Hummingbirds are amazing little birds that have fascinated people for centuries. Their ability to hover and fly backwards sets them apart from other birds. Hummingbirds are native to the Americas and there are over 300 different species. Hummingbirds are well known for their love of flower nectar, but an interesting question is whether they are attracted to flower bulbs as well. In this article, we will explore what bulbs are, examine hummingbird behavior and feeding habits, look at some bulb varieties that attract hummingbirds, and provide tips for using bulbs to bring more hummingbirds to your garden.
What are Flower Bulbs?
Flower bulbs are a type of plant growth that allow perennials to survive cold winter conditions. The bulb contains all the genetic material needed for the plant to grow and flower. Some common spring flowering bulbs are tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, crocus and lilies. When the soil begins to thaw in spring, the bulb receives the cue to start growing. It sends up leaves, then a flower stalk emerges and blooms. After flowering, the plant dies back for the season. The bulb then goes dormant over winter, storing energy, and begins the process all over again when spring returns.
Flower bulbs provide early season color, interesting textures, scents and nectar sources that attract pollinators like hummingbirds. Since bulbs are easy to plant in fall and require minimal care, they are excellent additions to both gardens and landscaping. There are many types of bulbs that will entice hummingbirds to visit and feed.
Hummingbird Behavior and Feeding
Hummingbirds are specialized nectar feeders. Their long slender beaks and tongues allow them to access nectar sources deep within tubular flowers. Hummingbirds can lick up to 13 times per second as they feed on nectar. These tiny birds have very fast metabolisms and high energy needs. To power their busy wings, hummingbirds eat up to half their body weight in nectar each day and also consume small insects for protein.
Because of their almost nonstop need for food, hummingbirds are always visiting a succession of blossoms. They utilize a variety of specifically adapted feeding behaviors. Here are some interesting examples:
- Trap-lining – Visiting a repeated circuit of productive flowers.
- Nectar robbing – Using holes or slits at the flower base to steal nectar, bypassing pollination.
- Hawk moth style – Feeding while hovering at a flower, like a hovering moth does.
- Bee mimicry – Feeding from underside of flower, mimicking bee behavior.
Hummingbirds can see the color red exceptionally well. They also have good color vision in the near ultraviolet spectrum. This helps them find nectar sources on plants. Hummingbirds use flowering cues like color, shape, scent and nectar guides to identify promising blossoms. If a food source proves productive, hummingbirds remember the location and revisit it often. Providing a continuous sequence of blooms that hummingbirds favor is key to attracting these energetic pollinators.
Bulbs that Attract Hummingbirds
Many spring flowering bulbs produce the tubular blooms with rich nectar that appeal to hummingbird tastes. Here are some top bulb varieties for tempting hummingbirds:
Crocus
One of the earliest bulbs to bloom, crocus provides needed nectar when not much else is in flower. Short-tubed varieties like Crocus chrysanthus and Crocus tommasinianus offer nectar rewards. Plant in drifts or swaths for best effect.
Hyacinth
Fragrant, spiky hyacinth flowers come in shades of blue, pink, purple, red, orange and yellow. Hummingbirds zero in on the nectar-rich blossoms. For a stunning display, plant 40 to 50 bulbs together.
Fritillaria
Checkered lily and other Fritillaria species produce bell-shaped, nodding flowers in unique patterns. The aptly named Scarlet Fritillary (Fritillaria recurva) has crimson flowers with recurved petals.
Colchicum
Sometimes called autumn crocus, Colchicum blooms in fall and will keep hummingbirds coming to the garden well into the season.
Allium
Ornamental onions like Allium giganteum and Gladiator allium have huge globe-shaped flower heads that attract hummingbirds. Purple varieties seem most appealing.
| Bulb | Flower Color | Bloom Time |
|---|---|---|
| Crocus | Purple, yellow, white | Late winter/early spring |
| Hyacinth | Blue, pink, purple, red, orange, yellow | Mid to late spring |
| Fritillaria | Purple, red, yellow, orange | Spring |
| Colchicum | Purple, pink | Fall |
| Allium | Purple, pink, white | Late spring/early summer |
Lily
Many lilies produce the large, tubular flowers that draw in hummingbirds. Try Asiatic lilies, Oriental lilies, or hybrids like Lilium ‘Citronella’. Plant in containers for mobility.
Tips for Using Bulbs to Attract Hummingbirds
Here are some tips for using bulbs to create an inviting habitat:
- Plant bulbs in dense clumps or sweeping drifts for high visual impact.
- Include bulbs of different heights, shapes and blooming seasons for seasonal interest.
- Combine early bloomers like crocus with later blooms like hyacinths and alliums.
- Include bulb varieties with bright red, orange, yellow or purple flowers.
- Repeat bulbs in multiple locations to provide food sources.
- Site bulbs near special hummingbird feeding and nesting areas.
- Plant bulbs in containers for flexibility to move around yard and gardens.
- Use low nitrogen fertilizer to promote more flowers.
- Provide extra feeding stations with fresh nectar nearby.
With a plan and the right bulbs, you can create an enticing spring display that brings gorgeous hummingbirds to your outdoor space. The fluttering wings, iridescent colors, and graceful motions of hummingbirds are a magicaladdition to any garden. Bulbs help provide the nectar these energetic visitors rely on.
Do Hummingbirds Like Flower Bulbs?
Research and observation indicate that hummingbirds are definitely attracted to many spring and summer flowering bulbs. The tubular blossoms of bulbs like hyacinth, fritillaria, lilies and allium seem especially appealing as nectar sources. In addition to tubular shape, hummingbirds prefer flowers in vibrant shades of red, orange and yellow. Flowers clustered together in a mass planting are most effective at grabbing their attention.
By choosing the right bulb varieties and displaying them thoughtfully, you can design a space that entices hummingbirds to stop by and spend time. The brief blossoming period of bulbs complements other flowering plants and shrubs. Combining bulbs with other hummingbird favorites like bee balm, tubular salvias, penstemon, trumpet vines, fuchsia and coral honeysuckle provides season-long appeal. The result will be a garden filled with the flash and dash of gorgeous hummingbirds through spring and into summer.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds are captivated by the colors, scents and abundant nectar produced by many flowering bulbs. Early bloomers like crocus and late arrivals like allium provide key food sources. Bulbs with tubular blossoms in red, orange and yellow tend to be hummingbird magnets. Display bulbs in dense groups and repeat plantings throughout the landscape for best effect. Combining bulbs with other hummingbird-friendly flowers, vines and shrubs keeps the nectar coming all season. With a plan and smart plant choices, you can design a space that entices hummingbirds to linger. The payoff will be the gift of their dazzling company all through the seasons. With a little thought and effort, you can have hummingbirds flocking to feast on your bulbs and light up your gardens with their luminous presence.
