Hummingbirds are attracted to the nectar of brightly colored, tubular flowers. Some of the most popular flowers for attracting hummingbirds are butterfly bushes. Butterfly bushes (Buddleia davidii) are flowering shrubs that produce fragrant, colorful blooms that hummingbirds love. But with so many varieties and colors of butterfly bushes available, what color attracts the most hummingbirds?
The Colors that Attract Hummingbirds
In general, hummingbirds are attracted to red, orange, and pink flower colors. This is because hummingbirds can see the color spectrum of red, green, blue, and ultraviolet light. Red flowers stand out as bright beacons to catch a hummingbird’s eye. Orange and pink flowers also grab their attention. Some research indicates that hummingbirds may have a slight preference for red shades.
Red
Bright red flowers attract the most hummingbirds according to many experts. Reds with an orange undertone such as scarlet or vermillion are especially eye-catching to hummingbirds. Red flowers contrast strongly against green foliage so they are easy for hummingbirds to spot. Popular red butterfly bush varieties include:
- Red Rocket
- Lo & Behold Ruby Chip
- Miss Molly
- Firefly
- Nanho Red
Orange
Orange butterfly bushes are nearly as popular with hummingbirds as red varieties. Warm, nectar-rich shades like coral attract hummingbirds. Orange options include:
- Tangerine Dream
- Peach Cobbler
- Marmalade Skies
- Honeycomb
- Butterfly Kisses
Pink
Vivid pinks are also hummingbird favorites. Dark pink shades tempt hummingbirds to feed. Recommended pink butterfly bush varieties are:
- Pink Delight
- Pink Micro Chip
- Pink Spires
- Nanho Pink
- Flutterby Grande Pink
Other Colors
While red, orange, and pink attract the most hummingbirds, other flower colors will still invite them to feed. Purple and white butterfly bushes will draw in hummingbirds too. Just focus on selecting varieties with tubular flower shapes and ample nectar production.
Do Hummingbirds Have a Favorite Flower Color?
Research into hummingbird vision and color preferences offers some insight into which flower colors most appeal to them:
- Studies show hummingbirds can see in the red spectrum extremely well. Red stands out vividly to them.
- Hummingbirds also perceive oranges, yellows, greens, blues, and purples. But reds and oranges tend to attract the most interest.
- Bright, jewel-tone versions of colors are preferred over pale or dusty shades.
- Combinations of red and orange or red and pink seem to be especially tempting.
- Solid color flowers attract more hummingbirds than multicolored variegated blooms.
So while hummingbirds don’t ignore other flower colors, their vision is drawn strongly to warm, rich reds, oranges, and pinks. This makes red butterfly bush varieties the top choice for attracting hummingbirds in the garden.
Why Red Flowers Attract Hummingbirds
There are a few key reasons the color red appeals strongly to hummingbirds:
- Red stands out against green foliage, making the flowers easy to spot.
- Shades of red correspond closely with the colors that hummingbirds see best.
- Red tubular flowers signal an abundant nectar reward for visiting.
- Hummingbirds may have a natural preference for red shades that supports pollination.
So by choosing red-hued butterfly bushes, you can make your garden as attractive as possible to foraging hummingbirds. The color red grabs their attention across yards or gardens to invite them in to feed.
Do All Hummingbird Species Prefer Red?
Most North American hummingbird species are drawn to red flowers, but some tropical species show less preference. Here are some comparisons:
North American Species
In the U.S. and Canada, common visiting hummingbird species like ruby-throated hummingbirds, rufous hummingbirds, Allen’s hummingbirds, calliope hummingbirds, and broad-tailed hummingbirds eagerly seek out red tubular flowers. Banana-like feeders filled with red sugar water are very effective at attracting these energetic, buzzing birds.
Tropical Species
Some tropical species like the orange-bellied sunangel hummingbird of South America or the green-crowned brilliant hummingbird of Mexico respond equally well to other flower colors like yellow or purple. These hummingbirds still feed from red flowers, but they don’t exhibit the same strong attraction. Their pollination habits differ slightly from North American relatives.
If you live in temperate North America and want to entice visiting hummingbirds, planting bright red butterfly bushes is a foolproof way to create an inviting garden oasis. Choose richly-hued red varieties and hummingbird visitors are sure to follow.
Comparing Red Varieties of Butterfly Bushes
With so many red butterfly bushes to pick from, it can be hard to select the best types for your garden. Here is a comparison of some top red varieties to consider:
Red Rocket
Red Rocket has bright red flowers that bloom prolifically throughout summer. This compact variety grows 3-4 feet tall and wide, great for small spaces.
Lo & Behold Ruby Chip
This miniature butterfly bush grows just 2-3 feet tall but packs a lot of flower power into a petite form. Vibrant red blooms attract hummingbirds all season.
Firefly Red
Firefly Red has glowing bright red flowers on a full-size 5-6 foot bush. Bloom color stays intense across two flush cycles.
Miss Molly
Miss Molly is prized for its deep, saturated red flowers on rounded 5-foot bushes. It reblooms vigorously after pruning.
Redheart
Aptly named Redheart has cherry red flowers set against dark burgundy stems and foliage, creating striking contrast. It grows to 6 feet tall.
This table compares key features of top red butterfly bush varieties:
| Variety | Height | Flower Color | Rebloom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Rocket | 3-4 feet | Bright red | Good |
| Ruby Chip | 2-3 feet | Vibrant red | Reliable |
| Firefly Red | 5-6 feet | Glowing red | Very good |
| Miss Molly | 5 feet | Deep red | Excellent |
| Redheart | 6 feet | Cherry red | Very good |
This range gives options for small spaces up to full size gardens. Focus on reblooming varieties to extend the flower show.
Where to Site Red Butterfly Bushes
Butterfly bushes thrive best in full sun exposures. At least 6 hours of direct sun per day allows them to bloom profusely. Plant red butterfly bushes in these locations:
- Borders that get sun most of the day
- Corner gardens with southern or western exposures
- Near deck or patio areas where they can be viewed up close
- Adjacent to other sunny flowering shrubs, perennials, or annuals to create color contrast
Avoid planting sites that get too much shade or competition from tree roots. This can result in weak, leggy growth and fewer flowers.
Sunny Border Gardens
Use red butterfly bushes as anchor plants along a sunny foundation, property line, or at the back ofisland flower beds. They make excellent border shrubs in cottage gardens paired with herbs, annuals, roses, and other perennials.
Near Seating Areas
Place red butterfly bushes where their flowers can be admired up close. Position them behind a bench, near a garden arbor, or along a stone path leading to a patio or deck. Site them near feeders so you can watch hummingbirds buzz from plant to feeder.
With Companion Plants
Grow red butterfly bushes surrounded by flowers in contrasting colors for a vibrant effect. Purple coneflowers, blue hydrangeas, yellow yarrow, white Shasta daisies, and orange lilies all combine beautifully.
Caring for Red Butterfly Bushes
With proper care, red butterfly bushes will thrive and flower generously in gardens year after year. Here are some tips for success:
Sun and Soil
Give red butterfly bushes full sun exposure in fertile, well-drained soil. Sandy or loamy soil amended with compost at planting allows good drainage.
Fertilizer
Feed plants in early spring each year with a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10. This fuels growth of the current season’s flowers.
Watering
Water butterfly bushes during dry spells for the first two years after planting. After established, they have better drought tolerance. Provide supplemental water in extreme drought.
Pruning
Prune red butterfly bushes in late winter to remove dead stems and shape plants. This induces a flush of new growth and abundant blooming come summer.
Hardiness
Choose red butterfly bush varieties hardy to your growing zone. Most adapt from zones 5-9 across the United States and southern Canada.
With proper siting and care, red butterfly bushes will thrive and produce their dazzling, hummingbird-attracting blooms for years to come.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to attracting hummingbirds, red butterfly bushes are top performers. Their bright, tubular blooms draw these energetic birds into gardens more than other colors. Choosing a red variety suited to your growing zone and space requirements will bring excitement and beauty through natural pollination. Site butterfly bushes where their ruby blooms can be enjoyed and share the magic with hummingbirds!
