Do you have a rose of Sharon in your garden and wondering if it could attract the tiny hummers? If yes, you have visited the right post.
Hummingbirds have a strong affinity toward flowers that produce nectar, like snapdragons. They are often seen flying over various flowers to enjoy a nectarous meal. So, it’s normal to think that hummers might like the rose of Sharon. Don’t worry; we will address all your hummingbird vs. rose of Sharon concerns in the article below.
Here you will get all the biological details regarding whether hummingbirds prefer the rose of Sharon or not. So, without further ado, let’s get started!
What is the rose of Sharon?
The Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) is a species of deciduous hibiscus that blooms profusely in the summer and fall. The five-petalled, paper-like blossoms can grow up to three inches in diameter and come in a variety of hues (including bicolors). Blooms frequently feature a darkly pigmented throat and a large stamen.
White, red, pink, lavender, blue, and bicolors in single or double shapes are the typical flower hues. Some kinds produce multiple colored flowers on the same plant by grafting. Shrubs that bloom in the spring and early summer can be complemented with a wide variety of rose of Sharon cultivars.
Your Rose of Sharon plant’s large, stunning blooms entices butterflies to stop by. Additionally, pollinators like bumble bees are drawn to Rose of Sharon plants and like eating its blossoms. Do you know? Birds that consume mosquitoes can find shelter and solace under the Rose of Sharon. With fewer mosquitoes in your yard, a Rose of Sharon can help keep these birds protected, housed, and happy.
The rose of Sharon is simple to cultivate and cheerful in full sun in northern gardens with six hours or more of sunshine each day. It is hardy to USDA Zones 5 to 8 (and occasionally Zone 9). These plants thrive in soil that drains well, such as sandy or loamy soil, with regular hydration. The good news is that once planted, roses of Sharon can endure certain dry circumstances; it’s just not what they want.
The national South Korean flower is none other than the rose of Sharon, which is indigenous to Asia and can be found from China to India. Before 1600, it arrived in the United States. An invasive rose of Sharon has reportedly been found in Virginia and Kentucky, among other places.
Moving on, let’s investigate the relationship between the rose of Sharon and hummingbirds. Stay tuned!
Do hummingbirds like the rose of Sharon?
Rose of Sharon is a beauty on your property. As we already discussed, these blooms attract several creatures and make your garden and backyard lively. However, the important question is, is the rose of Sharon capable of attracting hummingbirds?
The answer is, yes!
Hummingbirds love the rose of Sharon because the blooms are bright-red and visibly striking to attract the birds. Besides, these flowers are nectar-rich, attract insects, provide shade to the birds, and are open during the day and spring. All reasons make them suitable for hummingbirds.
All these reasons make the rose of Sharon a preferred flower among various hummingbirds. Since these flowers produce large quantities of nectar, almost all hummingbirds love them. So, you can plant these shrubs in your garden and ensure that numerous hummers visit your property almost every day.
Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds and Rose of Sharon
Do you know? Some hummingbirds have a stronger affinity toward the rose of Sharon than others. One of the most frequently-visiting guests on your property would be the ruby-throated hummingbirds if you plant the rose of Sharon in your gardens. So, if you love ruby-throated hummers and live in areas like Florida, southern Mexico, and Central America, the rose of Sharon would be the perfect way to attract them.
Broad-tailed hummingbirds and Rose of Sharon
Apart from ruby-throated hummingbirds, you can also attract broad-tailed hummingbirds through the rose of Sharon. If you live in areas like Guatemala, Mexico, western United States, Western Canada (during summer), and wintering regions such as southern Mexico, you can find these hummers buzzing on your property, thanks to the rose of Sharon.
Rivoli’s hummingbirds love Rose of Sharon
Another variety of hummingbirds, called Rivoli’s hummingbirds, love the rose of Sharon. If you live in regions where these hummingbirds have a large population, having the rose of Sharon blooms in your garden will be a boon in attracting them to your property. Rivoli’s hummingbirds are year-long residents of north-central Mexico south and northern Nicaragua. You will be blessed with numerous Rivoli’s hummingbirds visiting your property if you live in these regions and have the rose of Sharon blooms in your backyard or garden.
Anna’s hummingbirds like Rose of Sharon
Similarly, Anna’s hummingbird is another type that loves the rose of Sharon flowers. As you saw, some hummingbird species have a stronger affinity toward the rose of Sharon. These blooms attract the birds in droves and help you keep your garden chirpy year long.
Now you have understood that some hummingbirds prefer the rose of Sharon more than others. So, you might be interested to know more about the relationship between these creatures and the beautiful blooms. Let’s dive deeper to learn more about the hummers and the rose of Sharon!
7 reasons why hummingbirds like the rose of Sharon
It’s been quite a few times that we mentioned hummingbirds loving the rose of Sharon. Indeed, they love these blooms and flock to properties where these flowers grow in abundance.
However, a common question might be nagging you. Why do hummingbirds like the rose of Sharon? What’s so special about it that hummingbirds get attracted by the flowers? Don’t worry; you can count on us! In the upcoming section, you will know every reason why hummingbirds prefer the rose of Sharon. Let’s begin!
1. Bright-red blooms attract hummingbirds
The rose of Sharon flowers has various colors, primarily bright hues. Their color palette is a significant reason why hummingbirds love them. Although these flowers are a paradise for most hummingbirds, the red-colored blooms are their favorite. But why do hummingbirds love the red-colored rose of Sharon blooms?
The reason is quite simple! Hummingbirds prefer visibility striking flowers as they are expected to contain higher nectar concentrations. So, they are attracted to red, yellow, and orange blooms. Similarly, hummingbirds can easily find the rose of Sharon beds from long distances and can get attracted to them.
2. The rose of Sharon blooms are nectar-rich
Hummingbirds have a high sugar intake. Since they have a raging metabolism, their energy consumption is high. So, they need more sugar-rich food to replenish the energy levels in their bodies. Thus, hummingbirds love flowers having high nectar concentrations.
Luckily, the rose of Sharon has a high nectar content. Its sugar-rich nectar is everything a hummer requires, especially during migrations and breeding. So, hummingbirds have a high affinity toward the rose of Sharon flowers for their rich, sugary, and energy-giving nectar.
3. Rose of Sharon attracts insects
Rose of Sharon has no aroma. However, it produces sticky nectar which is an invitation to many insects like ants. So, it’s safe to conclude that the rose of Sharon flowers is a paradise for various insects and pests. Although it’s an unfortunate event for plant owners, it’s a retreat for hummingbirds.
Apart from nectar, hummingbirds often eat small insects when they need protein and higher energy in their bodies. Since the rose of Sharon blooms attracts pesky insects, hummingbirds find these flowers multi-purpose – one for nectar and the other for being bait for various insects.
4. These blooms provide shade for the birds
Have you ever seen a rose of Sharon flower? It’s large with more surface area. So, they can house insects and provide bees and birds with some coverage as they drink its nectar.
Hummingbirds are small creatures and fear many factors. Since the rose of Sharon flowers is shady, these birds feel safe when hidden inside the blooms. Apart from nectar and insect-attracting capacity, the shade provided by the rose of Sharon flowers allows hummingbirds to love the blooms and enjoy a nutritious meal without worries.
5. Tubular insides allow hummingbirds to stick their tongue inside
Indeed, the rose of Sharon flowers is large, showy, and open. However, if you observe closely, they have a tube-like neck. It’s the area where nectar is produced for the pollinators.
You must be knowing that hummingbirds use their long tongues to suck nectar from plants. The tube-like neck of the rose of Sharon flowers allows the hummers to stick their tongues inside the blooms and easily suck out nectar. Overall, hummingbirds feel comfortable enjoying an energy-rich feast from the rose of Sharon flowers, making them visit gardens having these plants frequently.
6. The rose of Sharon blooms open during the day
Hummingbirds are day dwellers. They search for food and nectar throughout the day and roost at night. So, they should find blooms that open during the day and provide them with large quantities of nectar for the birds.
Do you know? The rose of Sharon flowers open for a day and close at night. So, it’s a flower that attracts pollinators that roam during the daytime. Due to this reason, the rose of Sharon blooms is a boon for hummingbirds. The hungry hummingbirds can get nectar from the rose of Sharon flowers in the early hours without having to wander more for food.
7. The rose of Sharon blooms during hummingbirds’ migration
Hummingbirds move south as other birds do in quest of food sources like flowers and insects. Many people travel here in the late summer and fall, motivated more by dwindling daylight than by hunger or dropping temperatures. Hummingbirds need extra energy while migrating.
Rose of Sharon blooms rapidly in the summertime and continues to do so through midfall or even until the first frost. Do you see a correlation? The rose of Sharon flowers open during the migration period of hummingbirds, making them love the blooms like no other flowers.
These reasons make hummingbirds love the rose of Sharon flowers. Undoubtedly, the rose of Sharon can be a boon for hummingbird lovers living in the US. If you are all set to plant the rose of Sharon on your property to attract the hummers, hang on! You need to know more about the flowers before you proceed. Follow the next section of this post to learn more!
Planning garden landscape for hummingbirds with the rose of Sharon
A suitable garden landscape will help you attract more hummingbirds to your property. However, you will find it difficult to create a garden plan that brings more hummers if you are new to gardening for birds. This section will highlight the aspects of good gardening for the little birds.
Do you want to develop an effective garden landscape with the rose of Sharon plants for the hummingbirds? If yes, here are some tips to help you!
- Decide where you want the center of your hummingbird garden to be. You’ll have a front-row seat to the action if you choose a spot near a window or patio door. It is not necessary to have a massive hummingbird garden; a flower box or trellis would do. Increased bird population will result from the rose of Sharon-only gardens.
- Plant your Rose of Sharon in a location with adequate drainage, full sun to partial shade, for stunning flowers and simple maintenance. You’ll need to look throughout your entire garden for areas with these criteria.
- To supply more nectar, create areas of the various rose of Sharon plants. The hummers will be able to travel to various plants and enjoy a delicious feast thanks to the many flowers.
- Pruning your plants will encourage bloom output by preventing excessive woody development. Hummingbirds won’t visit your garden as a result of excessive timber growth. On your property, a more opulent rose of Sharon flowers will be visible and capable of luring hummers.
- Offer baths with water. Hummingbirds typically bathe in shallow water, just like the majority of birds (even in the drops that gather on leaves). Garden misters, drip fountains, and miniature waterfalls—all of which are readily available at many garden supply stores—can attract hummingbirds who will sit and fluff and preen or flutter among the droplets they produce. The hummers will be attracted to your yard by this feature.
- Since the rose of Sharon plants attracts various insects and pests, you might consider using pesticides or insecticides. However, it can be a fatal move for your hummingbirds. Hummingbirds are highly susceptible to small amounts of insecticides. So, it’s better to keep your garden natural and free from these chemicals.
We know that you want to see some proof where tiny hummingbirds are loving the rose of Sharon flowers. Don’t worry! The upcoming section is all you need to see. Follow along with the article!
Images of hummingbirds on the rose of Sharon
Are you interested in viewing the pictures of some hummingbirds with the rose of Sharon flowers? Hang tight! We are going on a visual ride with some beautiful pictures of nature. Let’s get started!
1. A hummingbird with a blue rose of Sharon flower
What else could be better than the sight of a hummingbird approaching your rose of Sharon flowers? This is a similar capture of the joyous moment when a hummingbird visits a vibrant blue rose of Sharon bloom.
2. Anna’s hummingbird on the pink rose of Sharon flowers
As we already said, Anna’s hummingbirds love the rose of Sharon flowers. Here’s visual evidence of a hummingbird approaching a beautiful rose of Sharon bloom.
3. Hummingbird digging deep in a rose of Sharon bloom
Are you looking for a picture that illustrates hummingbirds sucking nectar from the rose of Sharon flowers? This is the best picture where a hummingbird is seen burying its head inside the tubular flower.
4. Hummingbird preying on bugs on the rose of Sharon bushes
The rose of Sharon flowers and bushes are the best places for insects to thrive. In this picture, a healthy hummingbird is seen sitting and preying on these bugs over a rose of Sharon bush.
Videos of hummingbirds on the rose of Sharon
Apart from photos, we have some videos where hummingbirds are seen enjoying their rose of Sharon delight. Here are those videos!
It’s quite difficult to spot the fast-flier. But, there it is! A tiny hummingbird brings joy to viewers as it chooses the best rose of Sharon flower and enjoys a nectarous meal.
It’s a challenge to spot the lovely hummingbird on the rose of Sharon bush. However, it’s no less than a delight to watch the hummer satiate its hunger from the vibrant flowers. Indeed, they love the rose of Sharon flowers!
Conclusion
The rose of Sharon flowers isn’t hard to grow. You can plant the rose of Sharon trees in your garden and witness numerous hummingbirds flocking your property without hassles. You can get the most visitors when the rose of Sharon blooms during the time when hummingbirds are migrating, breeding, or are hungry during the early hours. Overall, hummingbirds love the rose of Sharon blooms.
