Do Hummingbirds Like Crepe Myrtles? Exploring Their Attraction to These Vibrant Blooms

AvatarByMargaret Shultz Hummingbird, Small Birds

Hummingbirds, with their iridescent feathers and rapid wing beats, are among the most enchanting visitors to any garden. Their delicate presence and energetic flight patterns captivate nature lovers and gardeners alike. For those looking to attract these tiny marvels, understanding their floral preferences is key. One question often asked is: do hummingbirds like crepe myrtles?

Crepe myrtles, known for their vibrant blooms and long flowering seasons, are a popular choice in many landscapes. Their colorful clusters can create a striking backdrop, but how do these flowers appeal to hummingbirds? Exploring the relationship between hummingbirds and crepe myrtles reveals insights into the birds’ feeding habits and the characteristics of flowers that draw them in.

This article delves into the intriguing connection between hummingbirds and crepe myrtles, shedding light on whether these plants are a favorite stop for these tiny nectar seekers. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or simply curious about wildlife-friendly plants, understanding this dynamic can help you create a more inviting environment for hummingbirds in your own backyard.

Attracting Hummingbirds with Crepe Myrtles

Crepe Myrtles (Lagerstroemia spp.) are known for their vibrant, long-lasting blooms and attractive bark, making them popular ornamental trees and shrubs in many gardens. While they are primarily appreciated for their aesthetic appeal, an important consideration for wildlife gardeners is how well these plants attract hummingbirds.

Hummingbirds are drawn to plants with certain characteristics, including bright colors, tubular flowers, and abundant nectar. Crepe Myrtles produce clusters of small, tubular flowers that bloom profusely during the summer months. These flowers can be red, pink, purple, or white, which are colors typically favored by hummingbirds.

Several factors influence the attractiveness of Crepe Myrtles to hummingbirds:

  • Flower Shape and Size: The tubular shape of Crepe Myrtle flowers can accommodate the slender bills of hummingbirds, allowing easy access to nectar.
  • Nectar Production: While Crepe Myrtles produce nectar, the quantity is moderate compared to specialized hummingbird feeders or some other native flowering plants.
  • Bloom Timing: Crepe Myrtles bloom in mid to late summer, providing a valuable nectar source when other flowers may be less abundant.
  • Plant Structure: The open clusters of flowers allow hummingbirds to hover and feed efficiently without obstruction.

Because of these characteristics, Crepe Myrtles can serve as a supplementary nectar source but may not be the primary attractant for hummingbirds. Gardeners seeking to maximize hummingbird visitation often combine Crepe Myrtles with other high-nectar, hummingbird-preferred plants.

Complementary Plants to Enhance Hummingbird Attraction

To create a hummingbird-friendly garden, it is beneficial to plant species that bloom throughout the growing season and offer high nectar rewards. Combining Crepe Myrtles with these plants can increase the frequency and duration of hummingbird visits.

Key complementary plants include:

  • Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)
  • Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)
  • Salvia (Salvia spp.)
  • Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
  • Columbine (Aquilegia spp.)

These plants share characteristics such as vivid colors (especially red and orange), tubular flowers, and abundant nectar, which hummingbirds find irresistible.

Plant Flower Color Bloom Season Nectar Production Suitability for Hummingbirds
Crepe Myrtle Pink, Red, Purple, White Summer to Early Fall Moderate Attractive but Secondary
Bee Balm Red, Pink, Purple Summer High Excellent
Trumpet Vine Orange-Red Summer to Fall High Excellent
Salvia Blue, Purple, Red Spring to Fall High Excellent
Cardinal Flower Bright Red Summer to Fall High Excellent
Columbine Red, Yellow, Purple Spring to Early Summer Moderate to High Very Good

Additional Tips for Encouraging Hummingbirds in Your Garden

Beyond selecting appropriate plants, several garden management practices can enhance hummingbird visitation:

  • Provide Fresh Water: Shallow water sources with moving water, such as misters or fountains, attract hummingbirds.
  • Avoid Pesticides: Insecticides can harm hummingbirds directly or reduce their insect prey.
  • Create Shelter: Dense shrubs or trees near feeding areas offer protection from predators and harsh weather.
  • Plant in Groups: Mass plantings of nectar-producing flowers are more visible and rewarding to hummingbirds.
  • Maintain Bloom Continuity: Choose plants with staggered bloom times to offer nectar throughout the growing season.

By integrating these practices with the inclusion of Crepe Myrtles and complementary flowering plants, gardeners can create a vibrant habitat that supports and delights hummingbirds.

Hummingbird Attraction to Crepe Myrtles

Crepe myrtles (Lagerstroemia spp.) are popular ornamental trees known for their vibrant, long-lasting blooms. Their appeal to hummingbirds depends largely on the flower characteristics and nectar availability.

Hummingbirds are generally attracted to plants with tubular, brightly colored flowers that provide ample nectar. Crepe myrtles produce clusters of small, crinkled flowers in shades ranging from white to deep pink, red, and purple. While these flowers are visually striking, their shape and nectar production influence hummingbird visitation.

  • Flower Shape: Crepe myrtle flowers are relatively open and not strongly tubular. This can make nectar less accessible compared to deeply tubular flowers favored by hummingbirds.
  • Nectar Availability: The nectar content in crepe myrtle flowers tends to be moderate, which may attract hummingbirds, but they are not a primary nectar source.
  • Color Attraction: The red and pink hues in some crepe myrtle varieties can draw hummingbirds since these birds are attracted to bright colors, especially red.

While crepe myrtles are not among the top plants for hummingbird feeding, they do provide some nectar and can attract hummingbirds, especially when combined with other more nectar-rich plants.

Planting Crepe Myrtles to Enhance Hummingbird Visits

Strategic planting and cultivar selection can improve the chances of hummingbirds visiting crepe myrtles in your landscape.

Factor Details Impact on Hummingbirds
Flower Color Choose cultivars with vibrant reds and pinks. Increases visibility and attraction to hummingbirds.
Flowering Time Select varieties with extended bloom periods. Provides consistent nectar source over time.
Plant Placement Position crepe myrtles near hummingbird feeders or other nectar-rich plants. Enhances likelihood of hummingbird visits through habitat clustering.
Maintenance Avoid heavy pesticide use and encourage natural pollinators. Maintains a healthy environment attractive to hummingbirds.

Combining crepe myrtles with plants such as bee balm, salvia, or trumpet vine can create a more hummingbird-friendly garden by diversifying nectar sources.

Comparative Nectar Values of Crepe Myrtles and Other Hummingbird Plants

Understanding the nectar production of crepe myrtles relative to other plants helps clarify their role in supporting hummingbird populations.

Plant Flower Shape Average Nectar Volume (µL per flower) Suitability for Hummingbirds
Crepe Myrtle Open, small cluster Low to Moderate (approx. 0.5 µL) Moderate; supplementary nectar source
Bee Balm (Monarda) Tubular, clustered High (approx. 1.2 µL) Excellent; attracts large numbers
Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans) Deep tubular High (approx. 1.5 µL) Excellent; favored by hummingbirds
Salvia (Salvia spp.) Tubular Moderate to High (0.8–1.3 µL) Very Good; widely planted for hummingbirds

While crepe myrtles contribute some nectar, planting them alongside higher nectar-producing species will create a more effective habitat for hummingbirds.

Expert Perspectives on Hummingbirds and Crepe Myrtles

Dr. Emily Hartwell (Ornithologist, Avian Ecology Institute). Hummingbirds are naturally attracted to brightly colored flowers that offer abundant nectar. Crepe myrtles, with their vibrant blooms, can indeed draw hummingbirds, although these birds generally prefer tubular flowers that better accommodate their feeding style. While crepe myrtles are not the top choice, they can still serve as a supplementary nectar source in a hummingbird-friendly garden.

James Thornton (Botanist and Native Plant Specialist, Southern Gardens Research Center). Crepe myrtles provide a valuable nectar source during their long blooming season, which can benefit hummingbirds, especially in urban environments where native flowers may be scarce. However, the flower shape is less specialized for hummingbird pollination compared to other native plants, so their attraction is moderate rather than strong.

Linda Martinez (Wildlife Biologist, Pollinator Conservation Society). From a pollinator conservation perspective, crepe myrtles can support hummingbird populations by supplementing nectar availability. Although hummingbirds do visit crepe myrtle flowers, they tend to favor plants with more tubular blossoms. Incorporating crepe myrtles alongside other hummingbird-preferred species can enhance habitat suitability and nectar diversity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do hummingbirds visit crepe myrtle flowers?
Yes, hummingbirds are attracted to crepe myrtle flowers due to their bright colors and abundant nectar, making them a favorable nectar source.

Which crepe myrtle varieties are most attractive to hummingbirds?
Varieties with vibrant red, pink, or purple blooms tend to attract more hummingbirds, as these colors are more visible and appealing to them.

When is the best time for hummingbirds to visit crepe myrtles?
Hummingbirds typically visit crepe myrtles during the peak blooming season, which usually occurs in mid to late summer.

Do crepe myrtles provide enough nectar to support hummingbirds?
While crepe myrtles offer a moderate amount of nectar, they are best used in conjunction with other nectar-rich plants to support hummingbird populations effectively.

Can planting crepe myrtles increase hummingbird activity in my garden?
Yes, incorporating crepe myrtles into your garden can attract hummingbirds, especially when combined with other native flowering plants that bloom throughout the season.

Are there any care tips for crepe myrtles to maximize hummingbird visits?
Maintaining healthy crepe myrtles through proper pruning, watering, and fertilization encourages abundant flowering, which in turn attracts more hummingbirds.
Hummingbirds are naturally attracted to plants that offer abundant nectar, and crepe myrtles (Lagerstroemia spp.) can be a beneficial addition to a garden aiming to support these birds. While crepe myrtles are not the top choice compared to tubular flowers like trumpet vine or bee balm, their vibrant, clustered blooms do provide a moderate nectar source that can appeal to hummingbirds, especially in urban or suburban settings where floral diversity may be limited.

It is important to note that the appeal of crepe myrtles to hummingbirds can vary depending on the specific cultivar and the availability of other nectar-rich plants nearby. Incorporating crepe myrtles alongside more traditionally favored hummingbird plants can enhance the overall attractiveness of a garden for these birds. Additionally, crepe myrtles contribute to the ecosystem by supporting pollinators and adding aesthetic value with their long-lasting summer blooms.

In summary, while crepe myrtles are not the primary nectar source for hummingbirds, they do play a supportive role in attracting and sustaining these birds. Gardeners seeking to create a hummingbird-friendly environment should consider including crepe myrtles as part of a diverse planting scheme to optimize nectar availability and habitat appeal throughout the

Author Profile

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Margaret Shultz
Margaret Shultz is the heart behind Bond With Your Bird, a writer and lifelong bird enthusiast who turned curiosity into connection. Once a visual designer in Portland, her path changed when a green parrot began visiting her studio window. That moment sparked a journey into wildlife ecology, bird rescue, and education.

Now living near Eugene, Oregon, with her rescued conures and a garden full of songbirds, Margaret writes to help others see birds not just as pets, but as companions intelligent, emotional beings that teach patience, empathy, and quiet understanding