Hummingbirds are attracted to bright, tubular flowers that provide nectar. Hibiscus flowers are a favorite among hummingbirds due to their large, vibrant blooms that produce abundant nectar. But with over 200 species of hibiscus, how do you know which one is best for attracting hummingbirds to your garden?
In this article, we’ll explore the different types of hibiscus preferred by hummingbirds based on flower characteristics like color, shape, and size. We’ll also provide tips on where to plant hibiscus, when they bloom, and how to care for them to keep hummingbirds coming back. Read on to learn all about hummingbird-friendly hibiscus!
What Makes Hibiscus Attractive to Hummingbirds?
Hummingbirds are specialized nectar feeders. Their long, slender beaks and tongues are perfectly adapted for sipping sugary nectar from tubular or trumpet-shaped flowers. Here are the key features of hibiscus flowers that appeal to hummingbirds:
Bright, Vibrant Colors
Hummingbirds see color differently than humans. They can see into the ultraviolet spectrum, which makes flower colors appear more vivid to them. Bright red, orange, pink and purple hibiscus flowers really stand out and attract hummingbirds from a distance.
Tubular Shape
Hummingbirds access nectar through long, narrow flower tubes. The trumpet-like shape of hibiscus flowers is easy for hummingbirds to insert their long beaks into to reach the nectar reward.
Abundant Nectar
Hummingbirds have a fast metabolism and need to consume a lot of nectar each day. Hibiscus flowers produce more nectar than many other blooms, often up to 1-2 teaspoons per flower. This high-energy food source is vital for hummingbirds.
Little to No Scent
Hummingbirds do not have a strong sense of smell. They are not attracted to fragrant blooms like bees and butterflies. Most hibiscus flowers have little to no discernible fragrance, so the visual cues of the flowers are more important for luring in hummers.
By providing several or all of these key features that appeal to a hummingbird’s senses and feeding needs, different types of hibiscus can make excellent additions to a hummingbird garden. Next, let’s look at some of the top hibiscus varieties hummingbirds love.
Popular Red Hibiscus Varieties
Red hibiscus offer the brilliant, ruby blooms that hummingbirds find irresistible. Here are some of the best red-flowering hibiscus for attracting hummers:
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
Also known as Chinese hibiscus, this tropical hibiscus has glossy, dark green leaves and large, striking red blooms over 5 inches wide. It blooms nearly year-round where hardy. There are also cultivars with orange, pink, yellow and white blooms, but red varieties are the most popular with hummingbirds.
Hibiscus coccineus
Known as scarlet rosemallow, this hibiscus is native to tropical regions. Its cup-shaped red flowers have crinkly, overlapping petals. It can reach 6-9 feet tall and blooms in summer and fall. Hummingbirds flock to its non-stop nectar production.
Hibiscus moscheutos
Also called swamp hibiscus, this moisture-loving native hibiscus produces huge 10-12 inch blooms in vibrant tones of red, pink and white. As a larger, woody-stemmed plant growing over 6 feet tall, it adds beautiful structure to gardens and wows hummingbirds with flower power.
| Hibiscus Variety | Flower Color | Size/Height | Bloom Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hibiscus rosa-sinensis | Red | 12-15 inches wide, 6 ft. tall | Nearly year-round in frost-free climates |
| Hibiscus coccineus | Red | 3-5 inches wide, 6-9 ft. tall | Summer to Fall |
| Hibiscus moscheutos | Red, pink, white | 10-12 inches wide, 6+ ft. tall | Mid to late summer |
Vibrant Tropical Hibiscus Varieties
Hummingbirds are also attracted to other bright, tropical hibiscus hybrids and cultivars beyond basic red hibiscus. Here are some wonderfully vivid varieties to try:
Hibiscus ‘Mahogany Splendor’
This large-flowered hybrid has deep red, burgundy-tinted double blooms. The unique mahogany color is like neon to attract hummingbirds!
Hibiscus ‘Starry Wind’
Featuring big creamy-white blooms with bright fuchsia-red centers, this tropical hibiscus is a stunning contrast of colors to catch a hummingbird’s eye.
Hibiscus ‘Brilliant’
Aptly named for its incredibly vivid blooms, this hybrid dazzles with flowers that open neon yellow then fade to reddish-orange. Hummingbirds go crazy for the shade-shifting blooms.
Hibiscus ‘Royal Gems’
This dwarf variety has a compact size perfect for containers, with a blaze of small, rich ruby-red blooms with ruffled petals to attract hummers.
Large, Showy Hardy Hibiscus
Hardy hibiscus varieties can withstand colder temperatures, allowing them to be grown as perennials in northern climates. Hummingbirds flock to their huge, show-stopping blooms:
Hibiscus ‘Kopper King’
This hardy hibiscus lives up to its name, with enormous 10-inch flowers in a unique coppery-orange color that hummingbirds adore.
Hibiscus ‘Midnight Marvel’
Dark foliage and deep red/maroon blooms give this variety stunning visual appeal. The red flowers contrast beautifully against the dark leaves.
Hibiscus ‘Blue Chiffon’
While blue flowers are rare in the hibiscus family, this variety has pale lavender-blue blooms with red throats for an unusual color combo hummingbirds can’t resist.
Hibiscus ‘Pink Swirl’
Pink flowers swirled with white make up the two-toned blooms of this eye-catching hardy hibiscus hybrid. The pink and white color combo attracts hummingbirds.
Best Places to Plant Hibiscus for Hummingbirds
To maximize visits from hungry hummingbirds, strategic placement of hibiscus plants is key. Follow these tips on where to plant hibiscus:
Plant Near Windows
Hummingbirds are highly territorial and often scout for food sources while perched near windows. Planting hibiscus beds right outside windows gives them an easy spot to rest and frequent.
Elevated Areas
Hummingbirds like being up high to survey their domain. Choose slightly raised garden beds or terraces when situating hibiscus plants to encourage hummingbirds to stop by.
Near Feeders
Placing hibiscus plants around hummingbird feeders creates a convenient feeding zone. The flowers and feeders together provide essential fueling stations for tiny hummers.
Water Features
Hummingbirds love being near water to bathe and drink as they forage. Plant hibiscus close to garden ponds, fountains, or birdbaths to attract more hummingbird traffic.
Dangled Limbs
Let branches of climbing hibiscus drape down over arbors, fences or porch railings. Hummingbirds often prefer accessing dangling flowers rather than upright blooms.
When and How Long Hibiscus Blooms
To ensure hibiscus flowers are available for visiting hummingbirds, it’s important to choose varieties that bloom at the desired time for your region. Here’s an overview of hibiscus bloom times:
Summer Blooming
Most hardy hibiscus bloom in summer, typically mid to late summer. Tropical hibiscus like Hibiscus rosa-sinensis bloom nearly year-round in frost-free climates, with heaviest flower production in summer.
Fall Blooming
Some hibiscus extend the season with fall blooms, like Hibiscus moscheutos. This provides an ongoing nectar source as hummingbirds prepare to migrate south.
Bloom Length
Individual hibiscus flowers last only 1-3 days. But plants produce new blooms continually to sustain hummingbirds. Deadheading spent blooms encourages more flower production.
Staggered Planting
By planting both early and late-blooming hibiscus varieties together, you can create a longer season of flowers for hummingbird feeding.
Caring for Hibiscus to Attract Hummingbirds
Providing proper care will keep hibiscus plants growing vigorously and pumping out lots of hummingbird-enticing blooms. Here are key care tips:
Sunlight
Plant hibiscus in full sun for at least 6 hours per day. Morning sun is essential to nectar production. Lack of adequate sunlight results in fewer, smaller blooms.
Water
Keep the soil consistently moist but not saturated. Established hibiscus are fairly drought-tolerant, but insufficient water will cause flower bud drop.
Fertilizer
Feed hibiscus monthly through the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Fertilization is key for copious blooming to attract hummingbirds.
Pruning
Prune back leggy branches in late winter to shape plants. Remove deadwood anytime to maintain vigor. Don’t sheer plants heavily or remove all buds.
Pests
Watch for common hibiscus pests like aphids, whiteflies and bud-boring moths which can ruin flowers and repel hummingbirds. Control with organic insecticidal soap.
Overwintering
In colder climates, provide winter mulch and move container plants indoors when temperatures approach freezing to ensure hibiscus survive until the next year.
Conclusion
With their bright colors, tubular shape and abundant nectar, hibiscus offer everything hummingbirds look for in their favorite flowers. By choosing orange, red and pink large-flowering varieties and planting them in optimal spots in full sun, you’ll enjoy a non-stop hummingbird fiesta. Caring properly for hibiscus to promote vigorous growth and prolific blooming will keep these tiny pollinators flocking happily to your garden day after day.
