Yes, hibiscus flowers do produce nectar that attracts hummingbirds. Hummingbirds are naturally drawn to the bright, colorful blooms of hibiscus plants and feed on the nectar found within the flowers. There are a few key reasons why hibiscus plants are an excellent source of food for hummingbirds.
Hibiscus Flowers Produce Abundant Nectar
One of the main reasons hummingbirds are attracted to hibiscus is because their flowers produce copious amounts of sugary nectar. Nectar is essentially a hummingbird’s primary food source, and hibiscus flowers contain more nectar than many other flowering plants. The tubular shape of the hibiscus flower, along with their bright reddish hue, makes it easy for hummingbirds to locate and access the nectar.
In addition to the high volume of nectar, hibiscus nectar has a sucrose concentration that is ideal for hummingbird nutritional needs. Sucrose is essentially sugar, and hummingbirds require a diet high in sugars to provide them with sufficient quick energy to power their rapid heartbeats and high metabolisms. Hibiscus nectar has just the right sugar content to provide essential food for hummingbirds.
Nectar Production
Hibiscus flowers produce nectar within the base of the flower tube or throat. Special nectar glands at the base secrete sugary nectar that collects in this area of the flower. When a hummingbird inserts its long, slender beak into the throat of the hibiscus bloom, it is able to access this sweet nectar reward.
Ideal Nectar Composition
Studies have shown that hibiscus nectar generally contains 15-25% sucrose concentration. This is within the optimal range that provides hummingbirds with their necessary energy intake. Too little sugar content, and the nectar does not meet the hummingbird’s nutritional requirements. Too high sugar content can also be problematic.
Bright, Tubular Flowers Attract Hummingbirds
In addition to the abundant nectar, hibiscus flowers themselves are magnets for hummingbirds simply due to their visual appearance. Hummingbirds are highly attracted to brightly colored red, orange, and pink flowers. This is exactly what hibiscus blooms showcase, with their intense, saturated colors.
Additionally, the unique tubular shape of hibiscus flowers is perfectly suited for access by a hummingbird’s long, narrow beak. Hummingbirds can easily insert their beaks into the throat of the bloom to reach the nectar. Thus hibiscus flowers provide both an enticing visual target as well as an ideal structural configuration to draw in hummingbirds.
Color Attraction
Bright reds, oranges, and pinks are colors that stand out vividly to a hummingbird. Their excellent color vision and ability to see in the ultraviolet spectrum allow them to easily spot these vivid flowers. Since nectar sources are typically associated with such colors, hummingbirds will zero in on brightly pigmented hibiscus blooms.
Flower Shape Accessibility
A hummingbird’s slender, downturned beak can easily fit into the tubular opening of a hibiscus flower. Their beaks allow the birds to reach even small deposits of nectar within the flower tubes. This gives them access to all the nectar within a hibiscus bloom.
When are Hibiscus Flowers in Bloom?
One consideration in attracting hummingbirds with hibiscus is timing. Hummingbirds are only present in certain geographical regions during warmer months. Hibiscus flowering times can vary somewhat by variety, but in general will coincide with hummingbird migration and provide an excellent food source.
Peak Hummingbird Season
| Region | Peak Hummingbird Months |
|---|---|
| Northeastern U.S. | May – September |
| Southeastern U.S. | March – October |
| Southwestern U.S. | March – September |
| Northwestern U.S. | April – September |
Peak Hibiscus Blooming Times
| Hibiscus Type | Blooming Months |
|---|---|
| Tropical hibiscus | June – October |
| Hardy perennial hibiscus | June – September |
| Annual hibiscus | June – Frost |
As the tables indicate, peak hummingbird and hibiscus bloom times overlap significantly across most regions, providing hummingbirds with an excellent nectar source when they are present.
Tips for Attracting Hummingbirds
To maximize the appeal of hibiscus flowers to hummingbirds, consider these tips:
Choose Red Varieties
Opt for hibiscus varieties with bright red blooms to attract the most hummingbird attention. Dark pink and orange varieties are also good choices.
Provide Many Flowers
Plant several hibiscus plants together to provide many flowers and increase the food source for hummingbirds. Groupings of three or more plants work best.
Deadhead Spent Blooms
Remove old blooms as they fade to encourage reblooming. More flowers equals more opportunities for the birds to feed.
Use Strategic Placement
Situate hibiscus plants near natural hummingbird feeding areas, such as near woodland edges or meadows. Avoid too much shade or wind.
Provide a Water Source
Hummingbirds also need drinking water. Place a hummingbird feeder or shallow bird bath with fresh water nearby.
Choosing the Best Hibiscus Varieties
When selecting hibiscus plants, keep hummingbird appeal in mind. Here are top variety picks:
Tropical Hibiscus
- Red Dragon
- Sugar Cane
- Presidential Red
- Cherry Cheesecake
Hardy Hibiscus
- Lord Baltimore
- Kopper King
- Berry Awesome
- Cranberry Crush
Annual Hibiscus
- Luna Red
- Starburst Rose
- Brilliant Red
- Fireball
These varieties provide large, brightly colored blooms that will attract the most hummingbird attention in your garden.
Conclusion
With their tubular red blooms and abundant sweet nectar, hibiscus flowers are perfectly designed to appeal to hummingbirds. Strategically planting vibrant hibiscus varieties in the garden will draw these energetic pollinators and provide them with an excellent food source. Positioning hibiscus plants where the birds naturally feed and congregate will increase traffic and hummingbird activity. By leveraging hibiscus flowers’ irresistible allure, you can transform your garden into a hummingbird haven.
