A hummingbird bouquet is a special type of flower arrangement that is designed to attract hummingbirds. Hummingbirds are drawn to flowers with bright colors, tubular shapes, and sweet nectar. By carefully selecting flowers that hummingbirds prefer, you can create a stunning bouquet that will bring these tiny, energetic birds right to your yard or garden.
What Flowers Work Best in a Hummingbird Bouquet?
Here are some of the best flowers to include in a hummingbird bouquet:
- Trumpet Vines – These have bright orange, red, or yellow tubular flowers that hummingbirds love.
- Fuchsias – These dramatic, hanging flowers come in shades of red, purple, and pink that attract hummingbirds.
- Petunias – A summertime favorite, petunias come in a wide range of bright colors and have a tubular shape.
- Bee Balm – Also called monarda, bee balm produces clusters of scarlet-red flowers rich in nectar.
- Columbines – The spurred shape of these blooms, which come in colors like red, yellow, and pink, appeal to hummingbirds.
- Coral Bells – Hummingbirds visit these compact perennials for their racemes of tiny bell-shaped blooms.
Any flowers from the honeysuckle, sage, or lily families would also make excellent additions to a hummingbird bouquet.
How to Arrange a Hummingbird Bouquet
When putting together a hummingbird bouquet, you’ll want to follow these tips:
- Use a shallow, wide vase or container. Hummingbirds prefer flowers that are spread out horizontally rather than vertically.
- Include flowers of different shapes and colors. Hummingbirds are attracted to red flowers in particular.
- Add nectar-rich flowers. Choose blooms with visible pollen and nectar to entice hummingbirds to feed.
- Use minimal foliage. Greenery will only distract from the flowers that attract hummingbirds.
- Change the water and cut stems every 2-3 days. Fresh, clean water will keep flowers looking their best.
- Consider using a nectar feeder in or near the bouquet. The sugar water will further encourage hummingbird visits.
Arranging the flowers loosely and naturally, rather than in rigid rows, creates an inviting look for hummingbirds too. Allow some flowers to drape over the edges of the vase for added appeal.
Where to Place a Hummingbird Bouquet
When deciding where to put your hummingbird bouquet, here are some ideal spots to consider:
- On a patio or deck table
- By a garden bench or seating area
- Near a window with a clear view
- Close to hummingbird feeders
- Near flowering plants and trees
- Along walkways and paths
- Under breezeways or overhangs
- In a sunroom or solarium
Position your hummingbird bouquet in a spot where you’ll be able to easily observe these energetic birds come within a few feet of you as they visit the flowers. Provide as much natural cover as possible so the hummingbirds feel safe and comfortable.
When Do Hummingbirds Visit Flower Bouquets?
Hummingbirds will start visiting flower bouquets as early as late winter in warmer climates where flowers begin to bloom. In most regions, hummingbirds arrive and become active by early to mid spring.
Some of the best times of day to see hummingbirds enjoying your bouquet are:
- Early Morning – Hummingbirds are very active at dawn and attracted to fresh nectar.
- Late Afternoon – Feeding increases again in the few hours before dusk.
- During Peak Bloom – New flowers will attract more hummingbird traffic.
- After Nectar Feeding – Hummingbirds may visit bouquets after eating from nearby feeders.
You’re most likely to see consistent hummingbird activity at the bouquet during the warmer months when natural food sources are abundant, from April through September.
Tips for Photographing Hummingbirds at a Flower Bouquet
With some patience, you can get beautiful photos of hummingbirds visiting your flower bouquet. Here are some tips:
- Use a fast shutter speed (at least 1/1000th of a second) to freeze the rapid wing movement.
- Move slowly and speak softly to avoid startling hummingbirds away.
- Set up a tripod and remote shutter trigger if possible.
- Stay hidden behind flowers or camouflage yourself.
- Prefocus on a popular feeding area of the bouquet.
- Use a telephoto lens for close-up shots.
- Provide natural perches like twigs around the bouquet.
- Have feeders handy to attract more hummingbirds into frame.
With preparation and patience, you can get frame-worthy shots of hummingbirds sipping nectar from your thoughtfully designed bouquet.
Do Hummingbirds Prefer Real or Fake Flowers?
Hummingbirds have an unmistakable preference for real, natural flowers over artificial blooms. There are a few reasons why:
- Real flowers offer nutritional nectar as they feed.
- Natural flowers attract insects that hummingbirds eat too.
- Artificial blooms lack scent hummingbirds use to locate flowers.
- Fake flowers don’t offer usable pollen.
- The materials of artificial flowers don’t provide a good feeding grip.
While fake flowers won’t draw in hummingbirds, they can be used in landscaping around real blooms. But for the bouquet itself, always go for the real, fresh thing to attract these energetic flying jewels.
Fun Facts About Hummingbirds and Flowers
- Hummingbirds have excellent color vision to see flower colors we can’t.
- Their hover wings can beat up to 200 times per second.
- Hummingbirds eat up to half their weight in nectar daily.
- These tiny birds can lick nectar up to 13 times per second.
- Hummingbirds help pollinate many ornamental and wildflower species.
- They prefer flowers with a sugar content of 20-25%.
- Hummingbirds can remember favorite feeding locations from year to year.
- They see ultraviolet patterns on flowers invisible to humans.
- Some tropical hummingbirds have evolved bill shapes perfectly matched to specialized flowers.
- Hummingbirds will aggressively defend flower feeding areas from intruders.
These fascinating facts showcase the close evolutionary relationship between hummingbirds and their favorite blooms. By leveraging this connection, a hummingbird bouquet can create an up-close encounter with one of nature’s most dazzling creatures right in your own yard.
Conclusion
A hummingbird bouquet uses strategic flower choices and placement to attract these special birds. By selecting bright, tubular, nectar-filled blooms in colors that appeal to hummingbirds and arranging them openly and visibly, you can create a stunning window into the world of hummingbirds. Place your bouquet in a high traffic area and be patient for rewarding views. With the right knowledge and technique, a thoughtfully created bouquet can give you a front row seat to hummingbird magic.