Mandevilla is a lush tropical vine often cultivated in containers outside its native warm climate. The answer to whether this plant attracts hummingbirds is a clear yes. Mandevilla flowers are attractive to these tiny, energetic birds, offering a reliable source of the nectar they require. This success is due to specific floral characteristics that align perfectly with the birds’ unique physiology and foraging strategies.
The Specific Attraction: Mandevilla’s Floral Design
The primary reason Mandevilla is a successful hummingbird flower lies in its distinct floral shape. The blossoms are large, trumpet-shaped, or tubular, a form perfectly adapted for the hummingbird’s long, slender bill and specialized brush-tipped tongue. This particular morphology ensures that the bird can reach the nectar reserves deep within the corolla, while most other pollinators, such as bees, are physically excluded.
Mandevilla varieties frequently display colors that hummingbirds find visually appealing. Hummingbirds show a strong preference for red and pink hues, which are common among Mandevilla cultivars. This color preference is partially due to the fact that bees, which compete for nectar, do not see the color red well, making these flowers a less contested food source. The vivid pigmentation acts as an effective long-distance beacon for foraging birds.
Hummingbird Dietary Needs and Flower Selection
Hummingbirds possess the highest mass-specific metabolic rate of any warm-blooded animal, making their energetic demands immense. Their signature hovering flight requires an extremely high rate of energy expenditure. To support this metabolism, a hummingbird must consume between one-and-a-half to three times its body weight in nectar and insects every day.
Floral nectar provides the simple sugars required to fuel nearly all flight activity. Hummingbirds seek flowers that offer a reliable, continuous supply of nectar, typically with a sugar concentration ranging between 20 to 25 percent. Mandevilla meets this demand by producing a generous volume of nectar, making it a worthwhile stop on the bird’s constant refueling circuit. This dependable source of liquid sugar helps the bird maintain energy levels and avoid entering torpor.
Growing Mandevilla to Maximize Hummingbird Visits
To ensure a continuous flow of blooms that will keep hummingbirds visiting, gardeners should focus on optimizing the plant’s growing conditions. Mandevilla vines thrive when positioned in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to promote maximum flower production. Morning sun is particularly beneficial, helping the plant to dry out and begin its photosynthetic process early.
Fertilization practices play a significant role in encouraging blooms over vegetative growth. A high-nitrogen fertilizer should be avoided, as nitrogen promotes lush leaves at the expense of flowers. Therefore, a balanced fertilizer or one with a higher phosphorus and potassium content is preferable. Applying a liquid fertilizer every one to two weeks sustains the plant’s continuous blooming cycle throughout the warm season.
Since Mandevilla is a tropical plant, it needs consistently moist, well-drained soil, especially when grown in a container. Allowing the soil to dry out between waterings prevents root issues while encouraging a strong root system. Occasional pruning to shape the vine or deadheading spent flowers can stimulate the plant to produce more nectar-rich blossoms.