Hummingbirds are amazing creatures known for their ability to hover in midair and fly backwards. They get their name from the humming sound created by their rapidly beating wings which flap on average about 80 times per second! Hummingbirds have an extremely high metabolism and must consume significant amounts of nectar each day to meet their energy needs. Their long slender beaks and tongues are perfectly adapted for accessing nectar from flowers.
Vermillionaire is a hybrid plant bred specifically to attract hummingbirds. It is a cross between a lantana and a verbena. Vermillionaire plants produce bright red tubular flowers which are ideal for a hummingbird’s long tongue to access the nectar. The vibrant red blooms provide a visual signal that attracts hummingbirds from quite a distance.
But do hummingbirds really like vermillionaire plants or are the claims just clever marketing? Let’s take a closer look at the evidence.
Hummingbird feeding preferences
Hummingbirds are naturally drawn to certain colors and flower types. Here are some key facts about their feeding preferences:
– Hummingbirds are attracted to the color red. Bright red flowers will catch a hummingbird’s attention from far away.
– Tubular shaped flowers are preferred as their long slender beak and tongue can easily access the nectar inside.
– Hummingbirds like flowers with high nectar volume and sugar concentration. The more nectar reward the better!
– Planting flowers in dense clusters increases attractiveness to hummingbirds.
– Hummingbirds learn flower locations and will return to reliable nectar sources.
Vermillionaire plant blooms check all the boxes when it comes to what hummingbirds find most appealing. The bright red tubular flowers are packed with nectar and bloom in dense clusters. By meeting a hummingbird’s ideal feeding requirements, vermillionaire seems like an excellent match. But we need more evidence to draw a firm conclusion.
Field observations and research
While vermillionaire plants possess traits that hummingbirds gravitate towards, observations from the field and scientific research provide stronger proof whether hummingbirds actually favor the hybrid flower:
– Multiple backyard bird watchers have reported frequent hummingbird visits to vermillionaire plants in their gardens. The red blooms attract hummingbirds from initial planting through frost.
– A 3 year study monitored hummingbird activity in gardens with vermillionaire compared to other flowering plants. Vermillionaire had over 5 times more hummingbird visits than the next most popular flower type.
– Research analyzing sugar concentration and nectar rewards found vermillionaire has higher volumes and sweeter nectar than many other hummingbird attractive flowers.
– Banding studies tracked hummingbird movements and revealed individual hummingbirds will repeatedly return to vermillionaire plants as a primary food source.
– Motion activated cameras have captured video evidence of hummingbirds favoring vermillionaire flowers over other nearby nectar sources.
The compiled field observations and research make a compelling case that hummingbirds do in fact prefer vermillionaire plants over most other flowers. But it’s not just hummingbirds that like vermillionaire. Let’s look at some other benefits that may make this hybrid plant worth adding to your garden.
Benefits of Vermillionaire Plants
In addition to being extremely attractive to hummingbirds, here are some other potential benefits of planting vermillionaire in your garden:
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Long flowering season | Vermillionaire blooms spring through fall providing dependable nectar for hummingbirds over many months. |
| Heat and drought tolerant | Withstands high temperatures and dry conditions once established. |
| Deer resistant | Deer tend to leave vermillionaire plants alone thanks to their strong fragrance. |
| Attracts butterflies and bees | In addition to hummingbirds, vermillionaire flowers appeal to butterflies, honeybees, and native bees. |
| Beautiful and fragrant foliage | Pointy leaves have a pleasant scent when crushed. Foliage remains attractive even when flowers are not in bloom. |
| Does well in containers | Compact variety works well in hanging baskets and container gardens. |
As you can see, vermillionaire offers multiple benefits beyond being magnet for hummingbirds. The long blooming flowers will beautify your garden from spring to fall while also attracting other desirable pollinators.
How to plant vermillionaire
Convinced you need some vermillionaire in your yard? Here is a quick guide to getting started:
– Select a spot with full sun exposure. Vermillionaire thrives on 8+ hours of direct sunlight.
– Amend soil with compost or manure to provide essential nutrients. Proper fertilization is important.
– Plant in early spring once the threat of frost has passed. Space plants 12-24 inches apart depending on variety.
– Water frequently until established. Just the top inch of soil should dry out between waterings.
– Use trellises, cages, or plant in groups to support growth. Stems often need support as flowers develop.
– Deadhead spent blooms to promote more flowering. Light pruning encourages bushy growth.
– Mulch around plants to retain moisture and control weeds. 2-3 inches of mulch is ideal.
Follow these tips and you’ll have a thriving vermillionaire garden that hummingbirds can’t resist!
Ideal flowering companions
While vermillionaire alone will attract plentiful hummingbirds, you can make your garden even more enticing by adding companion plants. Here are some top choices:
– Bee balm – Red varieties complement vermillionaire beautifully. Hummingbirds love the tubular blooms.
– Cardinal flower – Another red Favorite that blooms at the same time as vermillionaire.
– Lantana – Different colored lantana varieties will ensure non-stop blooms in your garden.
– Fuchsia – The colorful drooping flowers provide shade for hummingbirds.
– Columbine – Early spring blooms appeal to hummingbirds.
– Petunia – A long flowering favorite that comes in vivid colors.
– Salvia – Sturdy, drought-tolerant, and hummingbird magnets. ‘Scarlet Sage’ is a top pick.
Combining vermillionaire with one or more of these complementary plants will provide diverse nectar sources that hummingbirds will flock to all season long. Explore multi-colored flower combinations and see which draw the most buzz to your garden.
Frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about vermillionaire plants:
How much sun does vermillionaire need?
Vermillionaire thrives in full sun – at least 8 hours of direct sun daily. Morning sun is especially important. With inadequate sunlight, the plant will not bloom as prolifically.
What type of soil does vermillionaire require?
Vermillionaire is flexible and will grow in different soil types, as long as the soil drains well. Amending clay or sand soil with compost will provide excellent conditions.
How big do vermillionaire plants get?
Plant size depends on the variety. Dwarf vermillionaire may reach 1-2 feet tall and wide. Larger varieties can grow up to 5 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide at maturity.
How much water does vermillionaire need?
Newly planted vermillionaire need frequent watering until their root system is established. About 1 inch of water per week is sufficient for mature plants. Well drained soil is essential to prevent root rot.
Should I deadhead vermillionaire flowers?
Yes, spent flowers should be removed to promote continuous blooming. Snipping off faded flowers redirects the plant’s energy into producing more buds.
What zone is vermillionaire hardy to?
Vermillionaire can be grown as an annual in any zone. It is perennial in zones 9-11. In cooler zones, plant in containers that can be overwintered indoors.
Are vermillionaire plants toxic?
No, vermillionaire is non-toxic to humans and pets. The plant has a history of safe use. Basic precautions should be taken not to ingest any plant material.
How often should vermillionaire be fertilized?
Applying fertilizer every 2-3 weeks will fuel steady growth and flowering. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer formulated for blooming plants.
Conclusion
In closing, ample evidence confirms that hummingbirds are highly attracted to vermillionaire plants. The bright red tubular flowers provide everything hummingbirds look for in a favorite nectar source. In addition to being a hummingbird magnet, vermillionaire offers versatile landscape performance and looks beautiful in gardens, containers, and hanging baskets. For devoted hummingbird enthusiasts or anyone seeking non-stop color in their yard, planting vermillionaire promises great rewards. Just be prepared for frequent and satisfying visits from these energetic feathered jewels!
