Hummingbirds are drawn to flowers with lots of nectar, and snapdragons happen to be one of their favorites! The tubular shape of snapdragon flowers makes it easy for hummingbirds to access the nectar with their long beaks. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about hummingbirds and snapdragons.
Do Hummingbirds Like Snapdragons?
Yes, hummingbirds absolutely love snapdragons! There are a few key reasons why these tiny birds are so attracted to snapdragons:
- Nectar-rich flowers – Snapdragons produce large amounts of sugary nectar which provides essential energy for hummingbirds.
- Tubular shape – The cylindrical shape of snapdragon blossoms makes it easy for hummingbirds to poke their long beaks inside to reach the nectar.
- Bright colors – Hummingbirds are visually oriented and attracted to the bright, vibrant colors of snapdragons, especially red.
- No perch required – Snapdragons don’t require a landing platform, allowing hummingbirds to hover in place while feeding.
- Repeated blossoms – Snapdragons bloom repeatedly through the season, providing a constant nectar source for hummingbirds.
Research has shown that hummingbirds have excellent color vision and memory, allowing them to remember and return to reliable nectar sources like snapdragons. Overall, the high sugar content, tubular shape, bright colors and repeat blooms make snapdragons an absolute favorite for these tiny pollinators.
What Types of Snapdragons Do Hummingbirds Like Best?
Hummingbirds are most attracted to tall, large-flowered snapdragon varieties that bloom repeatedly through the season. Here are some of the most popular snapdragons for hummingbirds:
- Rockets – These extra-tall hybrids bear dozens of flowers on each stem. Varieties like ‘Rocket Mix’ come in a rainbow of colors.
- Madame Butterfly – This dwarf type has azalea-like blossoms in bright colors like fuchsia, orange, pink and yellow.
- Chantilly – The Chantilly series offers double snapdragons in both solid and bicolor shades.
- Maryland True Pink – A heirloom variety praised for its vibrant pink color and heavy nectar production.
Be sure to choose non-fragrant varieties, as hummingbirds use scent as little as possible when foraging. In general, vibrant warm tones like red, coral, orange and yellow attract the most hummingbirds.
When and Where Should You Plant Snapdragons?
Hummingbirds are most active in yards and gardens during the warmer months when they are building energy reserves. Here are some tips on when and where to successfully grow snapdragons to attract hummingbirds:
- Planting season – Sow seeds or transplant seedlings 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost date.
- Blooming times – Most snapdragons bloom from early summer well into fall. Stagger planting for continuous blooms.
- Sun requirements – Grow snapdragons in sites with full sun to partial shade. At least 6 hours of direct sun is best.
- Preferred locations – Mass plantings near woodlands, edges, containers, borders, and beds attract the most hummingbirds.
It’s important to provide a constant source of nectar for hummingbirds throughout spring, summer and fall. Strategically planning snapdragon plantings allows peaks of bloom to overlap so nectar remains available in the garden.
How to Plant Snapdragons for Hummingbirds
Follow these simple tips for successfully planting snapdragons tailored to attract hummingbirds:
- Select a site with full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
- Work compost into beds and raised planters to enrich soil nutrients.
- Sow seeds directly in the ground in early spring, barely covering with soil.
- Space plants 8-12 inches apart in clusters, rows or borders.
- Water regularly until established, then taper off except in droughts.
- Pinch spent blooms to encourage re-blooming throughout the seasons.
- Apply liquid fertilizer monthly to nourish flowers and enhance nectar production.
With proper care and ideal growing conditions, snapdragons will richly reward both your hummingbirds and you with their beauty and lively activity.
Tips for Attracting More Hummingbirds
Snapdragons provide an excellent nectar source for hummingbirds, but incorporating a diversity of feeding options in your yard will attract more of these energetic pollinators. Here are some extra strategies:
- Plant a variety of tubular flowers like bee balm, columbine, trumpet vines, fuchsia and honeysuckle.
- Add a hummingbird feeder with fresh nectar near snapdragons and other flowers.
- Provide a water feature or mister for bathing and drinking.
- Let flowering herbs like lavender, sage, mints and basil bloom.
- Don’t use pesticides which can poison the insects hummingbirds eat.
- Offer shrubs and trees with small blossoms like lantana, weigela and bottlebrush.
- Include nectar-rich native plants suitable to your climate and region.
Remember that mimicking the natural habitat hummingbirds evolved with will create the most attractive backyard oasis. Both flower diversity and additional feeding stations maximize your chances of hummingbird visits.
Fun Facts About Hummingbirds and Snapdragons
- Snapdragon flowers resemble bird’s beaks, which may attract curious hummingbirds.
- Hummingbirds have exceptionally long tongues to reach nectar, sometimes exceeding their beak length.
- These tiny birds must consume 50% of their weight in sugary nectar daily to survive.
- Their wings can beat up to 200 times per second, enabling precise hovering.
- Hummingbirds utilize torpor, a temporary hypothermic state, to conserve energy overnight.
- These energetic pollinators play a key role in plant reproduction by transferring pollen.
- Hummingbirds can see ultraviolet light, allowing them to target flowers with nectar guides.
- They are found only in the Americas, with over 300 species from Alaska to Chile.
Both hummingbirds and snapdragons are fascinating marvels of nature! Providing tubular blooms like snapdragons is one of the simplest joys of gardening for any hummingbird enthusiast.
Conclusion
With their energetic flight and dazzling iridescence, hummingbirds bring special magic to any garden. Snapdragons are a reliable way to attract these treasured pollinators by offering the carbohydrate-rich nectar they depend on. By planting clusters of different snapdragon varieties through the seasons, you can enjoy a beautiful and dependable nectar source for hummingbirds.
Remember to choose tall, repeat-blooming types with bright, warm flower colors to catch their eye. Supplement with additional nectar flowers, feeders, water sources and native plants to bring diverse hummingbirds flocking to your yard. Appreciating hummingbirds and snapdragons together is one of the simple summertime pleasures that makes gardening so rewarding.
