Hummingbirds are specialized pollinators, fueling their high metabolism almost entirely on floral nectar. Gardeners often seek reliable, high-energy food sources for these birds. Verbena, a genus known for its long bloom time and vibrant colors, is a popular choice for garden beds and containers. Many wonder if this common garden staple genuinely provides the necessary resources to attract and sustain these winged visitors.
Preferred Verbena Species for Hummingbirds
Verbena is a broad genus, and not all species attract hummingbirds equally; however, many varieties are highly favored sources of nectar. The most effective species have an upright growth habit and dense clusters of small, brightly colored flowers. These characteristics make the flowers a visible and accessible target for a hovering bird.
One widely recommended species is Verbena rigida, often called Slender Vervain, which offers plentiful, violet-purple blooms from summer into fall. The popular cultivar ‘Homestead Purple’ (Verbena canadensis) is another top performer, forming a dense mat of dark purple flowers. Tall Verbena (Verbena bonariensis) is also excellent, growing up to four feet high with airy, lavender-purple flower clusters that provide a consistent food supply.
Low-growing, trailing varieties may not offer the same concentrated nectar reward. The best selections have a robust structure and a continuous display of vivid, clustered blossoms.
Biological Factors Driving Hummingbird Attraction
The success of certain Verbena species in attracting hummingbirds is rooted in the relationship between the plant and the bird. Hummingbirds are primarily drawn to flowers based on three physical traits: color, structure, and nectar quality. The most attractive Verbena varieties typically present flowers in shades of red, pink, or purple, colors to which hummingbirds are sensitive.
The tubular structure of the small Verbena flowers is adapted to the hummingbird’s long, slender bill and tongue. This long, narrow corolla tube protects the nectar reward from insects like bees, which cannot reach the sweet fluid at the base of the flower. This arrangement ensures the nectar is reserved for the primary pollinator, facilitating effective pollen transfer as the bird feeds.
Hummingbirds require a highly concentrated energy source to power their rapid wingbeats and hovering flight. Flowers that rely on these birds for pollination produce nectar with a sugar concentration higher than that found in insect-pollinated flowers. This rich, concentrated nectar provides the necessary caloric fuel for the bird’s high metabolic rate. The combination of a protected, high-quality nectar reward and a clear visual signal makes these Verbena species a worthwhile stop.
Cultivation Tips to Maximize Nectar Production
To ensure Verbena plants produce high-quality nectar, specific cultivation techniques are beneficial. The plants must be situated in a location that receives full sun exposure, ideally six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day. Adequate sun energy is directly correlated with the plant’s ability to photosynthesize and create the sugary compounds that constitute the nectar.
Proper soil condition is also important, as Verbena requires well-drained soil and will not thrive in overly wet conditions. While the plants are relatively drought-tolerant once established, consistent, deep watering during dry spells will support vigorous growth and continuous flower production. This balance is necessary to maintain the health of the plant without causing root rot.
To encourage a prolonged blooming period, which extends the nectar availability for the hummingbirds, regular deadheading is recommended. Removing spent flower clusters prevents the plant from diverting energy into seed production, prompting it instead to create new blooms. Planting multiple Verbena plants in groups or masses also enhances their visibility, creating a large, distinct target that hummingbirds can easily spot from a distance.