When it comes to hummingbirds and their favorite flowers, impatiens are definitely high on the list. Hummingbirds are naturally drawn to the bright colors and tubular shape of impatiens flowers, which are perfectly suited for a hummingbird’s long, slender beak. The nectar contained within impatiens flowers is an ideal energy source for hummingbirds. So in short, yes, hummingbirds absolutely love impatiens!
Why are impatiens so popular with hummingbirds?
There are a few key reasons why impatiens are such a popular choice for attracting hummingbirds to gardens:
- Bright colors – Impatiens come in a wide range of bright, bold colors like red, orange, pink, purple, and white. These vibrant colors act like a beacon, attracting hummingbirds from far away.
- Tubular shape – The tubular or funnel-like shape of impatiens flowers gives hummingbirds easy access to the nectar inside. Their long, slender beaks are perfectly adapted for reaching deep inside these tubular flowers.
- Nectar – Impatiens produce a significant amount of sugary nectar which provides hummingbirds with the high-energy food they need to power their rapid metabolisms and stay active throughout the day.
- Blooming period – Impatiens bloom continuously from spring through fall. This provides hummingbirds with a reliable food source for months on end.
- Versatility – There are many impatiens varieties suitable for both sun and shade gardens, making them easy to incorporate into any yard.
These key traits make impatiens a hummingbird magnet. Once hummingbirds discover impatiens in a garden, they are likely to return frequently to feed on their favored nectar source.
What types of impatiens do hummingbirds prefer?
Hummingbirds are attracted to both traditional bedding impatiens and New Guinea impatiens varieties. Here are some of the most popular types of impatiens favored by hummingbirds:
Bedding Impatiens
- Super Elfin – These feature smaller flowers in vibrant shades of pink, coral, orange, red, white, and purple. They grow 8-10 inches tall.
- Elfin – A dwarf variety growing 12 inches tall, available in bright pinks, reds, oranges, whites, lavenders, and purples.
- Accent – Large, 3-inch flowers on plants reaching 16-20 inches. Ideal for containers and bedding. Available in both solid colors and striking bicolors.
New Guinea Impatiens
- Florific – Features oversized blooms on robust plants. Colors include vivid oranges, reds, pinks, and purples. Grows 14-16 inches tall.
- Divine – A mid-sized variety with orchid-like flowers in orange, hot pink, red, white, and violet shades. Grows 10-12 inches.
- SunPatiens – A heat- and sun-tolerant hybrid with flowers in bright shades of orange, hot pink, red, and white. Grows 12-24 inches.
All of these varieties produce the nectar-rich, brightly colored flowers that attract hummingbirds to impatiens. Choosing an array of different impatiens types will entice even more hummingbirds to visit the garden regularly.
When and where should I plant impatiens for hummingbirds?
Impatiens can be planted in beds, borders, containers, and hanging baskets in both sunny and shaded garden locations. Here are some tips on when and where to plant impatiens to create an attractive habitat for hummingbirds:
Location
- Beds & borders – Use impatiens in beds and borders close to forest edges or shade trees where hummingbirds tend to travel and shelter.
- Hanging baskets – Hang baskets of impatiens near or slightly above existing hummingbird feeders to supplement their diet with nectar.
- Container gardens – Cluster large pots of different impatiens varieties together to mimic a natural flower garden.
Sun vs. shade
- Full sun – For areas with 6+ hours of direct sun choose heat-tolerant SunPatiens or Super Elfin varieties.
- Partial shade – Grow mid-sized Divine or Accent varieties in areas with 3-6 hours of sun.
- Full shade – Choose Elfin or Florific impatiens for heavily shaded underplantings.
When to plant
- Spring – Plant impatiens outdoors after the last frost date when night temperatures stay above 55°F.
- Summer – Add more impatiens throughout the summer to maintain a continuous floral display.
- Fall – In mild climates, impatiens will bloom into the fall before first frost.
Time plantings to provide nectar for hummingbirds from spring through fall when they are most active in your climate.
How should I care for impatiens to attract hummingbirds?
It’s important to give impatiens the proper care and conditions to promote lush growth, vigorous blooming, and ample nectar production:
- Fertilizing – Use a water-soluble, high-phosphorus fertilizer or one formulated for blooming plants every 7-14 days during the growing season.
- Watering – Water impatiens regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not saturated. Established plants need about 1-1.5 inches of water per week.
- Deadheading – Pinch off spent blooms to encourage re-blooming. This provides a steady nectar supply.
- Shade – Provide shade from hot afternoon sun for varieties not specified as sun-tolerant.
- Pruning – Prune back leggy growth to keep plants full and compact.
With proper care, impatiens will produce an abundance of flowers with sweet nectar to feed hungry hummingbirds throughout the season.
What is the best way to arrange and plant impatiens for hummingbirds?
Here are some tips for arranging impatiens in your garden to create an inviting habitat for hummingbirds:
Groupings
- Plant impatiens in large drifts or swaths of at least 5-7 plants rather than spacing them out.
- Cluster pots tightly together to mimic a flower bed.
- Underplant trees and shrubs with impatiens for bold splashes of color.
Color
- Plant a variety of bright colors like orange, red, pink, violet, and white to appeal to hummingbirds’ vision.
- Use contrasting colors in groupings for high visual impact. Ex: Bright pink with white.
- Combine different flower forms such as standard impatiens with New Guinea types.
Density
- Space impatiens 6-12 inches apart in groupings to create a dense, flower-filled look.
- Allow foliage to fill in and touch between mature plants to form a lush mass of flowers.
- Plant successive waves of impatiens every 2-3 weeks for continuous bloom.
Planting impatiens in high-density, colorful drifts interspersed throughout your garden is a sure way to catch the eye of passing hummingbirds.
How can I be sure hummingbirds will visit my impatiens?
Here are some useful strategies to help ensure hummingbirds discover and keep coming back to the impatiens in your garden:
- Plant red varieties – Hummingbirds see the color red exceptionally well. Red impatiens will be like a beacon guiding them to your garden.
- Use nectar feeders – Place hummingbird feeders with red nectar near your impatiens plantings. Once they find the feeders, they’re likely to explore nearby flowers.
- Provide perches – Hummingbirds often perch before visiting flowers. Place sticks, trellises, or hanging perches above or near impatiens beds.
- Use water features – The sound of moving water attracts hummingbirds. A small fountain, waterfall, or bubbler nearby may pique their interest.
- Be patient! It may take a few weeks for hummingbirds to discover new flower plantings. Hummingbird-pollinated flowers like impatiens are designed to adapt and attract them over time.
By leveraging these strategies to grab their attention, hummingbirds will learn to associate your garden with an excellent food source and come back to feast on your impatiens’ nectar again and again.
Conclusion
With their tubular flowers in vibrant, hummingbird-enticing colors and ample reserves of energizing nectar, it’s easy to see why impatiens are a favorite nectar source for hummingbirds. By choosing the right varieties, planting them in optimal locations, and employing a few bird-attracting techniques in your garden design, you can transform your yard into a hummingbird hotspot brimming with beautiful impatiens blooms. When thoughtfully incorporated and properly cared for, impatiens are sure to satisfy even the hungriest hummer’s cravings.
