The desire to attract hummingbirds to a garden often leads enthusiasts to consider striking, large-flowered plants like Canna Lilies. These vibrant, tropical-looking plants prompt the question of whether they also appeal to these tiny, fast-moving pollinators. Understanding how hummingbirds select their food sources is the first step in creating a truly bird-friendly landscape that provides the necessary fuel to support their incredibly high metabolism.
The Direct Answer: Canna Lilies and Hummingbirds
Canna Lilies, despite their name, are not true lilies but are tropical plants that can, in fact, attract hummingbirds. The large, showy blooms of Canna varieties, particularly those with red or orange coloration, are easily spotted by hummingbirds from a distance, making them visual targets. Certain cultivars, such as Canna indica or the Robert Kemp Canna, are specifically noted for being preferred by the birds. These plants offer a significant supply of nectar, which is necessary for a hummingbird, as they can consume approximately half their body weight in sugar daily.
Canna flowers provide a deep throat filled with nectar, which is accessible to the long bills of hummingbirds. The impressive height of some Canna varieties can reach up to eight feet, making them easier for hummingbirds to spot and access while in flight. The strong stems and sturdy foliage also provide a suitable perching spot when the birds need a brief rest. Their bright colors, abundant nectar, and structural elements make Canna Lilies a welcome, and often visited, source of food.
Understanding Hummingbird Flower Preference
Hummingbirds have evolved to seek out specific floral characteristics that provide the most efficient energy return. The most noticeable factor is color, with hummingbirds showing a strong preference for flowers in the warm end of the light spectrum, specifically red, orange, and deep pink. This preference is partly because it helps to limit competition for food from insects.
The shape of the bloom is another determining factor, with the birds favoring tubular or trumpet-shaped flowers. This structure naturally excludes large insects, such as bees. This ensures the nectar is reserved for the pollinator whose bill is perfectly adapted to reach the base of the flower.
The quality of the nectar is paramount, as hummingbirds require a high sugar concentration to sustain their fast metabolism. Preferred flowers often contain high-quality nectar that provides the necessary fuel. The birds’ ability to metabolize sucrose efficiently further reinforces their attraction.
Maximizing Hummingbird Attraction in the Garden
To turn a garden into a reliable feeding stop, gardeners should utilize a layered planting design that offers different heights, from ground cover to shrubs and trees. Planting flowers in clusters or drifts of the same species creates a mass of color that is visually impactful and easily noticed by passing hummingbirds. Choosing a mix of species with different blooming periods ensures a continuous supply of nectar from early spring through late fall.
In addition to flowers, providing supplemental food through feeders is highly effective, especially during migration periods.
Feeder and Maintenance Tips
- Fill feeders with a simple solution of four parts water to one part sugar.
- Clean feeders weekly to prevent the growth of mold or bacteria.
- Place feeders near trees or large shrubs, offering quick escape routes from potential predators.
- Avoid the use of pesticides, as hummingbirds rely on small insects and spiders for protein, particularly when feeding their young.