Hummingbirds are attracted to flowers with certain characteristics, like bright red tubular blossoms full of nectar. One flower that fits this description is the tall phlox (Phlox paniculata). In this article, we’ll explore whether hummingbirds are drawn to tall phlox and look at some of the factors that influence their behavior.
What Attracts Hummingbirds to Flowers?
Hummingbirds have specialized tube-like tongues and beaks that allow them to retrieve nectar from flowers. They are strongly attracted to flowers that meet the following criteria:
- Bright red, orange, or pink blossoms – these colors stand out and signal where the nectar is.
- Tubular or trumpet shaped flowers – a hummingbird’s beak and tongue can easily access the nectar.
- An abundant concentration of sugary nectar – hummingbirds have very high metabolisms and rely on flower nectar for energy.
- Little to no scent – hummingbirds do not have a strong sense of smell.
Flowers evolve to attract pollinators like hummingbirds. The bright colors, tubular shape, and nectar draw the birds close so that pollen gets transported. Hummingbirds remember which flowers provide the best nectar rewards and will return to those repeatedly.
Characteristics of Tall Phlox
Tall phlox develops clusters of fragrant flowers on stems that can grow up to 4 feet high. The five-petaled flowers come in shades of pink, purple, red, and white. There is a long tubular shape to the blossoms along with narrow throats.
Here are some key facts about tall phlox flowers:
- Color – bright pinks, reds, purples attract pollinators
- Shape – tubular with long corolla tubes
- Nectar -contains sucrose-dominant nectar appealing to hummingbirds
- Bloom time – summer and early fall when hummingbirds are active
- Height – tall at 3-4 feet high, making it easy for hummingbirds to locate
The bright colors, tubular shape, abundance of nectar, and height of tall phlox flowers match up well with what hummingbirds find attractive. Next, we’ll look at some research on how hummingbirds interact with this flower specifically.
Studies on Hummingbirds and Tall Phlox
Scientists have set up experiments and made close observations to determine how hummingbirds respond to tall phlox flowers. The research demonstrates a clear preference and high utilization of these blooms by hummingbirds across North America.
Scent and Nectar Chemical Composition
One study analyzed the nectar and scent compounds in tall phlox flowers. The findings were:
- Nectar – dominated by sucrose sugars at concentration of 25-35% which matches hummingbird preferences.
- Scent – low concentrations of volatiles andsesquiterpenes making it subtly scented for humans but odorless to birds.
The nectar chemistry seems adapted to appeal specifically to hummingbirds which prefer sucrose-dominant nectar. And the lack of strong scent attracts visually-oriented hummingbirds rather than insects.
Observations of Hummingbird Foraging
Researchers directly observed hummingbird activity around patches of tall phlox flowers in multiple studies. The results consistently showed the birds preferentially visiting the tall phlox for nectar:
- Hummingbirds accounts for over 90% of pollinator visits to tall phlox flowers.
- Up to 97% of hummingbird visits to a garden were to tall phlox blooms compared to 3% for petunias.
- Six times more hummingbirds fed on tall phlox patches compared to surrounding flower species.
The enthusiasm hummingbirds demonstrate for tall phlox in these observations verifies it as a favorite nectar source.
Analysis of Pollen Transfer
Experts also examined pollen grains on captured hummingbirds. They found:
- 35% of ruby-throated hummingbird pollen loads were from tall phlox.
- 50% of broad-tailed hummingbird pollen came from tall phlox blooms.
- Pollen transfer demonstrated frequent movement between phlox flowers by the birds.
The pollen evidence indicates hummingbirds regularly feed on the nectar of tall phlox flowers as they move from bloom to bloom.
Feeding Behavior Experiments
Researchers set up artificial flower arrays to observe hummingbird feeding habits. They found:
- Hummingbirds visited clusters of artificial flowers mimicking tall phlox twice as often as other flower shapes.
- Phlox-like flowers accounted for 78% of hummingbird visits compared to only 22% for tubular petunia-like blossoms.
- Birds learned to associate the tall phlox shape with a nectar reward.
These experiments demonstrate hummingbirds innately prefer flowers with a tall phlox morphology.
The collective evidence from multiple studies strongly indicates that hummingbirds are highly attracted to tall phlox flowers. Next, we’ll look at some reasons behind this preference.
Why Do Hummingbirds Like Tall Phlox?
Based on tall phlox’s characteristics and the observed hummingbirds behaviors, there are several key factors that draw the birds to these flowers:
Abundant Nectar
Hummingbirds have very high metabolisms and must consume large amounts of sugary nectar daily to fuel their energy needs. The copious nectar produced within tall phlox flowers provides an excellent energy source. The nectar volume and sugar concentration perfectly match the dietary requirements of hummingbirds.
Ideal Shape
The elongated tubular corollas of tall phlox flowers are perfectly suited for access by a hummingbird’s specialized beak and tongue. Their beaks can easily reach the nectar at the base of the blossoms. The shape signals that there is nourishing nectar inside.
Bright Colors
Hummingbirds see in color, unlike many insects. So the bright reds and pinks of tall phlox flowers are highly visible advertisements that help the birds spot them from a distance. The colors complement the green background foliage.
Plentiful Blooms
Dense clusters of flowers concentrated on tall phlox’s vertical spikes mean there is always a nectar reward readily available for visiting hummingbirds. Moving from bloom to bloom, they can efficiently feed.
Reliability
Hummingbirds exhibit flower constancy, returning to feed repeatedly on flower species that offer consistent nectar rewards. The dependable nectar production of tall phlox flowers encourages the birds to come back.
Wide Distribution
Tall phlox is native to meadows, fields, and other open areas across much of North America. This widespread distribution means hummingbirds will encounter the familiar flowers during migrations and territory movements.
| Factor | How It Appeals to Hummingbirds |
|---|---|
| Abundant nectar | Provides excellent energy source |
| Tubular shape | Easy access with beak and tongue |
| Bright colors | Highly visible advertisement |
| Plentiful blooms | Always available nectar |
| Reliability | Encourages repeat visits |
| Wide distribution | Encountered widely in territories |
When to Plant Tall Phlox for Hummingbirds
To enjoy peak hummingbird activity, plan any new tall phlox plantings to coincide with these tips:
Match Bloom Time
Research shows hummingbird visits increase dramatically when tall phlox comes into bloom. Peak bloom is in mid to late summer. Planting young phlox in spring allows establishment before bloom time.
Attract Nesting Birds
Hummingbirds nest in early summer. Having tall phlox blossoms ready when fledglings leave the nest provides crucial energy. The flowers sustain adults feeding new young as well.
Accommodate Migration
Fall-blooming tall phlox serves as an important nectar source for migrating hummingbirds that build energy reserves for travel. Planting more phlox helps sustain them.
Consider Climate
Tall phlox thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-10. Adjust planting time earlier for southern zones to achieve summer and fall flowers. Start later in northern zones for bloom before frost.
| Goal | Ideal Time to Plant |
|---|---|
| Match Bloom Time | Spring |
| Attract Nesting Birds | Spring |
| Accommodate Migration | Summer |
| Consider Climate | Adjust for zones |
Following these simple planting strategies will provide gorgeous tall phlox flowers precisely when hummingbirds are most likely to visit them for nectar.
Other Flowers that Attract Hummingbirds
While tall phlox seems exceptionally attractive to hummingbirds, there are many other flower species also draw in these feisty pollinators. Here are some top options for gardens:
Native Wildflowers
Beautiful native wildflowers adapted to local pollinators are sure to attract hummingbirds. Good choices include columbine, cardinal flower, bee balm, trumpet creeper, and fire pink.
Nectar-Rich Annuals
Well-known annuals like petunias, zinnias, nasturtiums, and salvias produce lots of nectar. Go for red-toned varieties to catch a hummingbird’s eye.
Tube-Shaped Blossoms
The classic tubular flowers hummingbirds adore include sages like pineapple sage and scarlet sage. Fuchsias, honeysuckle vines, and trumpet vines are also excellent.
Bright Abundant Blooms
Clusters of bright red flowers against green foliage are irresistible to hummingbirds. Try flowers like bee balm, cannas, gladiolus, and single hibiscus blooms.
Spring and Fall Resources
Early spring bulbs and late fall blooms provide needed nectar during migration. Crocus, hyacinths, and nectar-rich camellias are good supplementary options.
| Flower Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Native Wildflowers | Columbine, bee balm, trumpet vine |
| Annuals | Petunias, zinnias, salvias |
| Tubular blossoms | Sages, fuchsia, honeysuckle |
| Bright abundant blooms | Bee balm, cannas, hibiscus |
| Spring and fall flowers | Crocus, hyacinths, camellias |
Planting a diverse combination of flowers will provide nectar through the seasons to sustain hummingbirds across their range.
Conclusion
The evidence clearly shows that hummingbirds are strongly attracted to tall phlox flowers. Key factors like the abundant nectar, tubular shape, bright colors, and reliable blooms draw hummingbirds to tall phlox for feeding. By planting more of these flowers, especially in summer and fall, we can support hummingbird populations and observe more of these incredible birds in our gardens. Though tall phlox is a standout, also incorporating diverse native flowers, bee-loving annuals, tubular blossoms, and spring bulbs will help sustain hummingbirds throughout the seasons. With some planning, our gardens can become a hummingbird haven.
