Hummingbird shaped flower plants are plants that have flowers specialized to attract hummingbirds. The shape and colors of the flowers appeal to hummingbirds’ preferences when seeking nectar. There are over 1,000 species of plants with hummingbird shaped flowers, mostly originating from the Americas where hummingbirds are native.
Why are some flowers shaped like hummingbirds?
The long, tubular shape of hummingbird flowers allows for the bird’s long, slender beak to reach inside for nectar. Their bright colors, especially red, also serve to attract the birds’ attention. As hummingbirds evolved alongside these plants, the flowers adapted to match the birds’ needs in order to encourage pollination. The shape ensures the hummingbird gets pollen on its head when feeding, allowing for pollen transfer between flowers.
What are some examples of hummingbird flowers?
Some common garden plants with hummingbird flowers include:
- Fuchsia
- Columbine
- Coral bells
- Lilies
- Petunias
- Scarlet sage
- Honeysuckle
- Trumpet vine
- Penstemon
Wild hummingbird flowers include:
- Indian paintbrush
- Firecracker plant
- Cardinal flower
- Various cacti
- Silverbush
- Gilia
- Currant
- Desert willow
- Chuparosa
What colors attract hummingbirds?
The most attractive flower colors for hummingbirds are:
- Red
- Orange
- Pink
- Purple
- Yellow
Red is a favorite as it contrasts sharply against green foliage, quickly catching the birds’ attention. Combining colors, especially red with orange and yellow, can be extra appealing.
Why red flowers attract hummingbirds
There are a few reasons red flowers attract hummingbirds so well:
- Red stands out against green leaves, making the flowers highly visible
- Hummingbirds see color well and are drawn to red
- Red flowers often reflect UV light, making them even more noticeable
- Red tubular flowers hold lots of nectar
Research shows hummingbirds have a strong innate preference for the color red. This draws them to red flowers, where they are then rewarded with nectar. They associate red flowers with food and will remember to return to them.
What flower shapes work best?
Tubular or trumpet shaped flowers with a spur containing nectar work best for hummingbirds. Ideal shapes include:
- Long, narrow tubes
- Funnel or bell shaped
- Cup shaped with projecting petals
- Spurs containing nectar
These types of flowers match the hummingbirds’ long, needle-like bills which are specialized for reaching into tubes and crevices. The birds have little trouble accessing all the nectar.
Examples of tube shaped hummingbird flowers
Some tubular shaped hummingbird flowers include:
| Flower | Description |
|---|---|
| Cardinal Flower | Bright red tubes up to 2 inches long |
| Columbine | Petals form long tubes with spur behind |
| Trumpet Vine | Bright orange elongated trumpet shape |
| Fuchsia | Two long, slender tubes project downwards |
| Penstemon | Tubular flowers with opening on one side |
What is the average length of a hummingbird flower?
The average length of a hummingbird flower is:
- 2 – 4 inches long
- 0.5 – 1 inch in diameter
This allows the hummingbird to comfortably insert its specialized long beak fully inside the flower to reach the nectar. Very short flowers or wide, open faced flowers make it hard for the bird to feed.
Do hummingbirds drink from small flowers?
Hummingbirds can drink from small flowers but it is more difficult for them. Some challenges with small flowers include:
- Beak doesn’t fit well in small openings
- Less nectar reward for the effort
- Pollen can coat their beaks and heads
- Harder to perch while feeding
Very small flowers, under 0.5 inches long, may not get many hummingbird visitors. They will seek out flowers better suited to their needs when possible.
Examples of small hummingbird flowers
Some small flowers that still attract hummingbirds include:
- Fuschia
- Impatiens
- Petunias
- Bee balm
- Sage
- Verbena
- Lily-of-the-valley
- Azaleas
Even though smaller than other hummingbird flowers, these plants provide enough nectar to be worth visiting. Their colors help attract the birds.
Do hummingbirds drink from shallow flowers?
Hummingbirds can access nectar from shallow flowers but they prefer flowers with some depth. Challenges with too shallow flowers include:
- Difficulty keeping their beak inserted
- Less nectar reward for the effort
- Pollen can coat their beaks and heads
- Harder to perch while feeding
Very shallow flowers less than 0.5 inches deep may get fewer hummingbird visitors. The birds seek out easier to feed from flowers when available.
Shallow flowers hummingbirds visit
Some shallow flowers hummingbirds will visit include:
- Fuschia
- Nasturtium
- Salvia
- Verbena
- Petunias
- Morning glory
- Scarlet gilia
- Indian paintbrush
If the flower has an accessible shape and provides enough nectar, hummingbirds can manage shallow depths. But tubular and bell shaped flowers are easier for them.
What are the easiest flowers for hummingbirds to feed from?
The easiest flowers for hummingbirds to feed from have these characteristics:
- Tubular or trumpet shaped
- 2 to 4 inches in length
- Bright red or orange in color
- Rigid with sturdy petals
- Contains adequate nectar
- Enough perches nearby
Trumpet creeper, fuchsia, penstemon, and cardinal flower match these criteria. They make accessing nectar efficient for hummingbirds.
Why tubular trumpet flowers are easiest
Features that make tubular trumpet shaped flowers easy for hummingbirds include:
- Length matches their beak
- Holds abundant nectar
- Opening fits their beak perfectly
- Easy to insert their beak fully
- Bright colors attract them
The tubular trumpet shape is almost custom made for a hummingbird’s anatomy. This makes feeding very efficient.
Do hummingbirds drink from bell shaped flowers?
Yes, hummingbirds readily drink from bell shaped flowers. The flared opening and tubular base matches their feeding abilities well. Examples include:
- Fuchsia
- Lilies
- Gladiolus
- Campanula
- Foxglove
- Petunia
- Nightshade
The curved bowl-like petals guide the beak to the nectar. Some bell flowers also have spots or stripes that help guide the birds.
Do hummingbirds drink from trumpet shaped flowers?
Yes, trumpet shaped flowers are ideal for hummingbirds. Their long, tubular shape matches the bird’s specialized beak and provides abundant nectar. Some great trumpet shaped flowers for hummingbirds include:
- Trumpet vine
- Trumpet honeysuckle
- Morning glory
- Columbine
- Salvia
- Clematis
- Agastache
Trumpet shaped flowers attract the most hummingbird visitors as they can easily insert their entire beak inside. The birds love the large nectar reward too.
Conclusion
Hummingbird shaped flowers have evolved alongside hummingbirds to provide the birds with plentiful nectar. Their tubular or bell shape, bright colors, rigid petals, and adequate length and diameter make it easy for hummingbirds to feed. These plants advertise to the birds with their red, orange and pink blooms which provide a high energy food source. By matching a hummingbird’s physical abilities, these specialized flowers help ensure their pollination.
