Yes, hummingbirds can absolutely feed from zinnias. Zinnias are a type of flowering plant that produce bright, colorful blooms that attract hummingbirds. The tubular shape of zinnia flowers and the nectar they produce make them an ideal food source for hummingbirds. In fact, zinnias are commonly recommended as one of the best flowers to plant in a garden or yard to attract hummingbirds.
Some key facts about hummingbirds and zinnias:
Do hummingbirds like zinnias?
Yes, hummingbirds are highly attracted to zinnias. The bright colors of zinnias, especially red, orange, and pink, attract hummingbirds visually. Hummingbirds have excellent color vision and are drawn to flowers with vibrant, saturated colors. Additionally, the shape of zinnia blooms, with their tubular petals, are perfectly adapted for hummingbirds to insert their long, slender beaks and feed on the nectar inside.
Why are zinnias a good flower for hummingbirds?
There are several key reasons why zinnias are an excellent flower for providing food for hummingbirds:
- Zinnias produce copious amounts of nectar that hummingbirds depend on for energy.
- The colors and tubular shape of zinnia flowers target hummingbird vision and feeding mechanisms.
- Zinnias bloom prolifically from spring through fall, providing a constant food source.
- They are easy to grow in many climates and conditions.
- There are many colorful varieties to choose from to attract hummingbirds.
What types of zinnias do hummingbirds like?
Hummingbirds are attracted to many types of zinnias. Some of the most popular varieties that hummingbirds favor include:
- Large, single-flower types like Giant Dahlia Flowered, Benary’s Giant, and State Fair Mix Zinnias.
- Double-flower varieties like Double Zahara and Zowie Yellow Flame Zinnias.
- Dwarf and compact types like Zinnita and Profusion Zinnias for small spaces.
- Vibrant colored types in red, orange, pink, yellow, and purple.
The key features hummingbirds look for are large, tubular petals, bright saturated colors, and a steady supply of nectar.
Do hummingbirds damage zinnias?
One common concern is that hummingbirds might damage zinnias with their feeding habits. However, hummingbirds do not significantly damage healthy, thriving zinnia plants. Here’s why:
How do hummingbirds feed from flowers?
Hummingbirds have specially adapted long, slender beaks and tongues that allow them to access nectar at the base of tubular flowers. Their beaks are designed to neatly insert into flower openings without damaging the overall structure. Their tongues zip in and out quickly to lap up nectar. So they are engineered by nature to adeptly feed from zinnias.
Are zinnias resilient to this feeding method?
Yes, zinnias are quite resilient against hummingbird feeding. The flowers produce new blooms continually over a long season. As older blooms fade, hummingbirds simply move on to fresher flowers. Zinnia plants easily produce more flowers than hummingbirds can keep up with.
Do zinnias suffer lasting damage?
There may be some minor, temporary cosmetic damage to blooms after hummingbird feeding, such as small holes poked in the flowers. However, this does not affect the overall health or flowering capabilities of zinnia plants. As long as plants are healthy, damage should be negligible. Plus, minor natural wear and tear on flowers is a fair tradeoff for the joy of watching hummingbirds!
Tips for attracting hummingbirds to zinnias
Here are some tips to make zinnias as inviting as possible to increase hummingbird visits:
Plant red, orange, and pink zinnias
Hummingbirds see color better than humans and are particularly drawn to red, orange and bright pink flowers. Prioritize zinnias in these colors.
Choose single flower zinnias
The large single blooms have wide open faces that make it easy for hummingbirds to access nectar. Double blooms are harder to feed from.
Go for large flower varieties
The bigger the bloom, the more nectar it will contain. Giant blooms hold more “fuel” for hummingbirds.
Plant in groups
Massing zinnias together makes it easier for hummingbirds to spot them and return frequently.
Provide other habitat features
Consider adding a hummingbird feeder, water feature, or perching sites to make your yard even more attractive.
Deadhead spent blooms
Removing old blooms keeps plants looking fresh and encourages new flower production.
How to grow zinnias for hummingbirds
Here are some key tips for successfully growing zinnias to feed hummingbirds:
Select the right site
Zinnias need at least 6 hours of full sun per day. Choose an open, sunny location.
Prepare the soil
Zinnias thrive in fertile, well-draining soil. Incorporate compost or fertilizer to enrich the soil before planting.
Direct sow or start seeds indoors
You can sow zinnia seeds 1⁄4 inch deep directly in the garden after the last spring frost date. Or for a head start, begin seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost.
Space plants properly
Refer to the seed packet and allow enough room between plants for ample growth and air circulation.
Water when dry
Water zinnias about 1 inch per week. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Fertilize regularly
Applying liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks will fuel steady flower production.
Remove spent blooms
Deadheading faded flowers encourages more blooms.
| Zinnia | Description | Ideal for Hummingbirds |
|---|---|---|
| Giant Dahlia Flowered | Extra-large blooms up to 6 inches across, bold colors | Excellent – large blooms hold more nectar |
| Benary’s Giant | 4-5 inch flowers, bright and vivid colors | Excellent – bold, bright colors attract hummingbirds |
| State Fair Mix | Vibrant mix of giant 4-6 inch single and bi-color blooms | Excellent – large blooms in hummingbird favorite colors |
| Zowie Yellow Flame | Double blooms in a striking red-yellow bicolor pattern | Good – the double blooms make nectar access tricky |
| Zinnita | Dwarf 10-12 inch plants with 2 inch blooms | Fair – small blooms limit nectar |
| Profusion | Compact 12 inch plants with heat and drought tolerance | Good – lower nectar due to small 2 inch blooms |
This table compares different zinnia varieties and their attractiveness to hummingbirds based on bloom size, color, and shape. Large, single flower types in bright colors are the most ideal while dwarf, small-flowered types are less attractive for hummingbird feeding.
Conclusion
In summary, zinnias are an excellent flower choice to attract and feed hummingbirds in the garden. Their tubular blooms rich in nectar, vibrant colors, and continual flowering make them a favorite nectar source among hummingbirds. With some strategic choices of colorful, large-flowered varieties, providing proper growing conditions, and effectively displaying the flowers, zinnias can provide consistent, nutritious food to draw hummingbirds in. A backyard full of thriving zinnias ensures a season of enjoyment watching the aerial acrobatics and dazzling colors of these magical tiny birds.
