Honeysuckle is highly regarded as an excellent plant for attracting hummingbirds. The answer is a definite yes, but they are specifically drawn to species that offer the right physical structure and a rich, energy-dense food source. Hummingbirds rely entirely on nectar to fuel their incredibly fast metabolisms, making a flower’s design and nutritional payout the primary factors in their selection. The most attractive honeysuckles have co-evolved with the hummingbird’s unique feeding style, transforming the plant into a reliable source of fuel.
Why Honeysuckle Attracts Hummingbirds
The hummingbird’s attraction to honeysuckle is a matter of biological efficiency, driven by sight and structural compatibility. These birds possess exceptional vision but a poor sense of smell, meaning they are guided primarily by vibrant colors. They are specifically drawn to flowers in the red and orange spectrum, which signals a high-carbohydrate reward while being less visible to many bees.
The physical design of the honeysuckle flower, particularly the tubular shape, is perfectly suited for a hummingbird’s long, thin bill and specialized tongue. Honeysuckle flowers often hang in a pendulous, or downward-facing, fashion without a landing platform, which is ideal for a bird that hovers to feed. This structure ensures that only a specialized pollinator, like the hummingbird, can efficiently reach the nectar reservoir deep inside the flower tube.
The nectar produced by these flowers is a concentrated sugar solution, providing the high-quality carbohydrates necessary to sustain the bird’s extreme metabolic rate. This requires constant refueling from reliable nectar sources. The nodding orientation of some honeysuckle flowers also helps keep the nectar from being diluted by rainwater, preserving the sugar concentration the birds seek.
Essential Distinction: Native and Exotic Honeysuckle Varieties
While hummingbirds are attracted to the nectar of many honeysuckle species, making an ecologically responsible choice is paramount for the health of the local ecosystem. The native North American species, such as Trumpet or Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens), is recommended. This species offers scarlet-orange, tubular flowers that bloom continuously and have co-evolved with local wildlife, making it a sustainable and beneficial nectar source.
In contrast, the common Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) presents a serious ecological threat, despite its ability to attract hummingbirds. This exotic species is categorized as an invasive weed that aggressively outcompetes native plants for light, water, and space. Its vigorous growth can displace native flora, which in turn reduces the necessary insect population that hummingbirds rely on for protein.
Choosing native varieties, like Lonicera sempervirens in the East or Lonicera ciliosa (Orange Honeysuckle) in the West, ensures the plant is well-adapted to local conditions and provides the best nutritional support. Gardeners seeking a hybrid option can also consider Lonicera \(\times\) heckrottii, or Heckrott’s Honeysuckle, known for its attractive coral-red blossoms and reduced invasive potential. Focusing on native species supports the entire food web and creates a healthier habitat.
Creating a Hummingbird Haven
To maximize the presence of hummingbirds, honeysuckle should be planted in a location that receives full sun. This encourages the greatest number of flowers and the highest nectar production. As a vigorous twining vine, it requires a sturdy support structure, such as an arbor, trellis, or fence, to climb up to its mature height, which can reach 20 feet. Thoughtful placement near a window or patio allows for optimal viewing of the birds.
Honeysuckle is generally a low-maintenance plant, but occasional pruning can help manage its rapid growth and promote thicker, more floriferous branching. The use of living plants is superior to sugar-water feeders, as the vines also provide dense foliage for the birds to perch and hide from predators.
Companion planting with other high-nectar flowers helps create a continuous food buffet throughout the season. Excellent choices include native perennials like Bee Balm (Monarda species) and Salvias. Pairing the late-blooming honeysuckle with early-season flowers, such as Carolina Jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens), ensures that migrating hummingbirds have a consistent food source from spring through fall.