Yes, cuphea are known to attract hummingbirds. Cuphea are a genus of over 260 species of annual and perennial flowering plants that are native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. Many cuphea species produce tubular flowers that provide nectar, a food source favored by hummingbirds. The bright colors of cuphea blooms, especially shades of red, also help attract these pollinators. Some of the most popular cuphea for hummingbirds include the cigar plant (Cuphea ignea), Mexican heather (Cuphea hyssopifolia), and David Verity cuphea (Cuphea ‘David Verity’). With their profuse blooming and adaptation to container gardening, cuphea make excellent additions to gardens looking to bring in more hummingbirds.
What kinds of cuphea attract hummingbirds?
Here are some of the most popular varieties of cuphea for attracting hummingbirds:
Cigar Plant (Cuphea ignea)
The cigar plant produces small tubular red-orange flowers that hummingbirds love. It blooms continuously from summer to fall with flowers clustered at the tips of branches. This fast-growing plant thrives in full sun and hot conditions. It can tolerate some drought but performs best with regular watering. The cigar plant works well in beds, borders, and containers.
Mexican Heather (Cuphea hyssopifolia)
Mexican heather is prized for its dainty purple and white flowers that bloom from summer to fall. The tubular shape and nectar attract hummingbirds and butterflies. This compact plant grows 6-12 inches tall and wide, making it ideal for containers and the front of garden beds. Mexican heather needs full sun to part shade and moderately fertile, well-drained soil.
David Verity Cuphea (Cuphea ‘David Verity’)
‘David Verity’ is a cuphea hybrid with vibrant red-orange blooms. It flowers abundantly from summer until frost. Hummingbirds flock to the tubular flowers for their nectar. This cuphea variety grows up to 18 inches tall and wide. For best results, plant it in full sun and moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil. It excels in borders, beds, and planters. Deadheading spent blooms promotes more flowering.
What is it about cuphea flowers that attracts hummingbirds?
There are a few key features of cuphea blooms that make them so attractive to hummingbirds:
Tubular shape
The tubular, slender shape of cuphea flowers perfectly matches the long, slender beak of a hummingbird. This allows easy access to the nectar reward inside. Other pollinators like bees and butterflies cannot always reach the nectar.
Bright colors
Shades of red, orange, and purple on cuphea flowers help them stand out. Hummingbirds can see in color and the eye-catching hues act as visual cues to the flowers’ nectar content. Cuphea pigments also reflect in ultraviolet, which is visible to hummingbirds.
High nectar content
Cuphea flowers produce abundant, sucrose-rich nectar. This provides a high-energy food source to fuel hummingbirds’ metabolisms and wing-beating. The nectar has 25-35% sugar content compared to 10-15% in many other flowers.
Continuous blooming
Many cuphea species bloom repeatedly for months from summer into fall. This provides a reliable nectar source when other flowers wane in hot weather. The high frequency of blooming also increases chances to attract passing hummingbirds.
When and where should you plant cuphea to attract hummingbirds?
To maximize hummingbird attraction, follow these tips for planting cuphea:
Full sun locations
Place cuphea in full sun to part shade exposures. Hummingbirds are drawn to sunny spots where the flowers will bloom profusely.
Shelter from wind
Protect cuphea from harsh winds which can damage the delicate blooms. Sites sheltered by walls, fences, or shrubs are ideal.
Near feeders or favored perches
Situate cuphea within view of hummingbird feeders or preferred perches like low trees and shrubs. Hummingbirds will fly between food sources.
Cluster plantings
Mass several cuphea together for greater visual impact. Hummingbirds can efficiently feed among dense patches of flowers.
Elevated planters or hanging baskets
Displaying cuphea in elevated pots or baskets at the hummingbirds’ level places the blooms right in their flight path.
Red flowers for western species
In the western U.S., focus on red-flowering cuphea to target introduced Anna’s and Allen’s hummingbirds. Other species prefer red.
Summer through fall bloom times
Plan seasonal rotations to ensure cuphea flowers from summer into fall when migrant hummingbirds pass through gardens.
How many cuphea plants are needed to attract hummingbirds?
The number of cuphea plants needed to successfully attract hummingbirds depends on several factors:
- Native hummingbird population and species in your area – Areas with more hummingbirds require more plants to sustain the higher demand.
- Size and bloom rate of cuphea variety – Larger, floriferous varieties like ‘David Verity’ provide more flowers per plant than petite varieties.
- Supplemental feeding – More cuphea may be needed in the absence of hummingbird feeders.
- Native nectar plants nearby – Existing plantings of other hummingbird favorites can reduce numbers of cuphea needed.
- Garden size and layout – Larger, widely spaced gardens may require greater quantities for sufficient coverage.
As a general rule of thumb, planting clusters of 5-10 cuphea plants in multiple areas of your garden will help establish it as an inviting habitat. Monitor hummingbird response and adjust numbers higher if flower visitation seems low. Supplement with additional varieties of hummingbird plants for diversity.
How do you care for cuphea to promote flowering?
Use these tips to care for cuphea and maximize their flowering and nectar production for hummingbirds:
Sun and warmth
Place cuphea in the sunniest, warmest part of your garden. They thrive in hot, sunny conditions.
Moisture
Water cuphea regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not saturated. Time watering to keep soils from drying out.
Fertilizer
Apply blooming fertilizers or those with higher phosphorus to fuel flowering. Slow release pellets work well.
Pruning
Prune cuphea lightly after the initial bloom period to shape plants and trigger new growth and blooms.
Deadheading
Remove spent flowers to direct plants’ energy into producing more flowers.
Overwintering
In cold climates, overwinter plants indoors or take cuttings to replace annual varieties each spring.
What are the best companion plants for cuphea?
Here are some great options for companion plants that pair well with cuphea for attracting hummingbirds:
Salvia
Salvia are hummingbird magnets. Red or orange varieties complement cuphea nicely. Try pineapple sage or autumn sage.
Fuchsia
The drooping, red and purple flowers of fuchsia also appeal to hummingbirds. Choose heat-tolerant types.
Lantana
Lantana produces clusters of brightly colored flowers all summer. Grow trailing types near cuphea.
Verbena
Verbena adds vibrant reds, purples, and pinks. Trailings kinds mix nicely with cuphea in containers.
Cardinal flower
The spike of bright red flowers on cardinal flower perfectly complements shorter cuphea.
Coral bells
For height contrast, plant coral bells behind cuphea. Hummingbirds visit the tubular flowers.
Tips for photographing hummingbirds visiting cuphea
Capturing photographic proof of hummingbirds visiting your cuphea can be tricky but rewarding. Here are some tips:
- Use a fast shutter speed (1/2000 sec or more) to freeze the hummingbird’s wings.
- Move slowly and stay still while photographing to not startle hummingbirds.
- Focus on areas hummingbirds frequent like feeders, favored perches, and flower clusters.
- Set camera at or near flower level pointed at a slight upward angle.
- Use flash to fill shadows but avoid disrupting behavior.
- Shoot in early morning or late afternoon when hummingbirds are most active.
- Equip the camera with a telephoto lens for close-up shots.
- Use a tripod or monopod to stabilize the camera and avoid blurry images.
- Be patient and persistent. It takes practice to capture great hummingbird photos!
Conclusion
With their tubular flowers perfectly adapted to hummingbird pollination, cuphea are excellent choices to attract these special birds to gardens and outdoor spaces. Their diversity, profuse blooming, and bright colors make cuphea a sure way to invite hummingbirds to stop by and linger. By understanding cuphea care and pairing selections with companion plants, you can design a space that meets the needs of hungry, active hummingbirds so you can enjoy their beauty up close. A little time and patience may even reward you with amazing photographs of these flying jewels visiting your own cuphea blooms.