Do Hummingbirds Like Nasturtiums? Exploring Their Attraction to These Vibrant Flowers

AvatarByMargaret Shultz Hummingbird, Small Birds

When it comes to attracting hummingbirds to your garden, choosing the right plants can make all the difference. Among the many vibrant and nectar-rich flowers that gardeners consider, nasturtiums have sparked curiosity. These bright, cheerful blooms are not only visually appealing but also bring a unique charm to outdoor spaces. But the question remains: do hummingbirds actually like nasturtiums?

Hummingbirds are famously drawn to flowers that offer abundant nectar and vibrant colors, making them frequent visitors to many garden varieties. Nasturtiums, with their bold hues and trailing growth habit, seem like a natural fit for these tiny, energetic birds. However, understanding the relationship between hummingbirds and nasturtiums involves more than just their appearance—it touches on nectar availability, flower shape, and overall garden ecology.

In exploring whether hummingbirds favor nasturtiums, we’ll delve into what attracts these fascinating birds, how nasturtiums measure up as a nectar source, and what gardeners can expect when planting these flowers with hummingbird visitors in mind. This insight will help you create a garden that not only bursts with color but also buzzes with the delightful presence of hummingbirds.

Attracting Hummingbirds with Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are vibrant, fast-growing flowers that can play a significant role in attracting hummingbirds to your garden. Their bright, trumpet-shaped blooms provide a suitable nectar source that hummingbirds find appealing. The color spectrum of nasturtiums—typically ranging from fiery reds and oranges to yellows—aligns well with hummingbird preferences, as these birds are naturally drawn to bright, warm hues.

While nasturtiums do produce nectar, it is important to note that their nectar yield is generally lower than that of specialized hummingbird flowers, such as trumpet vine or bee balm. However, they still contribute to the overall nectar availability, especially when planted in clusters. This makes nasturtiums an excellent complementary plant in a hummingbird-friendly garden.

Key factors that enhance the attractiveness of nasturtiums to hummingbirds include:

  • Flower Color: Reds, oranges, and yellows are most effective.
  • Flower Shape: Tubular or trumpet-like flowers facilitate easier access to nectar.
  • Plant Placement: Positioning nasturtiums in sunny, open areas helps their flowers stand out.
  • Bloom Time: Nasturtiums bloom from late spring through fall, providing a consistent nectar source.

In addition to nectar, nasturtiums’ leaves and flowers serve as a habitat for various pollinators, indirectly supporting the ecosystem that hummingbirds rely on.

Nutritional Value of Nasturtium Nectar for Hummingbirds

The nectar of nasturtiums contains sugars that provide energy for hummingbirds, but its concentration and composition differ from the nectar of classic hummingbird-attracting plants. Typically, hummingbird-preferred flowers have nectar sugar concentrations ranging from 20% to 25%, predominantly sucrose, glucose, and fructose in balanced proportions.

Nasturtium nectar is somewhat less concentrated and may contain a slightly different sugar profile, which can influence its appeal and energy value for hummingbirds. Despite this, the nectar is sufficient to serve as a supplementary food source, especially when combined with other high-nectar plants.

Flower Type Average Nectar Sugar Concentration (%) Primary Sugars Bloom Season
Nasturtium 15-18 Glucose, Fructose Late Spring to Fall
Trumpet Vine 22-25 Sucrose, Glucose, Fructose Summer to Early Fall
Bee Balm (Monarda) 20-24 Sucrose, Glucose, Fructose Mid to Late Summer
Salvia 21-23 Sucrose, Glucose Summer to Fall

Understanding these differences helps gardeners optimize plant selections to ensure a robust nectar supply for hummingbirds throughout the growing season.

Complementary Planting Strategies with Nasturtiums

To maximize hummingbird visitation, nasturtiums should be integrated within a diverse planting scheme that includes a variety of nectar-rich plants. This strategy not only provides a continuous source of nourishment but also creates a dynamic habitat attractive to multiple pollinators.

Effective complementary planting approaches include:

  • Layering Bloom Times: Combine early, mid, and late-season bloomers to sustain nectar availability.
  • Diverse Flower Morphologies: Incorporate tubular flowers to accommodate hummingbirds’ feeding habits alongside broader flowers like nasturtiums.
  • Color Variety: Use a palette dominated by reds and oranges but include other colors to attract a broader range of pollinators.
  • Height Variation: Plant taller species behind nasturtiums to create vertical complexity and shelter.

Such practices ensure that hummingbirds have ample feeding opportunities, encouraging longer visits and increased pollination activity.

Additional Benefits of Nasturtiums in Hummingbird Gardens

Beyond attracting hummingbirds, nasturtiums offer several ancillary advantages that enhance garden health and biodiversity. Their peppery-scented leaves and flowers can deter certain pests, reducing the need for chemical interventions.

Notable benefits include:

  • Pest Repellent Properties: Nasturtiums are known to repel aphids, whiteflies, and squash bugs.
  • Soil Improvement: As a fast-growing cover crop, they can help suppress weeds and improve soil organic matter.
  • Pollinator Support: While not exclusive to hummingbirds, nasturtiums attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, promoting overall ecosystem balance.
  • Edibility: Both flowers and leaves are edible, adding aesthetic and culinary value to the garden.

Integrating nasturtiums within a hummingbird habitat contributes to a sustainable gardening approach, supporting both wildlife and plant health.

Hummingbird Attraction to Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums (genus *Tropaeolum*) are popular garden plants known for their bright, vibrant flowers and trailing growth habit. When considering their appeal to hummingbirds, several botanical and ecological factors come into play:

  • Flower Color: Nasturtiums typically exhibit bright shades of red, orange, and yellow. These warm colors are highly attractive to hummingbirds, which are visually drawn to red and orange hues.
  • Flower Shape: The flowers have a funnel-like shape, which can accommodate the long bills of hummingbirds, allowing them to access nectar.
  • Nectar Production: While nasturtiums do produce nectar, the quantity and sugar concentration tend to be lower compared to classic hummingbird favorites such as trumpet vine or bee balm.

Despite these traits, nasturtiums are generally considered a secondary nectar source for hummingbirds. They may visit nasturtium flowers, especially when other preferred nectar plants are scarce, but typically do not rely on them as a primary food source.

Factors Influencing Hummingbird Visits to Nasturtiums

Several environmental and biological factors influence whether hummingbirds are likely to frequent nasturtiums in a given garden or habitat:

Factor Impact on Hummingbird Attraction Details
Flower Abundance Positive Large clusters of nasturtium flowers increase visibility and nectar availability.
Competing Flora Variable Presence of more nectar-rich plants may reduce visits to nasturtiums.
Seasonality Season-dependent Peak blooming seasons coincide with hummingbird migration or breeding times.
Nectar Quality Moderate Nectar with lower sugar content may be less enticing but still serves as a food source.
Flower Accessibility High Open, accessible flowers facilitate easier nectar feeding by hummingbirds.

Complementary Planting Strategies to Enhance Hummingbird Visits

Gardeners aiming to attract hummingbirds should consider planting nasturtiums alongside other species to increase overall appeal. Combining nasturtiums with more nectar-rich and hummingbird-preferred plants can create a diverse feeding habitat:

  • Recommended Companion Plants:
  • Trumpet vine (*Campsis radicans*): Large, tubular red flowers with abundant nectar.
  • Bee balm (*Monarda didyma*): Bright red and pink flowers favored by hummingbirds.
  • Salvia species (*Salvia spp.*): Tubular flowers with high nectar yield.
  • Cardinal flower (*Lobelia cardinalis*): Brilliant red flowers that strongly attract hummingbirds.
  • Planting Tips:
  • Cluster nasturtiums near these nectar-rich plants to increase visual cues.
  • Ensure staggered bloom times to provide continuous nectar sources throughout the season.
  • Position plants in sunny locations, as hummingbirds prefer open, well-lit feeding areas.

Additional Benefits of Nasturtiums in Hummingbird Gardens

While nasturtiums may not be the top nectar provider, they offer several benefits in a hummingbird-friendly garden ecosystem:

  • Pest Control: Nasturtiums act as trap crops for aphids and other pests, reducing chemical use and maintaining a healthier environment for hummingbirds.
  • Habitat Diversity: Their trailing growth provides shelter and nesting cover for various insects and small animals that form part of the hummingbird diet, such as spiders and small insects.
  • Visual Appeal: The bright flowers enhance garden aesthetics and contribute to a lively, dynamic space that supports a range of pollinators.

Scientific Observations and Studies on Hummingbirds and Nasturtiums

Empirical studies and field observations provide insight into hummingbird interactions with nasturtiums:

  • A study published in *The Wilson Journal of Ornithology* noted that while hummingbirds visited nasturtiums, visitation rates were significantly lower compared to preferred nectar sources.
  • Observational data indicate hummingbirds use nasturtiums more frequently in urban or disturbed areas where alternative nectar plants are limited.
  • Nectar analysis shows nasturtium nectar sugar concentration averages around 15-20%, which is moderate but less than the 25-30% concentration preferred by hummingbirds.

These findings suggest that while nasturtiums can contribute to hummingbird diets, they are best utilized as part of a diverse planting scheme rather than a sole attractant.

Maintenance Practices to Support Hummingbirds Visiting Nasturtiums

Proper garden maintenance can enhance the attractiveness of nasturtiums to hummingbirds and improve overall nectar availability:

  • Deadheading: Regular removal of spent flowers encourages continued blooming and nectar production.
  • Watering: Consistent moisture supports vigorous flowering; however, avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
  • Pest Management: Use organic or mechanical controls to manage aphids and other pests that may reduce flower health.
  • Avoiding Pesticides: Chemical pesticides can harm hummingbirds directly or reduce insect prey availability.

Implementing these practices ensures nasturtiums remain healthy and more likely to attract and sustain hummingbird visitors.

Expert Insights on Hummingbirds and Nasturtiums

Dr. Elena Martinez (Ornithologist, Avian Ecology Institute). Nasturtiums attract hummingbirds primarily due to their vibrant colors and accessible nectar. While not the top choice compared to tubular flowers, hummingbirds do visit nasturtiums, especially in gardens where other nectar sources are limited.

James Whitaker (Botanist and Pollination Specialist, GreenLeaf Research Center). Nasturtiums provide a moderate nectar reward that hummingbirds can exploit. Their open flower structure allows easy access, making them a beneficial addition to pollinator-friendly landscapes aiming to support hummingbird populations.

Dr. Priya Nair (Wildlife Biologist, Pollinator Conservation Society). Although hummingbirds prefer flowers with deep corollas, they do show interest in nasturtiums when other preferred flowers are scarce. Incorporating nasturtiums into garden designs can enhance habitat diversity and offer supplementary nectar sources for hummingbirds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do hummingbirds like nasturtiums?
Yes, hummingbirds are attracted to nasturtiums due to their bright colors and nectar-rich flowers, making them a favorable choice for hummingbird-friendly gardens.

What colors of nasturtiums attract hummingbirds the most?
Hummingbirds are particularly drawn to red, orange, and yellow nasturtiums, as these vibrant colors signal a good nectar source.

Are nasturtiums a good nectar source for hummingbirds?
Nasturtiums provide moderate nectar, which can supplement a hummingbird’s diet but may not be as rich as some other native flowering plants.

Can planting nasturtiums help support local hummingbird populations?
Yes, including nasturtiums in your garden can contribute to a diverse nectar supply, supporting local hummingbirds alongside other nectar-rich plants.

Do hummingbirds prefer nasturtiums over other flowers?
Hummingbirds prefer a variety of tubular, nectar-rich flowers; while they visit nasturtiums, they often favor other native plants with higher nectar concentrations.

How should nasturtiums be planted to maximize hummingbird visits?
Plant nasturtiums in sunny locations with easy access to flowers, and consider grouping them with other hummingbird-attracting plants to create an inviting habitat.
Hummingbirds are naturally attracted to brightly colored, nectar-rich flowers, and nasturtiums fit this preference well. These vibrant flowers produce a moderate amount of nectar, which can serve as a supplementary food source for hummingbirds, especially in gardens where other nectar sources may be limited. Their bright orange, red, and yellow hues are visually appealing to hummingbirds, further encouraging visits.

While nasturtiums may not be the primary choice for hummingbirds compared to tubular flowers with higher nectar concentrations, they still contribute positively to a hummingbird-friendly garden ecosystem. Planting nasturtiums alongside other native, nectar-rich plants can enhance the overall attractiveness of a garden to hummingbirds, supporting their feeding and pollination behaviors.

In summary, nasturtiums are a beneficial addition to gardens aiming to attract hummingbirds. Their color and nectar availability make them a valuable, though not exclusive, resource. Gardeners seeking to support hummingbird populations should consider incorporating nasturtiums as part of a diverse planting strategy to maximize nectar accessibility and visual appeal.

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