Whether Hummers like Rose of Sharon is an interesting question to consider. To properly answer it, we must first understand a few key things about Hummers and Rose of Sharon.
What are Hummers?
Hummers are large, rugged sport utility vehicles that were originally based on the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) military vehicle. The Hummer brand was first launched by AM General in 1992 and gained popularity in the 1990s and early 2000s. In 1998, General Motors purchased the brand from AM General and began producing civilian versions of the Hummer. The brand reached the peak of its popularity in the mid-2000s but sales later declined due to high gas prices and environmental concerns. In 2010, General Motors discontinued the Hummer brand.
Some key facts about Hummers:
- Known for their large size, high ground clearance, and durability
- Originated as military vehicles but later produced as civilian models
- Models included the Hummer H1, H2, and H3
- Discontinued in 2010 due to falling sales
What is Rose of Sharon?
Rose of Sharon is a common name that refers to several different species of flowering plants. The name is used especially for the species Hibiscus syriacus, which is known for its large, showy flowers. Here are some key facts about Rose of Sharon plants:
- Part of the mallow family Malvaceae
- Native to Asia but naturalized in many other temperate regions
- Grow as shrubs or small trees up to 12 feet tall
- Flowers can be white, pink, purple, or blue
- Bloom in summer and fall
- Also known as Althea
- Popular landscape plants appreciated for their flowers
Do Hummers Like Rose of Sharon?
When considering whether Hummers like Rose of Sharon, there are a few factors to take into account:
Feeding Habits
Hummers have very specialized feeding habits. They feed almost exclusively on nectar from tubular flowers. Their long, slender beaks and tongues are perfectly adapted for accessing nectar.
Rose of Sharon flowers are not tubular. They have wide, flat petals instead. This makes it difficult for a hummer to access nectar from them. The flowers do produce nectar, but hummers would likely have a hard time feeding from them.
Flower Characteristics
In addition to flower shape, hummers are attracted to certain colors when seeking nectar. Bright red flowers tend to be favorites, as the color red is easy for hummer eyes to spot.
Rose of Sharon blooms come in colors like white, pink, purple, and blue. While very beautiful, these cooler flower colors are less attractive to hummingbirds compared to warm, fiery shades.
Geography and Range
Whether or not hummers and Rose of Sharon plants interact also depends on if they share the same geographic regions. Hummers are found only in the Americas. Rose of Sharon is native to Asia and can be grown in many temperate zones.
There are some areas of overlap – for example, Rose of Sharon is a common garden plant in the southeastern United States where hummingbirds are also found. But the two do not naturally occur together, which likely means hummers did not evolve to seek out or pollinate Rose of Sharon flowers.
Region | Presence of Hummers | Presence of Rose of Sharon Plants |
---|---|---|
Western North America | Yes | Sometimes grown as ornamental plant |
Eastern North America | Yes | Commonly grown ornamental shrub |
Asia | No | Native, grows wild |
Europe | No | Sometimes grown as ornamental plant |
Based on range, hummers and Rose of Sharon most commonly overlap in gardens and landscapes in eastern North America.
Conclusions
In summary, while hummers and Rose of Sharon exist in some of the same regions, Hummers are unlikely to be attracted to or feed from Rose of Sharon flowers. Key reasons are:
- Rose of Sharon flowers are the wrong shape for hummer beaks
- They lack the warm colors hummers prefer in flowers
- The two did not evolve together naturally
However, it is possible that hummers visiting a yard with Rose of Sharon may occasionally investigate or attempt to feed from the flowers, even if they are not ideal. So you may spot a hummer checking out your Rose of Sharon on occasion!
How to Make Your Yard More Attractive to Hummers
While Rose of Sharon may not be their top choice, you can make your yard more hospitable to hummingbirds with some simple tactics:
Provide Tubular Red Flowers
Plant lots of tubular red flowers that provide accessible nectar for hummers. Some great options include:
- Fuchsia
- Cardinal flower
- Trumpet vine
- Nasturtium
- Salvia
- Scarlet runner beans
- Coral bells
Go for masses of red blooms to create an eye-catching buffet for your local hummingbirds.
Use Red Feeders
Provide commercial nectar feeders with red bases. The feeders mimic natural flowers and provide calories between bloom cycles. Choose nectar with a 4:1 ratio of water to sugar for optimal nutrition.
Provide Water Features
Hummers also need water for bathing and drinking. Install a mister, dripsystem, waterfall, or small pond to provide accessible water sources.
Limit Pesticide Use
Avoid using chemical pesticides and herbicides which can contaminate food sources and harm hummer health. Go organic or use natural controls whenever possible.
Let Things Get Messy
Allow some overgrown, bushy areas with leaf litter. Hummers often search for insects to eat in sheltered spots with dense vegetation.
Be Patient
It can take time for hummers to find and get accustomed to new feeders and flowers. Keep them freshly stocked and hummingbirds will learn to visit.
With a few tweaks, you can turn your yard into an enticing, safe habitat that will attract beautiful, feisty hummingbirds all season long. The fluttering wings and buzzing sounds will add action and excitement for you to enjoy.