Hummingbirds are among the smallest birds, yet they possess the highest mass-specific metabolic rate of any warm-blooded animal. This extreme biology requires a constant and specialized diet to sustain their rapid wing beats and hovering flight. Nectar, a simple sugar solution, serves as the primary fuel source for their high-energy lifestyle. Because they burn calories so rapidly, hummingbirds must consume up to three times their body weight in nectar and small insects daily, meaning they are often only a few hours away from starvation.
Are Begonias Hummingbird Favorites?
Generally, the common garden varieties of begonias are not the preferred choice for a hummingbird garden. Most widely available types, such as wax begonias or the large, double-flowered tuberous begonias, present an open flower shape that does not efficiently guide the bird’s bill toward the nectar. Furthermore, the nectar production in these common hybrids is often low compared to flowers specifically adapted for avian pollination. Hummingbirds are opportunistic feeders, so they may investigate begonias, particularly those with bright red or orange coloration, but they will quickly move on if the reward is insufficient.
There are exceptions within the Begonia genus, specifically single-flowered or trumpet-shaped varieties, that are more accessible to the birds. For example, certain tuberous cultivars like ‘Pin Up Flame’ or the cascading Bertini begonias are sometimes noted for attracting hummingbirds due to their more open form or accessible nectar. However, for the dedicated purpose of attracting and sustaining these specialized birds, most begonias are poor candidates and should not be relied upon as a primary food source.
Floral Characteristics That Attract Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds show a strong preference for flowers with a specific set of biological traits that maximize feeding efficiency. The most recognizable characteristic is the flower’s morphology, which is typically long and tubular. This shape co-evolved with the hummingbird’s long bill and even longer tongue, creating a specialized feeding channel that excludes many other nectar-feeding insects. The tubular corolla also provides a stable structure for the bird to hover against while feeding.
Color is another significant attractant, with hummingbirds exhibiting a strong visual preference for flowers that are red or orange. Their acute vision is particularly sensitive to the red end of the light spectrum, which helps them spot these flowers from a distance against green foliage. While they will feed on flowers of any color, red and orange serve as effective long-range signals for the high-energy reward inside.
The internal reward must also meet the bird’s extreme energetic needs. Flowers that attract hummingbirds produce nectar with a high concentration of sucrose, which is the most easily digestible sugar for these birds. The concentration level found in hummingbird-pollinated species is generally much higher than that produced by flowers pollinated by insects. This high-quality, high-volume nectar is necessary to support their metabolism, making nectar quality a more important factor than color alone in determining continued visits.
Superior Plants for Hummingbird Gardens
When selecting plants specifically to support hummingbirds, gardeners should prioritize species known for their tubular shape and high nectar yield.
Specific Plant Recommendations
Salvia species, often called sage, are excellent choices, providing long spikes of tubular flowers in a wide array of colors, including the favored reds. The ‘Black and Blue’ salvia variety, despite its color, is highly attractive and offers a reliable, season-long food source.
Bee Balm (Monarda spp.) is another dependable perennial, featuring dense, tufted flower heads composed of many tiny, tubular florets. The red and pink cultivars are particularly effective magnets, and the plant thrives in sunny to partly sunny locations.
For a striking native option, the Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) is a standout, producing vivid red, tubular blooms on tall stalks that are perfectly suited for hummingbirds. Gardeners can also incorporate vigorous vines like Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans), which produces large, orange to red trumpet-shaped flowers that are packed with nectar.
To maximize the value of the garden, plants should be grouped together in clusters, which makes the food source more visually apparent to the birds passing by. Maintaining a healthy garden also means avoiding the use of pesticides, as hummingbirds consume small insects for protein, and chemical residues can harm them.