Hummingbirds are sought-after garden visitors, known for their speed and iridescent plumage. Attracting these tiny flyers is a primary goal for many gardeners, often involving planting flowers with high-nectar rewards. Dahlias are popular ornamental flowers that offer a striking aesthetic to the summer and fall landscape. The compatibility between dahlias and hummingbirds is highly conditional, resting on the specific variety planted and the accessibility of its nectar.
Dahlia Appeal to Hummingbirds
Dahlias are not traditionally considered a primary food source for hummingbirds compared to classic tubular flowers like salvia or fuchsia. This is because many modern cultivars have densely packed petals due to hybridization. This intricate structure often physically blocks the hummingbird’s long bill and tongue from reaching the nectaries. However, dahlias do produce nectar, and some open varieties are a valuable late-season fuel source.
The most intense period of dahlia appeal occurs in late summer and early autumn. This timing coincides with the hummingbirds’ need to fuel up for their fall migration journey. During this period, the birds actively seek flowers with high sugar content to build necessary fat reserves. Gardeners who choose the right dahlia varieties can provide a welcome, high-calorie stopover for migrating hummingbirds.
Specific Characteristics That Attract Hummingbirds
The most important factor determining a dahlia’s appeal is the structure of its bloom, specifically the accessibility of the central disc. Varieties with single-petal or open-centered blooms are more attractive than the densely petaled “double” or “dinner plate” types. Open forms, such as single orchid, collarette, or anemone-flowered dahlias, have exposed nectaries that are easy for the birds to reach. Hummingbirds readily use their specialized tongues to probe the exposed center of these flowers for nectar.
Flower color is another strong visual cue, as hummingbird eyesight is tuned to the red end of the spectrum. Dahlias in bright red and orange hues are highly attractive, though they will visit other vibrant colors like pink and purple. Pairing an open-faced bloom with a preferred color dramatically increases the likelihood of a visit. Choosing varieties that keep their nectar exposed and display vivid colors maximizes the dahlia’s function as a food source.
Other Ways to Create a Hummingbird-Friendly Garden
A successful hummingbird garden requires a consistent and varied food supply, along with shelter, beyond selecting specific dahlia types. A reliable way to supplement natural nectar is through a sugar-water feeder, using a standard ratio of one part refined white sugar to four parts water. Avoid using red dye, honey, or artificial sweeteners, as these can be harmful. Feeders must be cleaned thoroughly and refilled frequently, especially in warm weather, to prevent mold and bacteria growth.
Incorporating other plants with tubular flowers ensures a steady source of nectar throughout the season. Excellent companion plants include salvias, petunias, fuchsias, and cardinal flower. These plants have shapes perfectly suited to the hummingbird’s long bill. Providing perches and shelter is equally important, as hummingbirds spend much of their day resting and observing their territory. Strategically placed trees, shrubs, or high, bare branches offer necessary vantage points and protection.