The Begonia genus is widely cultivated, prized for its colorful foliage and blooms in shady garden spots. Many gardeners also seek to attract hummingbirds to their outdoor spaces. This pairing of popular plant and desired visitor leads many to ask whether begonias serve as a reliable source of nectar for these fast-moving birds. Determining the relationship requires a closer look at the plant’s structure and the bird’s feeding biology.
Begonias and Hummingbirds: The Direct Answer
Most common garden begonias are not primary food sources for hummingbirds. Popular fibrous or “wax” begonias (B. semperflorens) and many double-flowered tuberous varieties offer little appeal. Their open flower structure and low nectar production do not align with the specialized feeding needs of the bird. Hummingbirds require a high-volume, high-sugar energy source to sustain their high metabolism.
However, the answer is not an absolute “no” because the Begonia genus is exceptionally diverse. Certain species and hybrids have evolved floral characteristics that make them notable exceptions. Some varieties with a more elongated, pendulous shape can serve as a suitable nectar source, especially when planted in bright colors.
Key Floral Traits That Attract Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds possess specific biological requirements that dictate which flowers they prefer to visit. They are visually oriented, preferring brightly colored blooms, particularly those in the red and orange spectrum. The physical shape is equally important, as their long, slender beak and tongue are adapted for probing deep into blossoms. They seek tubular or trumpet-shaped flowers that naturally exclude larger insects, reducing competition for nectar.
The nectar quality and quantity must be high to support their continuous, energy-intensive hovering and rapid flight. Hummingbirds require a diet primarily consisting of sugar water, demanding that flowers offer abundant, high-concentration nectar. Plants that meet these color and structural requirements are the most reliable attractants.
Begonia Varieties and Their Appeal Level
The Begonia genus includes hundreds of species and thousands of cultivars, explaining the variation in their appeal. Standard bedding plants, such as compact wax begonias, feature flat, small blossoms that offer no protective tube for nectar. Similarly, many double-flowered tuberous begonias are inaccessible because extra petals block the nectar source.
The notable exception lies with the Angel Wing and Begonia boliviensis types. Cultivars like ‘Bonfire’ or ‘Million Kisses’ produce long, pendulous, trumpet-shaped flowers, often in scarlet or fiery orange colors. This structure mimics the preferred shape of other tubular hummingbird flowers, making them a viable, secondary nectar source, especially in shady areas.
Top Plants for Attracting Hummingbirds
Gardeners focused on reliably attracting hummingbirds should prioritize plants that naturally evolved to be pollinated by them. Plants from the Salvia genus (sage) are high-performing attractants, featuring numerous varieties with long-lasting tubular flowers. Species like Salvia coccinea (Scarlet Sage) provide an abundant nectar supply through summer and fall.
Another excellent choice is Monarda didyma (Bee Balm), which has shaggy, whorled flower heads composed of many tubular blossoms. The native Penstemon (Beardtongue) species also offer spikes of tubular flowers in colors ranging from red to purple, perfectly sized for a hummingbird’s beak. For shade, Fuchsia species and hybrids are effective, often presenting pendulous, brightly colored tubular blooms.
Vines like Lonicera sempervirens (Coral Honeysuckle) and shrubs such as Hamelia patens (Firebush) are also highly effective, providing a continuous supply of tubular, red-orange flowers. By focusing on these proven species, gardeners can create a reliable food source that supports the hummingbird’s intense energy demands.