Hollyhocks (Alcea rosea) are utilized by hummingbirds, though they are generally a secondary food source compared to flowers with more specialized structures. These towering plants attract the birds primarily due to their sheer size, high nectar volume, and consistent floral display along a vertical spire. Understanding this attraction requires looking at the characteristics hummingbirds seek and how the hollyhock flower provides an adequate reward. Taller varieties of this cottage garden staple, which can reach up to eight feet, are effective at drawing the attention of passing hummingbirds.
The Ideal Hummingbird Flower Characteristics
Hummingbirds seek flowers offering the maximum caloric return for the energy spent hovering and feeding. They generally prefer a long, narrow tube shape, which naturally excludes larger pollinators like bees. This structure ensures only the bird’s long, thin bill can reach the nectar source. Preferred flowers are typically in the red or orange color spectrum, as hummingbirds possess a visual sensitivity that favors these hues. Their vision is adapted to detect sugar-rich nectar, with the most rewarding natural nectars containing a sugar concentration between 20% and 25% to fuel their high metabolic rate.
How Hollyhocks Measure Up
Hollyhocks compensate for their non-tubular structure by offering unique advantages. The flowers are large and cup-shaped, making the nectar source readily accessible, though they attract a wider range of pollinators. Hollyhocks are known for being nectar-rich, producing a high-volume sugar solution. The nectaries are located on the sepals at the base of the petals, placing the sugary fluid in an easy-to-reach position for the hummingbird’s long tongue.
The towering, multi-flowered spires, which can reach heights of eight feet or more, create a highly visible beacon that can be seen from a significant distance. This vertical presentation ensures the plant is not overlooked in the garden landscape. Single-flowered hollyhock varieties are more attractive to hummingbirds than double-flowered types. Single flowers offer an open, saucer-like shape, providing unobstructed access to the nectar, while dense double-flowered varieties often block access to the nectar reservoir.
Planting Hollyhocks to Attract Hummingbirds
To attract hummingbirds, hollyhocks should be planted in a location that receives full sunlight for at least six hours daily. Their height means they need protection from strong winds, so positioning them along a fence line or against a building is recommended. This placement also provides a visual backdrop that makes the tall flower spires more noticeable to passing birds. Grouping several hollyhock plants together creates a “drift” of color, significantly increasing the visual signal for hummingbirds seeking a reliable food source.
Because the plants can grow up to eight feet tall, staking taller varieties with bamboo canes or other support systems may be necessary to prevent the stalks from bending over. This structural support ensures the vertical display remains prominent throughout the blooming season. Maintaining a safe environment is important, particularly by eliminating the use of systemic insecticides like neonicotinoids. These chemicals are absorbed by the plant and contaminate the nectar, posing a direct threat to the hummingbirds feeding from the flowers. Hummingbirds also rely on small insects for protein, and broad-spectrum pesticides can eliminate this necessary food source during nesting season.