When it comes to attracting hummingbirds to a feeder, the color of the flowers used is one of the most important factors. Hummingbirds are naturally drawn to the color red, so having red flowers on or around the feeder will help grab their attention. However, other colors can also be effective in attracting hummingbirds. Here is an overview of the best flower colors to use for hummingbird feeders and why they work well.
Red Flowers
Red is by far the best color to use when trying to attract hummingbirds. There are a couple of reasons for this:
- Hummingbirds are biologically programmed to be attracted to the color red. Bright red flowers stick out against green foliage, making them easy for hummingbirds to spot.
- Red flowers are a cue that there is a food source nearby. Many of the tubular flowers that hummingbirds feed from naturally occur in red. Seeing red flowers triggers a feeding response.
When placing red flowers on or around a hummingbird feeder, options like cardinal flower, bee balm, and trumpet vine work very well. You can also use artificial red flowers, which have a similar effect in attracting the birds.
Tube-shaped Flowers
In addition to being red, it is also beneficial to select flowers that are tubular or trumpet-shaped for hummingbird feeders. Some examples include:
- Trumpet Creeper
- Trumpet Honeysuckle
- Cardinal Flower
- Columbine
The tubular shape of these flowers complements the long, needle-like beak of the hummingbird. This makes it easy for them to feed on the nectar. Tube-shaped flowers also protect the nectar from other insects and animals.
Native Flower Species
Choosing flower species that are native to your area is also recommended when selecting flowers for hummingbird feeders. Native plants have evolved alongside hummingbirds, so they will be best adapted to attract them. Some examples of red, tubular native flowers that attract hummingbirds include:
- Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) – Eastern US
- Trumpet creeper (Campsis radicans) – Eastern US
- Scarlet gilia (Ipomopsis aggregata) – Western US
- Indian paintbrush (Castilleja spp.) – Western US
Check with a local plant nursery or extension office to find out the most suitable native flowers for your region.
Orange and Yellow Flowers
While red flowers are the most effective for attracting hummingbirds, you can also incorporate flowers in orange and yellow hues. Hummingbirds will visit orange and yellow flowers for the nectar they provide. Some popular orange and yellow hummingbird flowers include:
- Trumpet Vine
- Honeysuckle
- Columbine
- Daylily
- California Poppy
- Coral Bells
- Lantana
In general, brighter and bolder shades of orange and yellow work best to catch the eye of hummingbirds. Pale pastel versions of these colors are less likely to attract as much attention.
Combining with Red Flowers
For the best results, use orange and yellow flowers as complements to red flowers in a hummingbird garden. The red flowers will initially grab the hummingbirds’ attention and draw them in, while the orange and yellow flowers provide secondary feeding stations.
Try arranging patches of red flowers throughout the garden, accented with groupings of orange and yellow. This provides a dynamic and appealing color palette.
Flower Shape
As with red flowers, choosing orange and yellow flowers with a tubular or trumpet-like shape will best accommodate the hummingbird’s beak structure. Some examples include:
- Columbine
- Trumpet Vine
- Lantana
- Penstemon
Avoid flat, open flower shapes like daisies which do not allow the hummingbird easy access to nectar.
Other Flower Colors
While red, orange and yellow flowers are the most effective at attracting hummingbirds, you can also incorporate other flower colors in your feeder garden to provide visual interest. Some other flower colors that will appeal to hummingbirds include:
Purple
Deep purple blooms will catch the eye of visiting hummingbirds. Some purple flower varieties to try are:
- Lilac
- Passion Flower
- Hyssop
- Salvia
- Verbena
- Petunia
Blue
Blue is another flower color that appeals to hummingbirds, though generally not as strongly as red. Some blue flowers that attract hummingbirds include:
- Hydrangea
- Morning Glory
- Clematis
- Lobelia
- Columbine
Pink
Softer pink blooms will also draw in hummingbirds. Options like:
- Impatiens
- Petunias
- Fuchsia
- Mandevilla
These flowers are best used sparingly alongside brighter colors like red. Too much pink alone will not attract as many hummingbirds.
Flower Mixtures
Creating a mix of both brightly colored and paler flowers provides visual depth and interest. As long as bright red blooms make up the majority, incorporating other colors can add striking visuals to your hummingbird garden.
Try arranging red, orange, and yellow flower patches throughout the garden, accenting these with purple, blue, or pink blooms. This dynamic color combination mimics the diverse and vibrant flower landscapes that occur in nature.
Flower Composition Percentages
As a general guideline, aim for the following flower color percentages in your hummingbird garden:
- 60-70% red flowers
- 20-30% orange and yellow flowers
- 10-20% other colors like purple, blue, pink
Maintaining a higher proportion of red flowers will maximize the appeal for hummingbirds. Supplementing with other colors adds aesthetic diversity.
Within these guidelines, you can experiment with different flower arrangements and compositions to find the best balance for your space.
Flower Location
In addition to choosing the right flower colors, also consider the placement of flowers around your hummingbird feeder.
It is ideal to have multiple flower clusters 2-5 feet away from the feeder ports. Hummingbirds can see color from far away, so havinglanding areas with flowers will attract their attention to the feeder.
You also may want to have some flower arrangements directly attached to the feeder. This provides a convenient feeding station right at the food source. However, avoid overcrowding the feeder with too many blooms.
For a windowsill feeder, have flower pots on either side or hanging above to draw the eye towards the feeder.
Providing flowers both nearby and directly on the feeder gives hummingbirds plenty of visual cues to find the nectar.
Flower Type Examples
Here are some example flower types and how they can be positioned around a hummingbird feeder:
Flower Type | Characteristics | Feeder Placement |
---|---|---|
Cardinal Flower | Bright red, tubular | Around base of hanging feeder |
Trumpet Vine | Red and orange, tubular | Climbing up feeder pole |
Petunias | Purple/pink, trumpet shape | Hanging pots near feeder |
Columbine | Red and yellow, tubular | Planted in patches around feeder |
Impatiens | Pink/purple, open shape | Around outer edges of space |
Combining Real and Artificial Flowers
While real flowers provide the added benefit of producing nectar, you can also incorporate artificial blooms around your hummingbird feeder setup. Opt for high quality artificial flowers that emulate the look and colors of real blossoms.
Artificial flowers can allow you to customize the placement and appearance of colors to best attract hummingbirds.
Try combining real and fake flowers around your feeding station. Use real flowers clustered in garden beds near the feeder, with artificial blooms decorating the feeder itself. This provides the best of both worlds.
Tips for Using Artificial Flowers:
- Choose materials that look lifelike – silk, high-end plastics
- Don’t use cheap fabrics that easily fade or fray
- Maintain bright colors – reds, oranges, purples
- Select 3-D shaped flowers
- Avoid glossy, plastic-looking materials
- Group flowers closely together as in nature
- Mix flower sizes and shapes
- Avoid straight uniform rows
- Elevate above ground for most natural look
High quality artificial flowers can be quite convincing for hummingbirds. Use them to complement real blooms that provide nectar production.
Flower Gardening Tips
To maximize success with flower colors for hummingbird feeders, follow these flower gardening practices:
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new flower growth.
- Use fertilizer to boost flowering.
- Trim plants for shapeliness and vigor.
- Water 1-1.5 inches per week in warm months.
- Group plants with similar watering needs.
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture.
- Repot container plants when root bound.
- Prune shrubs in early spring to shape.
- Remove fallen leaves and debris.
- Divide crowded clumping plants.
With proper care and maintenance, your flowers will thrive and create an enticing display for local hummingbirds through the seasons.
Conclusion
Flower color plays a critical role in attracting hummingbirds to feeders and supplementing their diet with nectar. For best results, utilize bright red tubular flowers, which are irresistible to hummingbirds. Supplement with orange, yellow, purple, blue and pink blooms. Flower placement near or directly on feeders draws the birds in. Aim for 60-70% red flowers, with other colors making up the balance. Both natural and artificial flowers can be effective. Follow basic gardening practices to keep flowers looking their best. With the right flower types and colors in strategic positions, you can create an optimal hummingbird feeding habitat.