Hummingbirds are some of the most beloved and fascinating birds, captivating people with their diminutive size, iridescent plumage, and amazing flying abilities. An important part of their lives is finding nectar-rich flowers to fuel their high metabolisms. This leads many hummingbird enthusiasts to wonder – what are the favorite flowering vines and plants that attract hummingbirds?
Why Hummingbirds Need Nectar
Hummingbirds have extremely high metabolisms and must consume up to half their body weight in nectar each day in order to survive and thrive. Their wings beat up to 80 times per second and their hearts can beat over 1,200 times per minute while in flight. This high-energy lifestyle requires readily available nourishment in the form of sugary nectar from flowers. Hummingbirds especially favor flowers with higher concentrations of sucrose, fructose, and glucose in their nectar. They seek out the plants and vines that can provide their preferred fuel.
Native Plants That Attract Hummingbirds
In North America, native species that produce an abundance of nectar are naturally popular with hummingbirds. Some examples of native vines frequented by hummingbirds include:
– Trumpet Creeper – With its tubular orange-red flowers, the trumpet creeper vine is a hummingbird magnet during summer months.
– Crossvine – This vine produces copious amounts of nectar and tubular flowers that only hummingbirds with specialized beaks can access. The flowers come in shades of red and orange.
– Clematis – Different clematis vine species bloom at different times, providing flowers for hummingbirds from spring through fall.
– Honeysuckle – Non-invasive honeysuckle species like coral honeysuckle or trumpet honeysuckle are favorites of hummingbirds in many regions.
– Morning glory – The aptly named hummingbird vine morning glory produces flowers ideal for hummingbird feeding. Other morning glories like cardinal climber also attract these tiny pollinators.
Non-Native Favorites
While native plants are ideal for providing ecological benefits, some non-native ornamental vines are also effective at attracting hummingbirds to backyards and gardens through plentiful nectar rewards. Top choices include:
– Mandevilla – This tropical vine comes in several flower colors like pink, red, and white. All provide the nectar that hummingbirds rely on.
– Passion flowers – Unique passion flower vines produce specialized flowers with plenty of nectar to share with hummingbirds.
– Lonicera – Ornamental Lonicera vines and shrubs, also called honeysuckles, produce tubular flowers adored by hummingbirds.
– Cuphea – Cigar flowers or firecracker flowers from cuphea plants give hummingbirds a reliable nectar source.
– Potato vine – Typically grown as annuals, potato vines produce trumpet-shaped flowers in colors like fuchsia, red, and white.
What Types of Flowers Do Hummingbirds Prefer?
Hummingbirds have evolved to capitalize on certain flower characteristics that provide the most efficient nectar meals. Their favorite flowers share some key traits that hummingbirds preferentially seek out.
Flower Color
While hummingbirds can see some colors in the ultraviolet spectrum, they are particularly attracted to flowers in shades of:
- Red
- Orange
- Pink
- Purple
- Yellow
These brighter colors help the birds spot the flowers from afar.
Flower Shape
Hummingbirds favor flowers with a tubular or trumpet shape. Their specialized beaks and tongues are adapted to nectar-feeding on these flowers specifically. Cup-shaped or bell-shaped flowers are also preferred, as hummingbirds can easily insert their beaks and access the nectar reward inside.
Abundant Nectar
The volume of nectar produced is key. Hummingbirds need flowers that refill quickly and provide a large nectar reward relative to the flower size. Specialized nectaries and faster nectar production help plants entice hummingbirds to visit frequently.
Position on Plant
Flowers positioned out in the open on vines, tips of branches, or tall stalks are easier for hummingbirds to spot and access. They prefer flowers arranged in ways that minimize energy expenditure.
How Do Different Species Compare?
There are over 300 different hummingbird species worldwide, and some clear favorites emerge among the most common species spotted at backyard feeders or flitting through gardens.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
The ruby-throated hummingbird migrates far north into Canada each summer and is the lone breeding hummingbird in eastern North America. This species seems to favor the color red and tubular flower shapes that easily accommodate its long, slender beak. Some favorites include:
- Trumpet creeper
- Bee balm
- Cardinal flower
- Morning glory
- Petunias
- Fuchsias
- Columbine
Rufous Hummingbird
The feisty rufous hummingbird is a common summer resident along the entire West Coast. It shows a strong preference for flowers in the red-orange color spectrum. Some ideal flowers include:
- Indian paintbrush
- Trumpet vine
- Penstemon
- Lilies
- Fuchsias
- Salvias
Allen’s Hummingbird
This small green hummingbird summers along California’s coast. Its short beak is best suited to shorter tubular flowers and blossoms that hang pendulously to help it feed while hovering. It prefers:
- Fuchsias
- Penstemons
- Epilobium canum (California fuchsia)
- Tree tobacco
- Orange honeysuckle
Anna’s Hummingbird
A year-round resident of the Pacific Coast, Anna’s hummingbirds enjoy a wide variety of flowering plants. They use their spear-like bills to pierce the base of flowers for nectar thievery. Top choices are:
- Sages
- California lilac
- Fuchsias
- Plantain lily
- Twinberry
Black-chinned Hummingbird
Found across western states, this adaptable hummingbird feeds readily on desert and mountain flowers alike. It prefers slightly curved tubular flowers and blossoms clustered together. Favorite plants include:
- Desert honeysuckle
- Firecracker penstemon
- Scarlet bugler
- Indian paintbrush
- Coral bells
- Sages
What Are the Best Hummingbird Flowers by Season?
Different native plants and cultivated flowers bloom at different times, providing varied nectar sources as the seasons change.
Spring
Some top spring flower choices include:
| Flower | Color |
|---|---|
| Columbine | Red, yellow |
| Penstemon | Purple, pink, red, white |
| Honeysuckle | Orange, red |
| Phlox | Pink, purple, red |
| Clematis | Purple, pink, white, red |
| Fritillaria | Orange, yellow |
Summer
The variety of summer-blooming hummingbird flowers includes:
| Flower | Color |
|---|---|
| Trumpet Vine | Orange, red |
| Bee Balm | Red |
| Petunia | Pink, purple, red |
| Sage | Scarlet, blue, purple |
| Hosta | Lavender |
| Impatiens | Orange, red, pink, purple |
Fall
Late-season flowers that attract hummingbirds before migration include:
| Flower | Color |
|---|---|
| Fuchsia | Pink, purple, red |
| Cupid’s Dart | Purple, white |
| Cardinal Flower | Scarlet |
| Salvia | Scarlet, pink, purple |
| Autumn Sage | Scarlet |
| Firecracker Flower | Red |
Planting Flowers to Create a Hummingbird Habitat
Gardeners can create an ideal haven full of hummingbird favorite flowers using these tips:
- Plant both annuals and perennials to provide nectar spring through fall.
- Include flowers in clusters for easier spotting and feeding access.
- Aim for 10-12 hours of sunlight exposure for optimal blooming.
- Plant red, orange, pink, and purple tubular flowers.
- Set up feeders as a supplement to natural nectar sources.
- Add flowering shrubs and vines along fences and arbors.
- Arrange flowers so some are very low to the ground and others elevated.
- Include trees like oak that attract insects to also feed hummingbirds.
- Provide plants that bloom sequentially to always have nectar available.
- Mulch beds to help retain moisture for flowering plants.
With a diversity of hummingbird favorites, gardeners can create a beautiful space filled with flowers that nourish hummingbirds throughout the seasons. The birds will reward the effort with amazing aerial shows and dazzling, buzzing visits to the blossoms.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds have specialized relationships with flowering vines and plants that provide the nectar vital to their survival. By understanding key flower traits that attract hummingbirds plus the species’ favorite plants, gardeners can design spaces to draw in these captivating pollinators. A landscape that includes vines like trumpet creeper, plenty of bright tubular flowers, and season-spanning bloom creates an enticing, energy-rich oasis for hummingbirds. With some careful planning, yards and gardens can become a hummingbird nirvana. The dancing aerial displays, dazzling iridescence, and fleeting visits of these tiniest of birds will reward any effort made on their behalf.
