What Kind of Flowers Attract Hummingbirds, and Why Do They Love the Color Purple?

blog 2025-01-09 0Browse 0
What Kind of Flowers Attract Hummingbirds, and Why Do They Love the Color Purple?

Hummingbirds are among the most fascinating creatures in the avian world, known for their iridescent feathers, rapid wing beats, and insatiable appetite for nectar. These tiny birds are not only a delight to watch but also play a crucial role in pollination. If you’re looking to attract hummingbirds to your garden, understanding what kind of flowers they prefer is essential. But beyond the practical, let’s dive into the whimsical: why do hummingbirds seem to have an inexplicable affinity for the color purple? Is it a secret avian fashion statement, or is there something more profound at play? Let’s explore the world of hummingbirds and the flowers that captivate them.


The Science Behind Hummingbird Attraction

Hummingbirds are primarily attracted to flowers that provide high-energy nectar. Their metabolism is incredibly fast, requiring them to consume up to half their body weight in nectar each day. This means they are constantly on the lookout for flowers that offer the most nutritional bang for their buck. But it’s not just about the nectar; the color, shape, and scent of the flowers also play a significant role.

The Role of Color

Hummingbirds have excellent color vision, particularly in the red and purple spectrum. While many people believe that hummingbirds are solely attracted to red flowers, studies have shown that they are equally drawn to purple, pink, and orange blooms. The color purple, in particular, seems to hold a special allure. Some scientists speculate that this is because purple flowers often produce more nectar, while others suggest that the color stands out more vividly against green foliage, making it easier for hummingbirds to spot.

The Shape of the Flower

Hummingbirds have long, slender beaks and tongues perfectly adapted for sipping nectar from tubular flowers. Flowers like trumpet vine, bee balm, and salvia are ideal because their shape allows hummingbirds to access the nectar while minimizing competition from other pollinators like bees and butterflies.

The Scent Factor

Interestingly, hummingbirds are not particularly drawn to fragrant flowers. In fact, many of the flowers they prefer have little to no scent. This is because hummingbirds rely more on their vision than their sense of smell to locate food. However, some flowers emit a faint, sweet aroma that can still attract these tiny birds.


Top Flowers That Attract Hummingbirds

If you’re looking to create a hummingbird-friendly garden, here are some of the best flowers to consider:

  1. Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)
    Known for its vibrant orange and red tubular flowers, the trumpet vine is a hummingbird favorite. It’s a fast-growing plant that can cover fences and trellises, providing ample nectar for your feathered friends.

  2. Bee Balm (Monarda)
    With its striking purple, pink, and red blooms, bee balm is a magnet for hummingbirds. It’s also a great plant for attracting bees and butterflies, making it a pollinator powerhouse.

  3. Salvia (Salvia spp.)
    Salvias come in a variety of colors, including purple, red, and blue. Their tubular flowers are perfectly suited for hummingbirds, and they bloom throughout the summer, providing a consistent food source.

  4. Columbine (Aquilegia)
    Columbines are known for their unique, bell-shaped flowers that come in shades of red, purple, and yellow. They bloom in early spring, offering an early-season nectar source for hummingbirds.

  5. Fuchsia (Fuchsia spp.)
    Fuchsias are a classic choice for hummingbird gardens. Their pendulous flowers, often in shades of purple and pink, are rich in nectar and highly attractive to these birds.

  6. Lupine (Lupinus)
    Lupines produce tall spikes of purple, blue, and pink flowers that are not only beautiful but also a great source of nectar for hummingbirds.

  7. Penstemon (Penstemon spp.)
    Also known as beardtongue, penstemon features tubular flowers in shades of purple, red, and pink. They are drought-tolerant and bloom in late spring to early summer.

  8. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
    As the name suggests, this plant produces bright red flowers that are irresistible to hummingbirds. It thrives in moist soil and can be a stunning addition to any garden.


The Mystique of Purple Flowers

Now, let’s circle back to the enigmatic allure of purple flowers. Why do hummingbirds seem to gravitate toward them? One theory is that purple flowers are less likely to be visited by bees, which prefer yellow and blue blooms. This means that hummingbirds can enjoy the nectar without as much competition. Additionally, purple flowers often contain higher concentrations of anthocyanins, pigments that may enhance the nutritional value of the nectar.

But perhaps there’s a more poetic explanation. Purple is often associated with mystery, royalty, and spirituality. Could it be that hummingbirds, with their otherworldly beauty and seemingly magical flight, are drawn to the color for reasons beyond mere sustenance? Maybe, just maybe, hummingbirds are the tiny, winged philosophers of the bird world, seeking out purple flowers as a symbol of their own ethereal nature.


Creating a Hummingbird Haven

To maximize your chances of attracting hummingbirds, consider the following tips:

  • Plant in Clusters: Hummingbirds are more likely to visit gardens where flowers are grouped together. This creates a visual impact that’s hard to miss.
  • Provide a Water Source: Hummingbirds love to bathe and drink from shallow water sources. Consider adding a birdbath or a mister to your garden.
  • Avoid Pesticides: Chemicals can harm hummingbirds and reduce the number of insects they rely on for protein. Opt for organic gardening methods instead.
  • Include Native Plants: Native flowers are often better adapted to your local climate and soil, making them easier to grow and more attractive to local hummingbird species.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do hummingbirds only drink from red flowers?
A: No, hummingbirds are attracted to a variety of colors, including purple, pink, and orange. While red flowers are often highlighted, they are not the only option.

Q: How often should I water my hummingbird-attracting plants?
A: It depends on the plant species and your local climate. Generally, most flowering plants prefer consistent moisture but well-drained soil.

Q: Can I use artificial nectar to attract hummingbirds?
A: Yes, you can use a sugar-water solution (4 parts water to 1 part sugar) in a hummingbird feeder. However, natural flowers are always the best option.

Q: Why do hummingbirds seem to hover in one place?
A: Hummingbirds have the unique ability to hover due to their rapid wing beats, which can exceed 50 times per second. This allows them to feed on nectar without landing.

Q: Are there any flowers that repel hummingbirds?
A: Hummingbirds are generally not attracted to flowers with little or no nectar, or those with complex shapes that make it difficult to access the nectar.


By planting the right flowers and creating a welcoming environment, you can turn your garden into a hummingbird paradise. And who knows? Maybe you’ll even uncover the secret behind their love for purple. Happy gardening!

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