Spring is a magical time of year when the world awakes from its winter slumber, and colorful blooms adorn the landscape, attracting a myriad of wildlife. Among these, hummingbirds are particularly captivated by the vibrant display of nectar-rich flowers, drawn to their sweet rewards. By understanding which spring flowers attract hummingbirds, we can cultivate our gardens to become lively, miniature avian oases.
Hummingbirds, with their extraordinary metabolism and energy demands, require a constant supply of energy in the form of nectar. They are particularly drawn to tubular-shaped flowers in shades of red, orange, and pink, which serve as excellent markers for their nectar source. The following sections delve into specific spring flowers that prove irresistible to hummingbirds.
Tubular-Shaped Flowers
Hummingbirds' long, agile bills and tongues, designed to extract nectar from deep within flowers, mean they favor tubular-shaped blooms. These flowers often come in hues that catch the hummingbirds' attention and offer the energy-rich food they require.
Examples of tubular-shaped spring flowers that attract hummingbirds include:
Lupines
Lupines (Lupinus spp.) are early-blooming, tall, and striking perennials that produce showy spikes of nectar-rich flowers in various shades of blue, purple, pink, and white. Their tubular shape and vivid colors make them an excellent hummingbird magnet.
Several species and cultivars of lupines become available in spring, allowing gardeners to create a diverse and engaging display for their feathered visitors. 'Russell's Miracle Mountain' offers a wealth of purple and white blooms, while 'Danica Blue' boasts a stunning array of sky blue flowers.
Penstemon
Penstemon (Penstemon spp.) is a diverse genus of about 275 species, most of which are native to North America. These hummingbird-magnet plants produce tubular, snapdragon-like flowers in shades of red, orange, pink, white, and purple, often with undersides marked with contrasting blotches or stripes.
Some popular Penstemon species that reliably attract hummingbirds include:
- Penstemon caulescens ('Raven's Wing') - deep purple-maroon flowers with white centers and stark wings
- Penstemon EV arkansas velvet - lush velvet maroon foliage adorned with tubular, near-black flowers
- Penstemon sandersii ('Electric Pink') - bold, tubular, hot pink blooms with white bases
Hummingbird-Friendly Blooms in Shades of Red, Orange, and Pink
Hummingbirds possess an innate attraction to the colors red, orange, and pink, which signify nectar-rich flowers. We can harness this preference by incorporating plants bearing blooms in these captivating shades into our spring gardens.
Examples of spring flowers that attract hummingbirds with their stunning, eye-catching hues include:
Tulips
Tulips (Tulipa spp.) are early-blooming perennials that come in a wide array of colors, including many vibrant shades favored by hummingbirds. Their cup-shaped flowers, often featuring bold patterns and markings, entice hummingbirds to feed.
Some hummingbird-friendly Tulipa varieties are:
- Tulipa 'Belle Epoque' - deep, fiery red, bi-colored blooms with white undersides
- Tulipa 'Daydream' - semi-double, warm apricot-pink petals with dark purple baselines
- Tulipa 'Ivory Floradale' - pure white blooms with delicate, warm pink overtones
Zinnias
Zinnias (Zinnia spp.) are reliable annuals that provide continuous color throughout the growing season, attracting beneficial insects and hummingbirds alike. Their wide-open, daisy-like blooms come in various sizes and colors, often with vibrant red, orange, and pink options that beckon hummingbirds.
Excellent hummingbird-attracting Zinnia cultivars include:
- Zinnia 'Profusion Red & Yellow' - bright red and yellow bi-colored blooms on bushy, heat-tolerant plants
- Zinnia 'Zowie! Yellow Flame' - striking orange, red, and yellow flame-like blooms
- Zinnia 'State Fair' Mix - a blend of old-fashioned, multi-colored Zinnias, including orange, pink, and red
Creating a vibrant hummingbird haven requires purposeful planning and planting that caters to these remarkable birds' dietary and nesting needs. By selecting a diverse range of spring-blooming flowers in various heights, shapes, and captivating colors, we can create miniature, avian oases in our gardens that will entice hummingbirds to visit, feed, and even nest in our green spaces.