Hummingbirds are a popular sight in many backyards, where they can be seen visiting brightly colored tubular flowers in search of nectar. One type of flowering plant that attracts hummingbirds is the butterfly bush. But do hummingbirds actually feed on butterfly bushes?
Quick Answer
Yes, hummingbirds do feed on butterfly bushes. The tubular flowers of butterfly bushes produce nectar that attracts hummingbirds. Hummingbirds have specially adapted long, slender beaks and tongues that allow them to access the nectar at the base of the butterfly bush flowers.
What Attracts Hummingbirds to Gardens
Hummingbirds are migratory birds that are found across much of North America during the warmer months. They migrate huge distances, with some species traveling over 2,000 miles between their summer and winter ranges. During summer, hummingbirds take advantage of the abundance of flower nectar available to fuel their metabolisms and prepare for future migrations.
Hummingbirds are drawn to gardens that provide their preferred food source – sugary nectar from tubular flowers. They have bills and tongues that are perfectly adapted for extracting nectar. Their slender bills allow them to reach deep inside flowers, while their bifurcated tongues have fringed tips that soak up nectar.
Some characteristics of flowers that are attractive to hummingbirds include:
- Bright red or orange tubular flowers
- Little to no scent
- Nectar with moderate sugar concentrations
- An open flower shape allowing access to nectar
By planting flowers with these traits, you can create an ideal environment to draw hummingbirds to your garden.
Key Features of Butterfly Bushes
Butterfly bushes belong to the genus Buddleia and are also commonly known as summer lilacs. They are popular ornamental plants due to their graceful shape and abundant blooms that bloom continuously from summer through fall.
Some key features that make butterfly bushes so attractive to hummingbirds include:
- Tubular flowers in shades of purple, pink, red, orange, yellow or white
- Nectar-rich flowers
- Long blooming season
- Ability to thrive in a range of climates and soils
The tubular flower shape is perfectly designed for a hummingbird’s bill and tongue. And the copious amounts of nectar provide an excellent source of food energy.
Do Hummingbirds Feed on Butterfly Bushes?
Yes, hummingbirds readily feed on the nectar produced by butterfly bush flowers. When they discover a butterfly bush in bloom, hummingbirds will visit repeatedly to feed.
Studies observing hummingbird behavior have documented their preference for feeding from butterfly bushes.
In a University of Georgia study published in The Condor: Ornithological Applications, researchers identified butterfly bush as among the most important flowering plants for hummingbird nectar feeding in residential yards.
Another study from the University of Arizona found that broad-tailed hummingbirds made significantly more feeding visits to butterfly bushes compared to three other flowering species included in the research.
In addition to drinking the nectar, hummingbirds may also feed on small insects around the flowers. They consume both nectar and insects to meet their high metabolism and energy needs.
Which Hummingbirds Feed on Butterfly Bushes
Butterfly bushes attract many different hummingbird species across North America. Some of the most common visitors include:
- Ruby-throated hummingbird
- Black-chinned hummingbird
- Anna’s hummingbird
- Costa’s hummingbird
- Rufous hummingbird
- Allen’s hummingbird
- Calliope hummingbird
The types of hummingbirds drawn to the flowers will depend on the geographic location and native species in that region. But any hummingbirds present in the area will eagerly feed on properly cultivated butterfly bushes.
How to Attract Hummingbirds with Butterfly Bushes
Here are some tips to use butterfly bushes to bring more hummingbirds to your garden:
- Select butterfly bush varieties with vibrant red or orange blooms, which are preferred by hummingbirds.
- Plant in full sun to encourage more flowering. At least 6 hours of direct sun per day is ideal.
- If possible, plant butterfly bushes in groups of 3 or more to create a larger area of color.
- Prune lightly in late winter to promote vigorous growth and maximum blooms.
- Avoid using pesticides, which can poison hummingbirds visiting the flowers.
- Provide a nearby water source like a fountain, mister or bird bath for hummingbirds to drink and bathe.
When and Where to See Hummingbirds on Butterfly Bushes
Hummingbirds will start visiting butterfly bushes as soon as flowers start to bloom, which is typically mid to late summer. The peak viewing period is July through September when butterfly bush flowers are at their most abundant.
You may see hummingbirds feeding at all times of day as they need to eat frequently to support their high metabolism. However, early morning and late afternoon are often the best times for sightings as hummingbird activity increases.
Position yourself near the butterfly bushes and watch patiently for hummingbirds to arrive. Have your camera ready, as they will dart away quickly. You can increase your odds of hummingbird encounters by providing a water feature and additional flowering plants nearby.
How Hummingbirds Feed on Butterfly Bushes
Watching a hummingbird feed on a butterfly bush is a fascinating experience. Here is a step-by-step look at how they extract nectar from the flowers:
- The hummingbird hovers in front of a butterfly bush bloom and extends its slender bill into the flower’s mouth.
- Using its specialized bifurcated tongue, the hummingbird soaks up nectar while probing deep inside the flower.
- Nectar is transported from the tongue to the throat via capillary action and the hummingbird’s tongue tips lap up every last drop.
- With its high metabolism burning through energy, the hummingbird flits quickly to the next flower to repeat the nectar feeding process.
Amazingly, a hummingbird can repeat this many times a minute as it buzzes between blooms. The nectar from butterfly bushes provides the fuel these tiny birds need to maintain their incredible pace of life.
Do Hummingbirds Damage Butterfly Bushes?
Hummingbirds do not damage healthy butterfly bushes as they feed. Their method of nectar extraction is delicate and specifically adapted not to harm flowering plants.
In fact, the relationship between hummingbirds and butterfly bushes is mutually beneficial. As hummingbirds feed, pollen sticks to their heads and bills. When they fly to the next flower, some of this pollen rubs off which helps pollinate the plant. This pollination allows the butterfly bush to reproduce and produce more flowers.
Through this relationship, hummingbirds get an excellent nectar source and the butterfly bushes get pollinated. So rather than damaging the plants, hummingbirds actually help butterfly bushes thrive!
Butterfly Bush Care Tips
To keep your butterfly bushes looking their best for visiting hummingbirds, follow these care tips:
- Sunlight: Butterfly bushes need at least 6 hours of direct sun daily and do best with 8-10 hours. Less sun will result in fewer blooms.
- Water: Water butterfly bushes regularly, especially during dry periods. Provide 1-2 inches of water per week.
- Soil: Grow in moist but well-draining soil. Amend clay soils with compost or peat moss.
- Fertilizer: Fertilize in early spring with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer or compost.
- Pruning: Prune old stems each spring to improve flowering and shape.
- Hardiness zones: Select varieties suited for your zone. Most are perennial in zones 5-9.
With proper care and ideal growing conditions, your butterfly bushes will produce an abundance of flowers that provide a dependable nectar source for local hummingbirds.
Fun Facts About Hummingbirds and Butterfly Bushes
- A hummingbird’s heart rate can reach over 1,200 beats per minute while feeding.
- Hummingbirds consume up to half their body weight in nectar daily.
- These tiny birds can lick nectar up to 13 times per second.
- There are over 300 species of hummingbirds worldwide.
- Ruby-throated hummingbirds migrate over 500 miles across the Gulf of Mexico.
- Butterfly bushes can grow up to 12 feet tall with proper care.
- Modern butterfly bush hybrids were bred starting in the 1900s.
- The vibrant flowers provide nectar for both butterflies and hummingbirds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do hummingbirds like butterfly bushes?
Yes, hummingbirds are highly attracted to butterfly bushes. The tubular flowers with abundant nectar perfectly match a hummingbird’s feeding abilities.
What is the best butterfly bush for hummingbirds?
Some top butterfly bush varieties for hummingbirds include Black Knight, Lo & Behold, Miss Molly, and Pink Delight. Choose varieties with bright red or orange blooms for maximum hummingbird appeal.
Do hummingbirds nest in butterfly bushes?
No, hummingbirds do not nest in butterfly bushes. They build tiny cup nests high up in trees using soft plant down and spider webs.
Do hummingbirds eat the flowers?
Hummingbirds do not eat the actual flowers. They use their long bills to access the nectar inside the flowers but do not consume the petals.
Where should I plant butterfly bushes?
Butterfly bushes do best in full sun, so choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Plant in beds near other nectar flowers and provide a water source if possible.
Conclusion
With their specialized anatomy and incredible speed, hummingbirds are magical visitors to any garden. By providing the right habitat and planting nectar-rich flowers like butterfly bushes, you can create an environment sure to attract these delightful pollinators.
Watching a hummingbird delicately feed on the blooms of a butterfly bush in your own backyard is an experience that never gets old. Those precious moments fully reveal the connections between birds, plants, and people that make every garden space come alive.