Hummingbirds are known for their ability to hover in midair as they feed on nectar from flowers. Their long, slender beaks allow them to access nectar deep within blooms. Hummingbirds have excellent color vision and are naturally drawn to both the color and shape of flowers. This leads many gardeners to wonder, what flower colors will best attract hummingbirds? Specifically, will flowers with bright red blooms successfully draw these energetic birds to a garden?
What Colors Attract Hummingbirds?
Hummingbirds are attracted to flower colors in the red to orange range, such as scarlet, red, and orange. They also feed from flowers in the pink, purple, and yellow color families. Generally speaking, brighter, bolder blooms will be more effective at grabbing a hummingbird’s attention from a distance. Dull or pale flower colors are less likely to attract these birds.
When it comes to red flowers specifically, research indicates that hummingbirds are highly attracted to the color red. Their eyes have more receptors that detect shades of red than humans eyes do. This allows them to perceive a wide range of red hues. Intense, saturated reds are especially appealing to hummingbirds when they are seeking nectar meals.
Bright Red Flowers That Attract Hummingbirds
Many popular garden flowers feature bright red blooms that will attract hummingbirds. Here are some top options:
Scarlet Sage
With its brilliant clusters of scarlet blooms on tall spikes, scarlet sage is a magnet for hummingbirds in the garden. This hardy annual thrives in full sun and blooms from midsummer into fall. Gardeners will often find hummingbirds happily feeding on scarlet sage.
Fuchsia
The dangling, tubular flowers of fuchsia come in vivid shades of red and purple. Hummingbirds are extremely drawn to the red varieties. Fuchsia is a fast-growing shrub that blooms prolifically, giving hummingbirds a reliable nectar source. Plant it in partial shade where the temperatures don’t get too hot.
Lantana
Lantana is a heat-loving perennial that produces dense flower clusters. The blooms come in many colors, including brilliant reds that attract hummingbirds. As an added bonus, butterflies also flock to lantana. Grow this plant in full sun and poor soil that drains well.
Trumpet Vine
Also known as trumpet creeper, this vigorous vine has eye-catching ruby red trumpet-shaped flowers. Hummingbirds like to drink nectar from the blooms and use the vines for nesting. Trumpet vine thrives in hot, sunny spots. Provide sturdy support for this vigorous grower.
Cardinal Flower
Growing in tall spikes, the tapered red blooms of cardinal flower are specially adapted for pollination by hummingbirds. The birds are very drawn to the bright red flowers, which are produced in late summer. Grow this perennial in partial shade and consistently moist soil.
Bee Balm
With its shaggy clusters of scarlet flowers, bee balm is beloved by hummingbirds. The tubular blooms provide a rich nectar source. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Bee balm grows best in evenly moist soil and partial sun to light shade.
Crocosmia
Crocosmia features sprays of small, tubular red blooms that attract hummingbirds. This perennial flower thrives in partial shade locations. Plant it along borders, pathways, and around fountains. There are several red-flowered crocosmia varieties to choose from.
Nasturtium
With its vibrant red and orange flowers, nasturtium is a favorite of hummingbirds. This pretty annual comes in climbing and bushy varieties. Plant nasturtium in containers or garden beds for vivid color from early summer into fall. It thrives in average soil with good drainage.
Weigela
Weigela florida is a deciduous shrub that bursts into flower in late spring. The tubular red blooms clustered along its arching branches draw in hummingbirds to feed. For best results, plant weigela in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
Petunias
From bold, solid reds to red-and-white variegated trumpets, petunias provide the bright, abundant blooms that hummingbirds love. These annuals bloom throughout the warm season in garden beds or containers. Grow petunias in a sunny area with average to rich soil.
Do Hummingbirds Have a Favorite Red Flower?
Research has not conclusively shown that hummingbirds prefer one type of red flower above all others. However, scientists have observed some trends in hummingbird feeding preferences:
- Tubular-shaped red blooms seem highly attractive to hummingbirds. The birds can easily access the nectar with their long beaks.
- Bright, saturated reds grab attention from a distance. Pale red blooms are less appealing.
- Flowers clustered close together in bundles or spikes provide efficient feeding opportunities.
- Very large, showy red flowers attract more hummingbirds than smaller blooms.
Based on these tendencies, red flowers like fuchsia, lantana, bee balm, and trumpet vine seem to be top choices that readily draw hummingbirds in. But any flower with vivid red petals is likely to attract these colorful birds.
Tips for Using Red Flowers to Attract Hummingbirds
Here are some tips to follow when selecting and planting red flowering plants meant to attract hummingbirds to your yard:
- Choose red flowers native to your climate. Native plants provide the nectar nutrition that local hummingbirds have evolved to utilize best.
- Include a range of flower shapes to appeal to various hummingbird species. For instance, provide tubular flowers, trumpet-shaped blooms, and clusters of small blossoms.
- Plant red flowers in small clumps and close to one another to create concentrated feeding areas.
- Situate red-flowering plants near windows, patios, and garden paths for easy hummingbird viewing.
- Offer a continuous bloom sequence by including annuals, biennials, and perennials with staggered flowering periods.
- Avoid using pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides, which can harm hummingbirds and the native insects they eat.
- Supplement with nectar feeders, especially during migration seasons when food is scarce.
- Provide small pools or trickling fountains that offer hummingbirds fresh water for bathing and drinking.
Follow these tips, and the ruby throated beauties will surely pay your red blooms a visit!
The Bottom Line
Research clearly shows that hummingbirds exhibit a strong preference for flowers in the red color spectrum. This attraction is driven by the birds’ exceptional color vision and their ability to perceive a wide range of vivid red hues. By planting flowers with bold, bright red blooms in your garden, you significantly increase the chances of hummingbirds stopping by to feed on the nectar and enjoy the flowers. Popular red flowering plants like fuchsia, bee balm, lantana, and trumpet vine are tried and true favorites of these energetic pollinators. Use a diversity of red blooms strategically placed through the garden, and hummingbirds will view your yard as an all-you-can-eat buffet.
