Kalanchoe, recognized for its vibrant and long-lasting blooms, is a popular choice for both indoor enjoyment and outdoor garden displays. Many gardeners wonder if these colorful plants, often associated with bright flowers, can also serve as an attraction for hummingbirds.
Kalanchoe Flowers and Hummingbird Preferences
While Kalanchoe flowers offer striking colors, they are generally not a primary food source for hummingbirds. The typical flower shape of Kalanchoe, often consisting of bell-shaped or clustered blossoms with short tubes, makes nectar difficult for hummingbirds to access. Their long, slender beaks and tongues are adapted for reaching deep into tubular flowers. Additionally, Kalanchoe flowers typically produce less nectar compared to the high-nectar sources hummingbirds prefer. These tiny birds seek out flowers that provide a rich, easily accessible energy reward to fuel their high metabolism.
Key Features That Attract Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds are primarily attracted to specific floral characteristics that signal a rewarding nectar source. Bright colors, especially red, orange, and pink, are particularly appealing to them, as hummingbirds possess excellent color vision. Flowers with tubular or trumpet shapes are also highly favored, as these forms perfectly accommodate their long beaks and tongues, allowing efficient nectar extraction. Furthermore, hummingbirds are drawn to plants that produce abundant nectar to support their constant need for energy.
Top Plant Choices for Hummingbirds
Top plant choices for hummingbirds include:
Salvias: Offer numerous tubular flowers and a continuous nectar supply.
Bee Balm (Monarda): Features shaggy, tubular flowers, providing a rich nectar source.
Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans): Known for large, trumpet-shaped flowers that are a significant draw.
Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis): Offers striking red, tubular blooms that are irresistible.
Petunias: Single-flower varieties with trumpet-like forms and bold colors can attract hummingbirds.
Fuchsias: Provide pendulous, brightly colored, tubular blossoms.
Beyond Plants Attracting Hummingbirds
Creating a comprehensive hummingbird-friendly environment extends beyond just planting their preferred flowers. Hummingbird feeders, filled with a simple sugar-water solution (four parts water to one part sugar), can provide a reliable supplemental food source. It is important to keep these feeders clean and change the solution regularly to prevent spoilage. Providing fresh water sources, such as misters or shallow bird baths with stones for perching, also encourages visits from hummingbirds for drinking and bathing. Additionally, establishing a safe habitat by avoiding pesticides and offering perching spots, like bare branches, can make your garden more welcoming for these fascinating birds.