Hummingbirds are specialized avian pollinators that rely on nectar to meet the massive energy demands of their metabolism. These tiny birds must consume roughly half their body weight in sugar daily, making the reward offered by a flower the most significant factor in their feeding choices. Whether they like a particular flower, such as the Hibiscus, depends on the plant’s ability to provide a consistent, high-value nutritional source. The answer is often yes, but it depends on the specific variety and the nectar it produces.
Anatomy of a Hummingbird-Friendly Flower
The most attractive flowers to hummingbirds share characteristics that maximize the bird’s energetic profit. Flowers pollinated by these birds often display conspicuous colors, such as red, orange, and pink, which are highly effective at catching their attention. This preference is a learned behavior, as the birds associate these colors with a high-sugar reward.
A defining structural trait is the long, tubular corolla, which perfectly accommodates the hummingbird’s slender bill and long, specialized tongue. This shape reserves the nectar for the hovering bird. The flowers are also typically scentless, as hummingbirds rely on sight rather than smell to locate their food source.
The nectar must contain a high concentration of sucrose. Flowers evolved for hummingbird pollination produce nectar with a greater sucrose content compared to those pollinated by bees or butterflies. This high sugar content is necessary to rapidly fuel the bird’s elevated heart rate and constant activity.
Evaluating Hibiscus and Common Varieties
Many varieties of Hibiscus are attractive to hummingbirds because they offer vibrant color and abundant nectar. The large, showy blooms of the tropical Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, especially those in shades of red, are frequent stops for feeding hummingbirds. The flower’s abundant nectar is easy to reach.
The number of petals is a meaningful distinction for the birds. Single-petal varieties are preferred because their open structure allows for the easiest access to the nectar at the base of the flower. Double-petal or “frilly” hybrid varieties can obscure the nectar source, making the flower less efficient for a hovering hummingbird.
Hardy varieties, such as the native Hibiscus moscheutos (rose mallow) or Hibiscus coccineus (scarlet rose mallow), are excellent choices. H. moscheutos produces dinner-plate-sized flowers that contain a rich source of nectar hummingbirds readily visit. These plants are excellent secondary sources, though they may not be the primary choice over true tubular flowers like Salvia or Bee Balm.
Creating a Hummingbird Habitat
Creating a hummingbird habitat involves providing supplemental food and a safe environment, in addition to planting the right flowers. A sugar-water solution of one part refined white sugar to four parts water can be offered in a feeder as a food supplement. Avoid using honey, artificial sweeteners, or red dye, as these can be detrimental to the bird’s health.
The sugar water must be changed every two to three days, or daily in hot weather, to prevent fermentation and mold growth. Positioning the feeder in partial shade also helps. Placing multiple feeders out of sight of one another reduces the territorial aggression that often occurs between individual birds.
A complete habitat also requires providing protein and safety. Hummingbirds consume small insects and spiders (arthropods) to meet their protein needs, especially when feeding their young. Avoiding systemic pesticides in the garden is necessary to maintain this food source. Offering small, exposed branches on shrubs or trees nearby provides the birds with safe perches for resting, preening, and guarding their territory.