Hummingbirds are known for their ability to hover in midair and for their speedy flight. They are also attracted to the colors of flowers that provide them with nectar. But what color attracts hummingbirds the most? Understanding what color is most appealing to these tiny birds can help gardeners and bird enthusiasts select flowers that will readily draw in hummingbirds.
Quick Facts About Hummingbird Vision
To understand what color is most attractive to hummingbirds, it helps to know a few quick facts about their vision:
- Hummingbirds see all colors on the visual spectrum, unlike some other bird species that see limited colors.
- They have excellent color vision and can see ultraviolet light, which humans cannot see.
- Their eyes have more cones than rods, which means they are better adapted to see colors versus low light situations.
- Hummingbirds have a preference for flowers that have dappled or speckled petals, which may help them locate nectar.
- Red flowers do not appear as bright red to hummingbirds as they do to humans. Hummingbird-visible colors are shifted toward the green spectrum.
Red – A Hummingbird Favorite
Although hummingbirds have great color vision, the color red appears particularly vibrant and distinct to them. When given a choice, hummingbirds are highly attracted to flowers in the red-orange range of the color spectrum.
There are a few reasons red is an eye-catching color to hummingbirds:
- The color red stands out against green foliage, making red flowers easy for hummingbirds to spot.
- Red flowers have a high contrast to the green background that surrounds them, creating a visual signal to hummingbirds where food sources are located.
- Higher visibility and contrast allows hummingbirds to more quickly locate red flowers as they fly and hover.
- Red signifies ripe nectar-bearing flowers, while other flower colors like blue or yellow are associated with less mature flowers.
While red attracts hummingbirds, they do not see the pure red color that humans do. Due to differences in visual perception, pure red likely appears as a combination of red and green to a hummingbird. This is why adding shades of orange or pink can make a flower even more attention-grabbing to a hummingbird.
Other Attractive Flower Colors
While red, orange and bright pink flowers tend to be hummingbird favorites, they will visit other flower colors as well. Here are some other top flower colors that attract hummingbirds:
- Purple – Deep rich purples like fuchsia attract hummingbirds. These flowers contain anthocyanin pigments that hummingbirds can see.
- Blue – Hummingbirds see shades of blue more vividly than humans. Blue salvia and agastache are top blue flowers to try.
- Yellow – Yellow flowers with small tubular shapes tend to attract hummingbirds well, especially darker golden yellows.
- White – White flowers show up well against green foliage. Tubular-shaped ones like nicotiana work best to draw hummingbirds in.
- Orange – Vibrant orange comes in a close second to red. Try flowers like lantana and trumpet vine.
While these additional flower colors help round out a garden to serve hummingbirds’ needs through the seasons, adding plenty of red flowers is still key to regularly attracting these speedy birds.
Flower Features That Attract Hummingbirds
In addition to flower color, there are some other important flower traits that attract hummingbirds to feed. These include:
- Tubular shape – Long, tubular-shaped flowers perfectly suit the hummingbirds’ long, slender beaks and tongues.
- Nectar accessibility – Flowers with readily exposed nectar appeal to hummingbirds.
- Flower size – Compact yet dense clusters of small, short flowers suit hummingbirds’ small size and high metabolisms.
- Nectar volume – The higher a flower’s nectar content and production, the more attractive it is to hummingbirds.
- Flower arrangement – Vertical towers or hanging arches allow easy perching access from many angles.
In addition to being red and tubular shaped, having flowers clustered closely together makes it efficient for hummingbirds to feed. They won’t have to expend extra energy traveling from flower to flower.
Ideal Red Feeding Flowers for Hummingbirds
Here are some top red flowering plant picks that are sure to attract hordes of hungry hummingbirds to your yard or garden:
Native North American Flowers
- Cardinal flower
- Trumpet honeysuckle vine
- Scarlet sage
- Indian paintbrush
- Firecracker penstemon
Popular Garden Flowers
- Bee balm
- Coral bells
- Canna lilies
- Impatiens
- Petunias
- Verbena
- Geraniums
Shrubs and Vines
- Trumpet vines
- Coral honeysuckle
- Weigela
- Fuchsia
Focus on planting several different red flowering species to provide nectar through spring, summer and fall when hummingbirds are active in your climate. Don’t limit yourself to just one type of red flower, as different species bloom at different times.
Tips for the Most Attractive Hummingbird Garden
To make your yard or garden as attractive as possible to hummingbirds, keep these tips in mind:
- Plant bright red tubular flowers in dense clusters.
- Include a range of flower colors to support hummingbirds all season.
- Select a variety of flower shapes suited to hummingbird feeding like trumpet and salvia flowers.
- Use hanging pots or tall arching stems to make red flowers visible from a distance.
- Provide ample fertilizer to maximize nectar production.
- Avoid pesticides that could diminish nectar quality and quantity.
- Include shrubs and vines along fences or trellises for protected perching areas.
- Supplement with a hummingbird feeder regularly stocked with sugar nectar, especially during migration times.
The Importance of Non-Red Flowers
While red tubular flowers will attract the most hummingbirds, also incorporate other flower colors into your landscape. Here’s why:
- Non-red flowers provide nectar diversity and important micronutrients like carotenoids.
- A variety of flowers support hummingbird needs throughout the seasons as different plants bloom.
- Mixed colors create an aesthetically pleasing garden that can support diverse pollinator species.
- Various flower types, shapes and colors will attract hummingbird species with differing habitat needs.
- Hummingbirds consume more than just nectar and are also drawn in by small insects that other flowers attract.
Aim for at least one-third red flowers in your yard, filling in the rest of the space with varieties like purple coneflower, orange lantana, yellow columbine and blue agastache.
When and Where to Plant Hummingbird Flowers
To maximize hummingbird appeal, focus your red flower plantings in these ideal locations:
- In visible garden beds and borders close to home entryways or patios.
- Anywhere that has convenient perching locations like trees, wires or trellises.
- Near windows and interior fountains so you can watch hummingbird activity up close.
- On properties that are situated along hummingbird migration routes or near their sheltering habitats.
- In areas that receive partial to full sunlight which suit flowering plant growth needs.
As for timing, have red flowering plants ready to bloom from early spring through late fall. Hummingbirds arrive back from migration as early as January or February in warmer southern climates. Plan two to three successive red flowering cycles in spring, summer and fall to sustain these energetic birds.
Combining Flowers and Feeders
While flower gardens provide hummingbirds with the most natural feeding experience, even the best gardens can have occasional nectar slumps. To ensure a constant food source:
- Set up hummingbird feeders at key spots around your property and keep them filled with fresh nectar.
- Use feeders to supplement flower garden food supplies, especially during peak migration and breeding times when food needs peak.
- Choose feeder styles that resemble tubular flowers, often with a red base and yellow “blossoms”.
- Use feeders to attract hummingbirds to your yard initially. Once they discover the area, they are more likely to visit planted flowers.
- Move feeders periodically to avoid buildup of waste, mold or pests.
A diversity of fresh flowers, supported by properly maintained hummingbird feeders, will transform your yard into a hummingbird haven.
Key Takeaways
Here are some key tips on how to make your yard or garden maximally attractive for hummingbirds:
- Plant plenty of tubular red flowers, which are highly attractive to hummingbirds.
- Incorporate orange, pink and purple flowers too for diversity.
- Use dense clusters of small flowers to make feeding more efficient.
- Include non-red flower colors for diversity and season-long bloom.
- Place red flowers along borders, trellises, and near water.
- Supplement with hummingbird feeders during nectar shortages.
- Avoid pesticides that could impact nectar quality and availability.
By understanding what flower traits and colors most appeal to hummingbirds, you can design a landscape that will readily attract these delightful birds all season long. The end reward will be the chance to enjoy observing their energetic antics and aerobatic moves as they feed!
