Hummingbirds are specialized pollinators that rely on flower nectar to fuel their high metabolisms. These tiny birds must consume roughly their own body weight in sugar water daily to maintain the rapid wing beats required for hovering flight. Gardeners often seek flowers that provide this energy, and the common petunia is frequently considered a candidate. Whether petunias consistently attract hummingbirds depends heavily on the specific flower characteristics.
The Factors That Attract Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds select flowers based on characteristics that signal a rewarding, high-energy meal. The tubular shape of a flower is a strong attractant because it accommodates the bird’s long bill and tongue. This shape simultaneously restricts access for larger insect pollinators, ensuring the birds receive a larger portion of the available nectar.
The birds are also drawn to certain colors, particularly red, orange, and pink, which their excellent eyesight easily detects. These hues are often associated with flowers that produce nectar with a higher concentration of sucrose. Because hummingbirds rely on sight rather than smell to locate food, they often ignore fragrant flowers that appeal to night-flying insects.
Why the Petunia Answer Is Nuanced
The attraction of petunias is complicated by extensive breeding. Wild petunias, such as the rare Brazilian species Petunia exserta, are naturally red and possess a deep, narrow, tubular structure. This structure developed specifically to be pollinated by hummingbirds, and this wild ancestor is rich in the nectar the birds seek.
Modern commercial petunias are hybrids bred primarily for human aesthetic qualities, such as large, showy blooms and cascading growth. This hybridization often results in flowers with a wider, more open throat and a shorter nectar reservoir. These changes make the nectar less concentrated and more easily accessible to insects, reducing the appeal for hummingbirds.
Specific Petunia Types
Gardeners planting petunias specifically for hummingbirds should look for varieties resembling the preferred flower shape. Single-flowered petunias with a pronounced trumpet shape are better choices than multi-layered, ruffled counterparts. Varieties like ‘African Sunset’ (orange) or ‘Bingo Red’ maintain bright coloration and a suitable structure to attract the birds.
Complex, double-flowered types or those with highly ruffled petals often obstruct the bird’s access to the nectar. While hummingbirds may visit any color if the nectar is sufficient, choosing red, fuchsia, or deep pink varieties is generally more effective than white or pale yellow. Selecting “wave” petunias may also work, as some retain a more tubular shape and offer continuous bloom throughout the season.
More Reliable Nectar Sources
Since hybrid petunias are inconsistent, gardeners seeking guaranteed hummingbird visitors should prioritize plants with a naturally long, tubular form and abundant nectar. Salvia (sage) is widely regarded as a best choice, offering multiple spikes of red or pink tubular blooms that are easy for hummingbirds to access. Varieties like Salvia greggii are long-blooming and provide a steady food source throughout the summer.
Monarda, commonly known as Bee Balm, produces clusters of spiky, tubular flowers in shades of red and pink. For vertical gardens, the Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans) is a fast-growing, native option with large, orange-red flowers that are a proven hummingbird favorite. Fuchsia plants, often grown in hanging baskets, also feature the drooping, tubular flowers that hummingbirds readily seek.