Last Updated on November 25, 2022 by Cristina
Do hummingbirds like Verbena? Find out if pollinators are really interested in this lovely flower.
Watching the hummingbirds having fun in the garden is one of our absolute favorite pastimes. The way they gracefully fly from flower to flower, alternating between sipping nectar and throwing sass at each other is simply amazing to see. No matter how small they are, they really have big personalities.
If you haven’t had any luck so far and want to learn how to attract them to your yard, your best bet is to make your property bird-friendly, and the best way to do that is with flowers that attract these jewel-like creatures to your homestead!
We know they are just crazy about Sage, Agastache, and Penstemon, but do hummingbirds like Verbena? Find out below.
Meet Today’s Main Character: Verbena
Before we give you the final answer to the question “do hummingbirds like Verbena”, we decided to introduce you to this gorgeous plant. What do you say, are you in favor? We are glad to hear that! Let’s go!
For all the people struggling to find the ideal long-lasting bloom that works during the hottest days of the summer heat, look no further than Verbena. This beauty is known as a true garden treasure in areas where most other plants refuse to grow.
Now, a little more detail. All flowering plants from the genus Verbena as well as Glandularia from the Verbenaceae family are called Verbena. Did you know that the entire genus contains more than 250 species with new species being discovered every year? Believe us, we were shocked when we first heard this number.
Since it is a herbaceous flowering plant, depending on the species it can be annual or perennial. Most Verbenas are perennials (they are usually quite short-lived plants) with only a few annuals and are native to the tropical and subtropical Americas. It is important to note that pure species aren’t usually grown except by fairly specialized gardeners or heirloom enthusiasts.
Furthermore, as far as appearance is concerned, leaves are usually opposite, simple, densely packed, and in some species even hairy.
Verbena flowers are small, usually have five petals, and are borne in dense spikes. In addition, they come in a range of cheerful hues including red, pink, apricot, the widely known lavender, purple, blue, and white, but there are also bi-colored varieties.
Click Here to Get Info About:
- Do Hummingbirds Like Hibiscus Flowers? A Short Guide for Easier Understanding
- Are Hummingbirds Seasonal? Major Facts You Don’t Want To Miss
Does Verbena Attract Hummingbirds & Other Pollinators?
It’s no secret that pollinators are the key to the transformative stages in plants that bring beautiful flowers as well as tasty vegetables. Most plants need to be pollinated in order to produce seeds, flowers, fruits, and vegetables, and pollinators are there to make this process successful.
Among the most common pollinators that bring enormous benefits to our ecosystem are butterflies, bees, moths, and some certain types of insects. In short, if you want to attract them all summer long, verbenas will be a great choice.
Hummingbird Feeder, Glass Hummingbird Feeder for Outdoors, Vibrant Colors Attract Hummingbirds
Do Hummingbirds Like Verbena?
Verbena plants are incredibly pollinator-friendly, which is also one of their main uses in the garden/yard. Its irresistible scent seems to lure flying creatures to come closer. This type of plant has a strong wildflower vibe for pollinators, and the same goes for gardeners, who love it because it adds a touch of height and texture to spice up an otherwise manicured landscape.
So, do hummingbirds like Verbena? As you might have guessed while reading the previous paragraphs, the answer is yes. In fact, hummingbirds not only like it, but they also adore it!
Most members of the Verbenaceae family are small, with petals joined at the base to form a tube. The trick is in the tube, which actually contains the sweet liquid that keeps these little flyers alive.
Since it is a plant incredibly popular with butterflies, hummingbirds, and other late-season pollinators, you will not go wrong if you plant it in your yard. Most members of the family have flowers between 2 and 4 feet tall, which is actually the perfect height to watch these amazing aviators at play.
Take Out Time to Also Read:
- How Fast Do Hummingbirds Beat Their Wings?
- Do Hummingbirds Like Nasturtiums? Many Consider It Too Sweet For Their Taste
What Plants Attract Hummingbirds?
Now that you know the one true answer to the question “do hummingbirds like Verbena”, let us devote a few lines to the best plants for attracting these creatures.
Given that they are voracious flying gems that have the highest metabolic rate of any animal on earth, it’s no wonder they spend most of their time drinking nectar. Did you know that one hummer usually visits as many as 2,000 flowers in just one day?
If you want to attract them to your yard, you must forever remember that these creatures will never resist those brightly colored tubular flowers. In addition, it is important to note that the shape and vivid color mean nothing if the plant doesn’t produce a sufficient amount of nectar.
Truth be told, these birds enjoy nibbling on insects, but they prefer food nectar, which as you can guess, is most abundant in trumpet-shaped flowers. As for color preference, blooms that are reddish or purple in color are most attractive to these avians, although they will not refuse to take a sip from flowers of other colors.
Keep in mind that hummingbirds are guided by their sense of sight, not their sense of smell, which is why they don’t care so much if a flower stinks according to our assumptions, the birds will visit it anyway.
To Wrap Up: Do Hummingbirds Like Verbena?
This vibrant, vigorous, and versatile plant is our top choice for adding a WOW effect to the yard. We especially like it because it blooms all season long, and we could write a separate article about its beautiful, brightly colored flowers.
So, do hummingbirds like Verbena? The answer is affirmative! Do not hesitate to plant it, because its abundance of flowers as well as the long bloom period makes it a useful source of both nectar and pollen.
Hoosiers, friends, and all bird enthusiasts, what flowers have you found to be the best for attracting these creatures? Tell us more in the comment section below.
Take a look at this article as well: Top 4 Best Trees For Hummingbirds: Options That Make A Difference
