Hummingbirds are among the most energy-demanding creatures in the animal kingdom, requiring a constant supply of fuel to power their rapid wingbeats and hovering flight. These tiny birds possess an extremely high metabolism, which necessitates consuming up to half their body weight in sugar every day. Their survival is entirely dependent on quickly locating and efficiently extracting nectar from flowering plants, which serves as their primary energy source. Gardeners often seek to provide reliable nectar sources, and the common nasturtium, a vibrant and easy-to-grow annual, frequently raises the question of whether it can meet this intense energy requirement.
Nasturtiums as a Food Source
Hummingbirds are attracted to nasturtiums, particularly the common garden variety Tropaeolum majus. These flowers possess specific features that appeal directly to the hummingbird’s specialized feeding apparatus, presenting large, brightly colored blooms in the yellow-to-red spectrum that are easily spotted from a distance.
The plant’s anatomy is suited for these birds, featuring a conspicuous long spur descending from the base of the flower. This spur holds nectar accessible only to visitors with a sufficiently long tongue. The nectar is highly concentrated and consists primarily of sucrose, a sugar component preferred by hummingbirds for its high energy yield. This pairing of the flower’s deep, nectar-rich spur and the hummingbird’s long tongue suggests these birds are the primary pollinators in the plant’s native environment.
Defining the Ideal Hummingbird Flower
Attracting hummingbirds requires flowers to have specific physical attributes that support the bird’s unique feeding style. Hummingbirds are visually guided by color, preferring the red and orange spectrum, which bees cannot see. This distinction helps reserve the nectar for the specialized pollinator.
The ideal flower shape is tubular or trumpet-like, creating a deep corolla that perfectly accommodates the hummingbird’s elongated bill. This structure forces the bird to insert its bill deeply, brushing its head against the anthers and stigma to facilitate pollen transfer. These flowers often lack a wide landing platform, forcing the bird to rely on its hovering technique to feed. The nectar in these preferred blooms is high in sucrose content, often measuring 20 to 30 percent sugar concentration, providing the dense caloric intake necessary for their existence.
Reliable Alternatives for Your Garden
While nasturtiums attract hummingbirds, gardeners seeking maximum visitation should focus on plants with reliable, high-volume nectar production. The scarlet, tubular blooms of the Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) are a magnet, providing a deep reservoir of preferred nectar. Bee Balm (Monarda didyma) offers clusters of striking red or pink tubular flowers that are easily accessed by hovering birds.
Planting Salvia species, such as Salvia coccinea (Scarlet Sage) or Salvia microphylla (Autumn Sage), ensures continuous bloom throughout the season, offering a steady food source. The drooping, lantern-like flowers of Fuchsia are also perfectly shaped to encourage hovering, often featuring pink and red coloration. These alternatives offer the combination of color, shape, and nectar quality that makes them superior choices for a dedicated hummingbird garden.