Hummingbirds are attracted to flowers with bright colors, especially red. However, many species of hummingbirds will also visit flowers of other colors, like purple. Bee balm (Monarda species) is a tubular flower that is very attractive to hummingbirds. The most common garden variety is Monarda didyma, which can have flowers in shades of red, pink, or purple. So do hummingbirds like the purple variety of this popular perennial plant? Let’s take a closer look at hummingbird behavior and preferences to find out.
What attracts hummingbirds to flowers?
Hummingbirds are highly visual creatures. Their excellent color vision allows them to zero in on flowers with their preferred colors. This aids them in finding nectar sources efficiently. There are a few key factors that attract hummingbirds to certain flowers:
Brightly colored petals
Flowers that are red, orange, pink or purple tend to catch a hummingbird’s attention more than other colors. These flowers have higher visual signaling to attract pollinators. Hummingbirds have color vision in the red end of the spectrum, which makes them particularly sensitive to reddish hues.
Tube-shaped blossoms
Hummingbirds have specially adapted long, slender beaks and tongues to reach nectar at the base of tubular flowers. Therefore, flowers like bee balm that have tube-shaped blossoms are perfectly suited for hummingbird pollination.
High nectar content
Hummingbirds seek out flowers that provide a rich nectar reward. Bee balm produces ample nectar that has a high sugar concentration, which provides quick energy. This makes it an attractive source of food for hummingbirds.
Lack of competing pollinators
Deep tubed flowers limit access from other pollinators like bees or butterflies. This means less competition for hummingbirds, which need to consume a lot of nectar daily to support their high metabolism.
So in short, hummingbirds visit flowers that they can easily identify by sight, fit their anatomy, and offer plentiful nectar. This is why they frequent specialized nectar plants like bee balm.
Do hummingbirds have color preferences?
Hummingbirds tend to prefer red and orange flowers, followed by pink and purple. Red flowers in particular are very attractive to most species of hummingbirds. However, that doesn’t mean they only visit red flowers.
Many species, like the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, will readily feed from tubular flowers across the color spectrum. They have been observed visiting flowers of many different hues when red ones are not available. Here are some reasons why red flowers are highly preferred:
High visibility
Red stands out against green foliage, making the flowers easy to spot. This helps hummingbirds quickly identify potential food sources.
Energy content
One study found the nectar concentration of red flowers was slightly higher than other colors. This gives a better energy reward.
Co-evolution
Red tubular flowers like cardinal flower or trumpet vine evolved specifically to attract hummingbirds as pollinators. The birds innately prefer flowers adapted for them.
While red is an obvious target, hummingbirds do not exclusively visit red flowers. Providing a range of flower colors, especially with orange and purple thrown in, can make a garden more appealing.
Are hummingbirds attracted to purple flowers?
Yes, hummingbirds will visit purple flowers. Along with red, orange, and pink, purple flowers have visual signaling that attracts hummingbird attention.
Purple flowers may be preferred less than red overall, but hummingbirds still identify them as a good nectar source. There are a couple factors that help purple flowers attract hummingbirds:
UV reflectance
The purple color results from anthocyanin pigments. These pigments also reflect ultraviolet light. Since hummingbirds can see UV wavelengths, this makes the flowers stand out.
Complementary color
Purple and red flowers provide complementary colors. So pairing purple flowers near red ones can make a showy display.
Here are some examples of purple flowers that attract hummingbirds:
– Lavender
– Lilac
– Columbine
– Trumpet vine
– Phlox
– Violet
– Purple coneflower
– Clematis
Offering purple flowers along with red, orange, and pink varieties creates a diverse feeding habitat full of color.
Do hummingbirds specifically visit purple bee balm?
Yes, hummingbirds will readily feed on the purple variety of bee balm. Monarda flowers contain the tube shape, nectar quantity and quality, and lack of competition that hummingbirds look for.
The purple color of the bee balm flowers, created by anthocyanin pigments, provides effective visual signaling. Hummingbirds can easily spot these flowers and recognize them as a food source.
Additionally, bee balm’s open flower shape allows hummingbirds easy access to the nectar reward inside. Some examples of hummingbirds visiting purple bee balm include:
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
This is the most widespread and common hummingbird in Eastern North America. It is attracted to red flowers but will also feed from purple.
Rufous Hummingbird
A western species that migrates north to breed. It prefers red but visits a variety of flower colors.
Anna’s Hummingbird
A year-round resident along the Pacific Coast. It feeds from a wide range of flower colors, including purple.
Allen’s Hummingbird
Breeds in California and southern Oregon. It is dominant over other species and visits red and purple flowers.
Calliope Hummingbird
The smallest breeding hummingbird in North America. It will drink from purple flowers during migration and breeding.
So purple bee balm appeals to hummingbirds across North America seeking food. It provides an attractive and nutritious nectar source.
How to attract hummingbirds with purple bee balm
Here are some tips for using purple bee balm to bring hummingbirds into your garden:
Plant in groups
Mass several purple bee balm plants together in a bed. Large patches of color are more visible to hummingbirds.
Provide plenty of blooms
Have continuous blooms from spring through fall by planting early, mid, and late season cultivars. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming.
Mix with red flowers
Interplant with red flowering plants like fuchsia, lobelia, and hummingbird mint. Clusters of red and purple make an eye-catching display.
Avoid pesticides
Hummingbirds are sensitive to chemicals. Use organic practices to grow healthy, pesticide-free plants.
Supplement with feeders
Use nectar feeders to provide extra food. Offer both red and purple feeders to target visual preferences.
Provide perches
Hummingbirds like to perch between flower visits. Have small trees, trellises, or poles nearby to serve as perch sites.
With a little encouragement, you can create a beautiful purple bee balm oasis buzzing with hummingbird activity!
Conclusion
In summary, hummingbirds visit and feed from purple flowers, including the popular bee balm. While red flowers are generally preferred, hummingbirds do not discriminate against other bright, tubular flowers that provide nectar. The purple color of bee balm flowers provides effective visual signaling that attracts hummingbird attention. Offering purple bee balm plants, mixed with red flowering plants, is an excellent way to bring these energetic pollinators into your garden. A patch of purple bee balm buzzing with visits from Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Allen’s Hummingbirds, Rufous Hummingbirds, and more is a delight to behold!
