Yes, you can absolutely put hibiscus flowers in a hummingbird feeder. Hibiscus is a great choice for attracting hummingbirds to your feeder. The bright, trumpet-shaped flowers contain nectar that hummingbirds love. There are a few things to keep in mind when using hibiscus in hummingbird feeders though.
Benefits of Using Hibiscus
There are several benefits to using hibiscus flowers to feed hummingbirds:
- Hibiscus flowers contain natural nectar that appeals to hummingbirds.
- The red, pink, orange, or yellow blossoms attract hummingbirds from a distance.
- Hibiscus flowers are a safer, more natural alternative to artificial nectar.
- Adding fresh flowers to your feeder provides variation from plain sugar water.
- The flowers add beautiful colors and visual interest to the feeder.
Hummingbirds are naturally drawn to the bright, tubular shape of hibiscus flowers, which resemble the wildflowers they feed on. The nectar content is ideal nutrition for hummingbirds. Using fresh blossoms in your feeder is an easy way to make it more enticing to hummers.
Best Hibiscus Varieties for Feeders
There are many different hibiscus varieties and hybrids to choose from. Some of the best types of hibiscus flowers for hummingbird feeders include:
- Hibiscus rosasinensis – This tropical hibiscus has some of the largest, showiest blooms. Popular varieties include ‘Disco Belle Pink,’ ‘Agnes Galt,’ and ‘Jamaican Fire.’
- Hibiscus coccineus – Also known as scarlet rosemallow, this has brilliant red flowers up to 6 inches wide.
- Hibiscus moscheutos – These hardy hibiscus plants produce dinner plate-sized white, pink, or red flowers.
- Hibiscus syriacus – Rose of Sharon varieties like ‘Bluebird’ have beautiful, bell-shaped flowers.
Go for varieties with the brightest, deepest colored flowers to appeal most to hummingbirds. Red, pink, and orange hibiscus tend to attract the most hummingbird activity.
Best Flower Colors for Attracting Hummingbirds
| Color | Reason Hummingbirds are Attracted |
|---|---|
| Red | Hummingbirds see the color red well. Red flowers guide them to nectar sources. |
| Orange | Orange is also highly visible and indicates nutrition to hummingbirds. |
| Pink | While less attractive than red or orange, pink flowers attract hummingbirds. |
| Yellow | Some species are drawn to yellow, though it’s not a top choice for most. |
How to Add Hibiscus Flowers to a Hummingbird Feeder
Adding fresh hibiscus flowers to your feeder is simple. Here are some tips:
Pick Freshly Opened Blossoms
Select freshly opened flowers. Older, wilted flowers have lower nectar content.
Remove Pistils and Stamens
Carefully remove the pistil and stamens from each flower. These plant parts can clog the feeder.
Gently Rinse the Flowers
Give each flower a gentle rinse under running water to remove dirt and insects.
Insert Upside Down in Feeder Holes
Turn each flower upside down and gently push the base into a feeder port until it’s secured.
Replace Old Flowers
Replace flowers every 2-3 days, or when they look wilted. Regular replacement provides the freshest nectar.
Tips for Using Hibiscus in Hummingbird Feeders
Follow these tips to get the most out of using hibiscus in your hummingbird feeding station:
- Always use pesticide-free hibiscus flowers to prevent harming hummingbirds.
- Supplement flowers with traditional nectar for a complete diet.
- Clean the feeder thoroughly every time you replace old flowers to prevent mold.
- Pick flowers in the morning when nectar content is highest.
- Try different hibiscus varieties and colors to see which ones hummingbirds prefer.
- Consider planting hibiscus near your feeder so you have easy access to fresh blossoms.
Troubleshooting Hibiscus in Hummingbird Feeders
Issue: Flowers are falling out of the feeder
Solution: Gently twist the flower as you insert it. Make sure no petals are blocking full insertion. Use a feeder with a tighter fit around flowers.
Issue: Flowers rot and mold quickly
Solution: Change flowers every 1-2 days during hot weather. Clean the feeder thoroughly each time. Consider using artificial flowers.
Issue: Flowers clog the feeder
Solution: Remove stamens, pistils, and debris from flowers. Use a feeder with better drainage. Switch to artificial flowers if clogging persists.
Issue: Hummingbirds are not visiting the feeder
Solution: Use bright red or orange hibiscus flowers. Move feeder closer to natural food sources. Make sure nectar content is fresh and high.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use fake hibiscus flowers in hummingbird feeders?
Yes, artificial hibiscus flowers are a great option for hummingbird feeders. Silk or plastic flowers don’t mold, rot, or clog the feeder. They last much longer than fresh flowers. Just make sure fake flowers have realistic colors and shapes to attract hummingbirds.
What is the best way to clean a hummingbird feeder with hibiscus?
It’s important to thoroughly clean feeders between changing fresh hibiscus flowers. Remove old flowers, then take apart the feeder. Soak and rinse all parts in a diluted bleach solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water. Rinse well and air dry before refilling.
Can you mix hibiscus flowers with regular nectar in hummingbird feeders?
Yes, you can mix both fresh hibiscus flowers and homemade nectar in the same feeder. The nectar ensures hummingbirds have a balanced diet, while the flowers provide supplemental nutrition and attract the birds. Just be sure to replace flowers regularly.
Do hummingbirds eat the actual hibiscus flowers?
Hummingbirds use their long beaks to access the nectar inside hibiscus flowers. They don’t actually eat the petals. However, the edible flowers provide needed nectar, sugars, amino acids and antioxidants.
Conclusion
Hibiscus flowers are a great natural way to feed hungry hummingbirds in your yard. Their bright colors and tubular shape attract hummingbirds, while providing sweet nectar the birds depend on. To successfully use hibiscus in your feeder, choose fresh, brightly colored flowers. Remove stamens and pistils, rinse gently, and replace old blossoms regularly. With a little care, you can enjoy watching hummingbirds flock to beautiful hibiscus flowers all season long.
