Hummingbirds are a delight to have in any garden or backyard, with their iridescent feathers and rapid wing movements. However, to attract these tiny birds, it’s essential to know what flowers they like. Hummingbirds are important pollinators and can be a valuable asset to any garden, but they require specific flowers that provide them with the nectar they need to survive. In this article, we’ll explore the types of flowers that hummingbirds are attracted to, and how you can create a hummingbird-friendly garden.
Understanding Hummingbird Preferences
Hummingbirds have a unique set of preferences when it comes to flowers. They are attracted to flowers that are rich in nectar, as they rely on the sweet liquid as their primary source of energy. They also prefer flowers with long, tube-shaped structures, as their long beaks allow them to reach deep into the flower to gather nectar. Additionally, hummingbirds are drawn to flowers with bright, bold colors, particularly red, orange, and purple.
Top Flowers for Attracting Hummingbirds
In the following sections, we’ll delve into the specific types of flowers that hummingbirds love. From trumpet-shaped flowers to fragrant blooms, we’ll explore the best flowers to plant in your garden to attract these magnificent creatures.
What Flowers Do Hummingbirds Like?
Hummingbirds are attracted to flowers that provide nectar, a sweet, energy-rich liquid that fuels their high metabolism. These tiny birds beat their wings up to 80 times per second, generating a lot of heat, and they need to consume nectar constantly to refuel. In this article, we’ll explore the types of flowers that hummingbirds like and what makes them attractive to these birds.
Characteristics of Hummingbird-Friendly Flowers
Hummingbirds are drawn to flowers that have certain characteristics. These include:
- Long, tube-shaped flowers: Hummingbirds have long, extendable tongues that allow them to reach nectar deep within flowers. Flowers with long, tube-shaped structures, such as trumpet-shaped flowers, are ideal for hummingbirds.
- Red, orange, or purple flowers: Hummingbirds are attracted to bright, bold colors, particularly red, orange, and purple. These colors stand out against the green foliage of plants and are more visible to hummingbirds.
- High nectar content: Hummingbirds need nectar to fuel their high metabolism, so they’re attracted to flowers with high nectar content.
- Easy access to nectar: Hummingbirds prefer flowers with easy access to nectar, such as those with short, wide tubes or those that are shallow and open.
Top Flowers for Hummingbirds
Here are some of the top flowers that hummingbirds like: (See Also: What Color Cars Do Birds Poop On The Most)
| Flower | Description |
|---|---|
| Honeysuckle | A fragrant, white, yellow, or red flower with a long, tube-shaped structure. |
| Fuchsia | A delicate, pendant-shaped flower with a long, tube-shaped structure and a high nectar content. |
| Salvias | A tall, upright flower with a long, tube-shaped structure and a high nectar content. |
| Trumpet Vine | A vigorous, woody vine with showy, trumpet-shaped flowers that are rich in nectar. |
| Bee Balm | A perennial flower with red, pink, or purple flowers that have a long, tube-shaped structure and a high nectar content. |
| Cardinal Flower | A tall, upright flower with bright red flowers that have a long, tube-shaped structure and a high nectar content. |
| Coral Honeysuckle | A non-invasive, evergreen vine with bright red flowers that have a long, tube-shaped structure and a high nectar content. |
| Penstemon | A tall, upright flower with trumpet-shaped flowers that come in a variety of colors, including red, pink, and purple. |
Other Flowers That Attract Hummingbirds
In addition to the flowers listed above, hummingbirds are also attracted to:
- Lantana: A shrub-like flower with clusters of small, fragrant flowers that come in a variety of colors, including pink, yellow, and purple.
- Zinnias: A brightly colored flower that comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, including pink, orange, yellow, and white.
- Petunias: A trumpet-shaped flower that comes in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, red, and white.
- Columbine: A delicate, bell-shaped flower with a long, tube-shaped structure and a high nectar content.
- Geraniums: A brightly colored flower that comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, including pink, red, and purple.
Tips for Attracting Hummingbirds to Your Garden
In addition to planting flowers that hummingbirds like, here are some tips for attracting these birds to your garden:
- Provide a source of water: Hummingbirds need water to drink and to bathe in. Consider installing a shallow birdbath or a misting system in your garden.
- Use a hummingbird feeder: Hummingbird feeders can provide a supplemental source of nectar for hummingbirds. Be sure to clean and refill your feeder regularly to prevent mold growth.
- Plant flowers in clusters: Hummingbirds are more likely to visit flowers that are planted in clusters, as they can feed more efficiently this way.
- Avoid using pesticides: Pesticides can harm hummingbirds and other wildlife, so it’s best to avoid using them in your garden.
- Provide a hummingbird-friendly habitat: Hummingbirds prefer open areas with scattered trees and shrubs, so consider creating a habitat that mimics this environment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, hummingbirds are attracted to flowers that provide nectar, have long, tube-shaped structures, and are brightly colored. By planting flowers that hummingbirds like, providing a source of water, using a hummingbird feeder, and creating a hummingbird-friendly habitat, you can attract these beautiful birds to your garden. Remember to avoid using pesticides and to plant flowers in clusters to make it easier for hummingbirds to feed.
Recap of What Was Discussed
In this article, we discussed the following topics:
- The characteristics of hummingbird-friendly flowers, including long, tube-shaped structures, bright colors, high nectar content, and easy access to nectar.
- The top flowers that hummingbirds like, including honeysuckle, fuchsia, salvias, trumpet vine, bee balm, cardinal flower, coral honeysuckle, and penstemon.
- Other flowers that attract hummingbirds, including lantana, zinnias, petunias, columbine, and geraniums.
- Tips for attracting hummingbirds to your garden, including providing a source of water, using a hummingbird feeder, planting flowers in clusters, avoiding pesticides, and creating a hummingbird-friendly habitat.
By following these tips and planting flowers that hummingbirds like, you can attract these beautiful birds to your garden and enjoy their beauty and antics up close.
Frequently Asked Questions: What Flowers Do Hummingbirds Like?
What is the hummingbird’s favorite flower color?
Hummingbirds are particularly attracted to flowers with bright, bold colors, especially red, orange, and purple. These colors stand out against the surrounding foliage and are more visible to the hummingbird’s keen eyesight.
Do hummingbirds prefer tubular or open flowers?
Hummingbirds have a long, extendable tongue that allows them to reach nectar deep within tubular flowers. They tend to prefer flowers with long, tube-shaped structures, such as trumpet-shaped flowers or flowers with a narrow, tube-like shape.
What type of flowers do hummingbirds like best?
Hummingbirds are drawn to flowers that are rich in nectar, as they rely on the sweet liquid as a source of energy. Flowers with high nectar content, such as honeysuckle, fuchsia, and lantana, are particularly appealing to hummingbirds.
Can I use flowers from my local nursery to attract hummingbirds?
Yes, you can use flowers from your local nursery to attract hummingbirds! Many nurseries carry a variety of flowers that are known to attract hummingbirds, such as salvias, bee balm, and coral bells. Just be sure to choose flowers that are native to your region and that bloom at different times to provide a constant source of nectar for the hummingbirds.
How often should I replace the flowers in my hummingbird garden?
It’s a good idea to replace the flowers in your hummingbird garden regularly to ensure a constant supply of fresh nectar. You can replace the flowers every 7-10 days, or when you notice the flowers starting to wilt or fade. This will keep the hummingbirds coming back to your garden for more!