Gardeners and birdwatchers share a common goal: attracting the colorful whirl of hummingbirds to their outdoor spaces. But figuring out which flowers will bring these tiny, energetic birds to visit can often feel like a mystery.
A common question many people ask is whether the vibrant marigold, with its gold and orange hues, is worthy enough to attract the hummingbird.
Interestingly, while we commonly see marigolds adorning gardens for their beauty and pest-repelling qualities, they may not be hummingbirds’ first choice due to variations in nectar content and color attractiveness.
However, this doesn’t mean marigolds have no place in a hummingbird garden! This blog will guide you through understanding what truly draws hummingbirds in and how marigolds can still play a supportive role in attracting hummingbirds to your garden.
Key Takeaways
- Hummingbirds love bright colors and high nectar content in flowers, which attracts them for feeding.
- While marigolds may not be the top choice due to low nectar content and less vibrant hues, they can still attract hummingbirds by providing insects as a food source.
- Penstemon, cardinal flower, and trumpet vine are great choices for gardens to attract hummingbirds because of their vibrant red colors and rich nectar.
- Marigolds serve a dual purpose by adding beauty to gardens and helping control pests naturally, benefiting both plants and hummingbirds.
- Adding a variety of recommended flowers like bee balm, fuchsia, lantana, salvia, nicotiana, and zinnia alongside marigolds creates an inviting space for hummingbirds.
Why Hummingbirds Are Attracted to Certain Flowers
Hummingbirds are attracted to certain flowers like sunflower & red columbine due to several key factors:
- Nectar Content: Hummingbirds primarily feed on nectar, which is a sugary fluid produced by flowers. Flowers that produce nectar in abundance are particularly attractive to hummingbirds.
- Color: Hummingbirds are drawn to bright, vivid colors, especially red, orange, and pink. These colors stand out to them against the green foliage, making it easier for them to locate flowers while flying.
- Shape of Flowers: Hummingbird-pollinated flowers often have tubular shapes that accommodate the long, slender bills of hummingbirds. These shapes allow the birds to easily access the nectar deep within the flower.
- Nectar Accessibility: Flowers with easily accessible nectar are more likely to attract hummingbirds. Flowers with shallow nectar reservoirs or easily penetrable corollas are preferred, as they require less energy for the birds to extract nectar.
- Scent: While not as significant as color and shape, some flowers emit fragrances that attract hummingbirds. However, hummingbirds primarily rely on sight rather than smell to locate flowers.
- Bloom Time: Hummingbirds often have a synchronized relationship with certain flowers, meaning that they coincide their migration or breeding periods with the blooming of specific flower species. This ensures a steady food supply for the birds.
- Location: Hummingbirds tend to favor flowers that are situated in open areas or near feeding stations where they can easily spot them during their flight.
The Surprising Answer: Do Hummingbirds Like Marigolds?
Marigolds have low nectar content, which doesn’t attract hummingbirds. Some marigold varieties lack the bright colors that usually appeal to hummingbirds.
Low nectar content in marigolds
Marigolds have low nectar content, which may not be the top choice for hummingbirds. Hummingbirds are usually attracted to flowers with high nectar content and vibrant colors like penstemon or bee balm.
While marigolds may not be their first preference, they can still play a role in attracting hummingbirds to the garden by providing some energy source.
Lack of bright colors in some marigold varieties
Some marigold varieties lack bright colors, which may not attract hummingbirds as effectively. Indigenous folklore suggests that hummingbirds are most drawn to vibrant and bold-colored flowers, preferably red or orange shades.
Hence, the muted hues of certain marigold varieties might not catch the attention of hummingbirds compared to other more colorful options like cardinal flower or trumpet vine. This preference is due to the hummingbirds’ attraction to colors for identifying nectar-filled blooms.
Other Reasons to Consider Growing Marigolds for Hummingbirds
You might wonder why I should plant marigold in my garden if it doesn’t attract hummingbird?
Well, the short answer is: Marigolds attract insects for hummingbird food source & they can be used as a border for a hummingbird-friendly garden.
Attracts insects for hummingbird food source
Marigolds attract insects that serve as a food source for hummingbirds in the garden. The presence of these tiny bugs drawn to the marigold flowers provides an additional natural food supply for the hummingbirds, supplementing their diet with essential protein and nutrients.
This makes marigolds an important component of a bird-friendly garden by not only offering nectar but also attracting small insects that are vital for the hummingbirds’ nutrition.
Can be used as a border for a hummingbird-friendly garden
Marigolds can create a vibrant border for a hummingbird-friendly garden. The bright colors of marigolds attract the attention of hummingbirds, making them an attractive addition to the garden landscape.
Their nectar-rich flowers provide an essential energy source for hummingbirds, while also acting as natural pest control by attracting insects that serve as food for the birds.
As part of a hummingbird-friendly garden, marigolds complement other nectar-rich plants such as penstemon, cardinal flower, bee balm, and fuchsia. The combination of these flowers creates a welcoming environment for hummingbirds, encouraging their presence in the garden while providing them with ample food sources.
The Best Flowers for a Hummingbird-Friendly Garden
Penstemon, cardinal flower, and trumpet vine are vibrant in red hues. Bee balm, fuchsia, and lantana boast high nectar content to attract hummingbirds. Other recommended flowers include salvia, nicotiana, and zinnia for a diverse and bird-friendly garden.
Red hues: penstemon, cardinal flower, trumpet vine
Penstemon, cardinal flower, and trumpet vine are all attractive to hummingbirds due to their vibrant red hues. These flowers contain high nectar content, providing an essential energy source for the tiny birds.
Their vivid colors act as a beacon for hummingbirds who are drawn to brightly colored blooms in the garden. The presence of these red-hued flowers can complement feeders and provide additional natural food sources for these energetic birds.
High nectar content: bee balm, fuchsia, lantana
Bee balm, fuchsia, and lantana have high nectar content. Hummingbirds are attracted to these flowers because of their abundant nectar, providing a vital energy source for the tiny birds.
These vibrant and colorful flowers help create an inviting environment for hummingbirds while also offering them a rich source of food to support their energy needs.
Other recommended flowers: salvia, nicotiana, zinnia
Salvia, also known as sage, is a great choice to attract hummingbirds with its vibrant and tubular-shaped flowers. Its long blooming period provides a consistent nectar source for these tiny birds.
Nicotiana, or flowering tobacco, produces fragrant trumpet-shaped flowers that open in the evening, making it an excellent addition for attracting nighttime-feeding hummingbird species.
Zinnias are not only colorful but also produce an abundance of nectar-rich blooms that can help entice hummingbirds to visit your garden regularly. These three flower options can complement existing plants to provide additional variety and nectar sources for hummingbirds, enhancing the overall bird-friendly environment.
Final Thoughts
In summary, hummingbirds are mainly attracted to flowers with bright colors and high nectar content. Marigolds, though not their top choice, can still play a role in attracting hummingbirds to the garden due to their vibrant colors and nectar-rich flowers.
They also act as natural pest control by attracting insects for the hummingbird’s food source. Consider incorporating marigolds alongside other recommended flowers to create a bird-friendly garden that will surely delight these fascinating creatures.