Do Hummingbirds Like Bleeding Heart Flowers

Yes, hummingbirds do like bleeding hearts. Bleeding heart flowers produce abundant nectar, which makes them an attractive food source for hummingbirds. Additionally, their delicate flowers and bright colors make them visually appealing to hummingbirds. 

While there is limited scientific research on the topic, observations from birdwatchers and gardeners suggest that hummingbirds are indeed attracted to bleeding heart flowers. Therefore, if you want to attract hummingbirds to your garden, planting bleeding heart flowers is a great option.

In this article, we will explore the connections between hummingbirds and bleeding heart flowers, keep reading.

Why do Ruby Throated hummingbirds like bleeding heart flowers?

Hummingbirds prefer brightly-colored, tubular flowers with the most nectar, and are attracted to shades. They are territorial and will chase away others from their food source. 

They are especially attracted to red flowers with long corollas, and some species have evolved specifically to attract hummingbirds as their primary pollinator. 

What are Bleeding Hearts Flowers? 

Bleeding Hearts is a type of perennial flower that is found naturally in wooded areas. It has delicate flowers that are bright in color and filled with nectar, which makes it an attractive food source for hummingbirds. 

Despite its unique shape, with the top lobes of the “heart” bloating out before tapering to a narrow opening, bleeding hearts still meet the key criteria for hummingbird-attracting flowers.

Characteristics of Bleeding Heart Flower

Bleeding heart flowers, also known as Dicentra, are a popular choice for gardeners due to their unique appearance and attractive foliage. Here are some characteristics of bleeding heart flowers:

• Appearance: Bleeding heart flowers have delicate heart-shaped petals that hang downward from arching stems, giving them a distinctive appearance. They typically bloom in mid-spring to mid-summer and come in various shades of pink, white, and red. The flowers usually grow up to 2 feet tall and require partial shade to thrive.
• Habitat: Bleeding heart flowers are native to Asia and North America, and they are commonly found in woodland areas, along streams and rivers, and in gardens.

Types of bleeding heart flowers

Type of Bleeding Heart Flower	Flower Color	Height	Bloom Time	Preferred Soil
Common bleeding heart	Pink or white	Up to 3 feet	Mid-spring to mid-summer	Moist soils
Fringed bleeding heart	Pink or white	Up to 1.5 feet	Late spring to mid-summer	Partial shade
Pacific bleeding heart	Pink or white	Up to 2 feet	Mid-spring to mid-summer	Partial shade
Dutchman’s breeches	White or pink	Up to 1 foot	Mid-spring to mid-summer	Partial shade
Squirrel corn	White or pink	Up to 1 foot	Mid-spring to mid-summer	Partial shade

Do Hummingbirds Like Bleeding Heart Flowers?

Hummingbirds are known for their love of sweet nectar and bright, colorful flowers. They have a fast metabolism and need to consume half of their body weight in nectar daily to survive. In addition to nectar, they also feed on small insects and spiders for protein.

When it comes to hummingbirds’ preferences for flowers, research has shown that they are attracted to certain colors, shapes, and nectar content. 

They are particularly drawn to bright colors such as red, orange, and pink, as well as tubular or trumpet-shaped flowers. The nectar content should also be abundant and easily accessible.

While there is not much research specifically on hummingbirds and bleeding heart flowers, many bird watchers and gardeners have reported seeing hummingbirds feeding on these delicate flowers. 

The University of Illinois Extension also notes that bleeding heart flowers can attract hummingbirds, especially if they are located near other nectar-rich flowers.

However, it is important to note that factors such as location, climate, and the amount of nectar available can all affect hummingbirds’ attraction to bleeding heart flowers. 

It is also recommended to plant a variety of nectar-rich flowers in your garden to provide a diverse food source for hummingbirds.

How to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Bleeding Heart Flowers

If you want to attract hummingbirds to your garden and specifically to your bleeding heart flowers, there are a few things you can do:

• Plant the bleeding heart flowers in the right location: Bleeding heart flowers prefer partial shade and moist soils. They grow up to 2-3 feet tall, so ensure that they have enough space to grow.
• Provide a variety of flowering plants: Planting different types of flowering plants in your garden can help provide a variety of nectar sources for hummingbirds. 
• Colors: Hummingbirds are attracted to bright colors such as red, pink, and purple. Other perennial flowers that hummingbirds enjoy include cardinal flowers, bee balm, and hummingbird vines.
• Maintain the garden: Hummingbirds prefer gardens that are well-maintained and free from pesticides. Keep the garden clean and remove any dead flowers or leaves regularly.

Factors that may affect hummingbirds’ attraction to bleeding heart flowers include weather conditions, availability of other nectar sources, and the time of year. Hummingbirds are most active during mid-summer, so planting bleeding heart flowers that bloom during this time may increase your chances of attracting them.

Do bleeding hearts attract hummingbirds?

Yes, bleeding hearts do attract hummingbirds.

Other flowers that attract hummingbirds

Flower	Appearance	Color	Shape	Growing Requirements
Bleeding Heart	Delicate, heart-shaped flowers that taper to a narrow opening	Pink, red, and white	Balloon out at the top and taper to a narrow opening	Shade and moist, fertile soils
Coral Honeysuckle	Trumpet-shaped flowers with long tubes	Orange-red, yellow	Tubular with long tubes	Sun to partial shade and well-drained soils
Monarda	Clusters of small, tubular flowers	Pink, red, purple	Tubular with long tubes	Sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soils
Cardinal Flower	Long, tubular flowers with petals that curve outward	Bright red	Tubular with long tubes	Sun to partial shade and moist, fertile soils

Overall, these flowers are similar in that they are all brightly colored and tubular in shape, which makes them attractive to hummingbirds. However, they differ in appearance, color, and growing requirements.

What specific flowers or plants can be used to attract hummingbirds?

There are many flowers and plants that can be used to attract hummingbirds to your garden. Here are some specific examples:

1. Bee Balm (Monarda) – This plant produces clusters of bright, tubular flowers that are rich in nectar and come in shades of pink, red, and purple.
2. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia) – The cardinal flower produces long, tubular blooms that are bright red and particularly attractive to hummingbirds.
3. Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) – This vine produces bright orange-red flowers that are tubular in shape and attract both hummingbirds and butterflies.
4. Fuchsia – Fuchsia produces long, tubular flowers that are often two-toned in color, with shades of pink, red, and purple.
5. Salvia – Many varieties of salvia produce tubular flowers in shades of red, pink, and purple that are attractive to hummingbirds.
6. Trumpet Creeper (Campsis radicans) – This vine produces bright orange-red, trumpet-shaped flowers that are particularly attractive to hummingbirds.
7. Bleeding Heart (Dicentra) – While not tubular in shape, the heart-shaped flowers of the bleeding heart are often a favorite of hummingbirds and provide a unique addition to any garden.

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Conclusion

Bleeding heart flowers are a favorite among hummingbirds due to their delicate appearance and abundant nectar, making them a great choice for any hummingbird garden.

Incorporating bleeding heart flowers and other hummingbird favorites into your garden can create a vibrant and diverse habitat that will benefit both the birds and your garden’s ecosystem. So why not try planting bleeding heart flowers in your garden today and enjoy the beauty and wonder of these amazing creatures?