Hummingbirds do visit rosemary plants, though it is not typically their primary food source. They might occasionally sip from rosemary flowers, especially if other more preferred nectar options are scarce in the garden.
Rosemary’s Appeal to Hummingbirds
Rosemary flowers are generally not ideal for hummingbirds. Their small, open shape does not accommodate the birds’ long beaks and tongues, which are adapted for tubular flowers and efficient nectar extraction.
The nectar volume or sugar concentration in rosemary might also be lower compared to the high-energy demands of hummingbirds. Hummingbirds require a continuous supply of high-sugar nectar to fuel their exceptionally fast metabolisms.
While hummingbirds may visit rosemary for insects or small sips of nectar, it does not provide the substantial energy they need. Some observations suggest hummingbirds might frequent rosemary bushes, particularly in regions like the Pacific Northwest where rosemary flowers during winter, offering a seasonal food source when other blooms are dormant.
Alternative Plants for Hummingbirds
To effectively attract hummingbirds, gardeners should prioritize plants with specific characteristics. Hummingbirds are particularly drawn to bright colors, especially red, orange, and pink, which they associate with high-nectar flowers. Beyond color, tubular or trumpet-shaped blooms are favored, as they are perfectly adapted for a hummingbird’s long bill and tongue.
Excellent plant choices include:
Bee Balm (Monarda spp.), known for its tubular purple flowers and rich nectar.
Salvia (Salvia spp.), a robust option with many varieties offering weeks of blooms in various shades.
Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens), a perennial vine with tubular flowers.
Columbine (Aquilegia spp.)
Firecracker Plant (Cuphea spp.)
Penstemon (Penstemon spp.)
Agastache (Agastache spp.)
All these plants provide the nectar and flower shapes hummingbirds seek.
Choosing native plants, if possible, can provide the best nectar sources as they have evolved alongside local hummingbird species. These plants often offer a more reliable and abundant food supply tailored to the specific needs of regional hummingbird populations.
Creating a Hummingbird-Friendly Habitat
Establishing a comprehensive habitat significantly helps attract and support hummingbirds. This includes providing hummingbird feeders, which should be filled with a simple sugar-water solution made from one part refined white sugar to four parts water. Avoid adding red dye to the solution, as it is unnecessary and potentially harmful.
Feeders require frequent cleaning, ideally every 2-3 days in warm weather, using hot water and a brush, or a weak vinegar or bleach solution, to prevent mold growth. Water sources are also valuable for hummingbirds, primarily for bathing and preening rather than drinking, as they get most of their fluid from nectar. Misters that create a fine spray of water are particularly effective, allowing hummingbirds to fly through the mist or rub against wet leaves.
Providing perching spots, such as small branches or thin dowels, allows these active birds to rest and survey their territory. Minimizing or eliminating pesticides in the garden is also important, as hummingbirds consume small insects and spiders for protein, which are a necessary part of their diet, especially during nesting.