husband & I have not caught them at the Lantana bushes yet. But they do love our Sages & Salvia's. I am growing a Trumpet Vine (not the Invasive Type) Training it into a Tree (Topiary) Form but it will be another 3-4 yr.s before it will be blooming. They really love our Love & Wishes Salvia & our Cherry Chief (Autumn Sage greggii)-it is a red color that gets their attention & it must have great nectar. It is taking the Texas heat & humidity well. I am going to add more as the Black-Chin's visit it every day 3 times a day. The Hot Lips Sage/Salvia was a Huge hit this Spring. I have just cut 1/3 of it back & fed it so it will be ready to re-bloom again when it starts cooling off. I have Turk's Cap growing but have not seen any go to it. Trumpet Creeper is growing but not blooming yet & our Mexican Sunflowers are always a hit with the Ruby's. Always looking for more plant's that they love! _ Thanks for the input! Appreciate it!