Sunday, May 16, 2010

Are there any specific Roses that attract hummingbirds and butterflies?

I know there are many plants which attract butterflies and hummingbirds. I love Roses so I was wondering whether there are specific fragrant Roses that attract butterflies and hummingbirds?

Are there any specific Roses that attract hummingbirds and butterflies?
butterflies and hummingbirds aren't especially attracted to any kinds of roses.





you'll want stuff like butterfly bush, joe pye weed, honeysuckle, lantana, salvia, marigolds, liatris, agastche, bee balm, and morning glories.





http://birding.about.com/library/weekly/...


http://www.hummingbirds.net/attract.html
Reply:As a general rule butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to NECTAR, not fragrance or colour. Both bird and insect are designed to sip nectar, butterflies with a long proboscis, and hummingbirds with their very long beaks. Any plant with a long thin nectary, Datura, Lantana, Lonicera etc. will suit, Roses look lovely, but are fairly useless for wildlife.
Reply:#C olor: Hummingbirds are attracted to red, orange and yellow flowers, with blue as a weak fourth. There are several possible explanations for this color preference in flowers, but there doesn't seem to be one that is clear and definitive.


# Blossom shape: Hummingbirds are partial to nectar contained in long, tubular blossoms. Their long bills reach into these long flowers, and their tongues extend a distance a little longer than beak length. Interestingly, they don't "sip" the nectar using their beaks like straws, but lap it up with their tongues. Most insects cannot reach as far into flowers as hummers can, so tubular flowers are their reliable food sources.


# Nectar volume: The common red-to-orange-flowered Trumpet Creeper (Campsis radicans) produces one of the highest volumes of nectar per blossom known. Some flat flowers like red roses will attract hummers, but they soon leave them because no nectar is present.


# Choosing flower species: Select species and varieties of perennials that grow well in your area and have a history of success in attracting hummingbirds. Supplement these with hummingbird-friendly annuals or tender perennials. Planning container and window boxes takes more research, but results are worthwhile.


# Seeking advice: Ask other gardeners and homeowners in your area who have attracted hummers what tactics they used for success.


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