Do Hummingbirds Like Crepe Myrtle: Yes, Explain!
Yes, hummingbirds like Crepe Myrtle.
The flowers of Crepe Myrtle are excellent sources of nectar and pollen that hummingbirds love to feed on.
Hummingbirds are nectarivorous, meaning their diet primarily consists of nectar.
Crepe Myrtle trees produce vibrant flowers that are rich in nectar, making them an attractive food source for hummingbirds.
The bright colors of the flowers, especially reds and pinks, also act as a visual lure for these birds.
Crepe Myrtle is an excellent choice for hummingbird gardens due to its wide variety of brightly colored and long-lasting flowers that provide excellent food sources for these birds.
Its blooms also provide an excellent nesting spot for some species of hummingbirds, making it a great choice for those that want to attract hummingbirds to their garden.
5 Species About Hummingbirds Like Crepe Myrtle
Hummingbird Species | Attraction to Crepe Myrtle |
Ruby-throated Hummingbird | Yes/No |
Black-chinned Hummingbird | Yes/No |
Anna’s Hummingbird | Yes/No |
Costa’s Hummingbird | Yes/No |
Rufous Hummingbird | Yes/No |
Key Takeaway
Five Facts About: Crepe Myrtle
DID YOU KNOW
According to the US National Park Service, hummingbirds will migrate for up to 2,000 miles twice a year, depending on the species, to reach their food source.
Why Crepe Myrtle is Excellent for Hummingbirds
Crepe myrtle is an excellent flowering shrub for attracting hummingbirds to your garden. Its long-lasting blooms, vibrant colors, and ease of care make it a popular choice for gardeners and birders alike.
Here are some reasons why Crepe Myrtle is excellent for hummingbirds:
Beautiful Blooms: Crepe Myrtle produces flowers in shades of pink, purple, red, and white, and each bloom can last up to four months. The flowers also attract other pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Easy to Care For: Crepe Myrtle is a drought-tolerant shrub, so it doesn’t need much water or care. It’s also quite hardy and resistant to disease and pests.
Long Blooming Period: Crepe Myrtle blooms from late spring to late fall and can even keep blooming into the winter in warmer climates.
All in all, Crepe Myrtle is an excellent choice for attracting hummingbirds to your garden. Its vibrant blooms and easy care make it an ideal choice for birders and gardeners alike.
Benefits of Crepe Myrtle Flowers
The crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) is a flowering shrub that is popular for its beautiful blooms in a variety of colors, including white, pink, purple and red.
Crepe myrtle flowers have several benefits for both people and the environment:
Beautiful Appearance: Crepe myrtle blooms are vibrant and eye-catching, adding a splash of color to any garden or outdoor space.
Pollinator Attraction: These flowers provide nectar for bees and hummingbirds, helping to keep these important pollinators healthy and promoting biodiversity in the area.
Low Maintenance: Crepe myrtle flowers are easy to care for and maintain, needing minimal pruning and water to ensure they stay healthy and attractive.
Year-Round Interest: These flowers bloom during the summer and keep their deep green foliage throughout the winter, providing a beautiful backdrop all year round.
In conclusion, crepe myrtle flowers are an excellent choice for any gardener looking to add some color and beauty to their outdoor space.
Not only do they attract beneficial pollinators, but they are also low maintenance and provide a year-round interest.
Features of Crepe Myrtle
Crepe myrtle is a flowering tree that is popular for its showy display of brightly colored flowers. It is also known for its longevity and ability to thrive in a variety of climates.
Here are some of the features of crepe myrtle:
- Flowers: Crepe myrtles come in a variety of colors, such as white, pink, purple, and red. The flowers range from single to double blooms.
- Foliage: Crepe myrtle has attractive dark green foliage that turns yellow, orange, or red in the fall.
- Longevity: Crepe myrtle can live up to a hundred years.
- Weather Tolerance: Crepe myrtles can tolerate hot and humid climates, making them ideal for areas with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine.
- Maintenance: Crepe myrtles require minimal maintenance and are easy to care for. They are drought resistant and can survive with minimal water.
Nutritional Benefits of Crepe Myrtle to Hummingbirds
Crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) is a flowering tree native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia. It is an important source of food and shelter for hummingbirds.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Crepe myrtle provides a rich source of nectar for hummingbirds. The nectar contains sugar and other compounds that give hummingbirds the energy they need to fly and forage for food.
- The flowers of crepe myrtle also provide a source of pollen for hummingbirds. Pollen provides essential proteins and minerals that help hummingbirds maintain their health and energy levels.
- The leaves of crepe myrtle contain a variety of minerals and vitamins that can provide additional nutrition for hummingbirds.
In addition to providing nutrition, crepe myrtle also provides shelter and protection for hummingbirds.
The leaves can provide shade from the sun and shelter from the wind. The branches and leaves of crepe myrtle also provide resting places for hummingbirds.
Crepe myrtle is an important source of food and shelter for hummingbirds. The nectar, pollen, and leaves of crepe myrtle provide essential nutrition for hummingbirds.
The branches and leaves of crepe myrtle provide shelter and protection from the elements. Therefore, crepe myrtle is an important food source for hummingbirds.
How to Attract Hummingbirds With Crepe Myrtle
Crepe myrtle is one of the most popular plants for attracting hummingbirds. As a deciduous shrub, it provides a source of food and shelter for hummingbirds throughout the year.
Here are some tips on how to attract hummingbirds with crepe myrtle:
Provide food sources: Make sure to plant a variety of flowers that will provide nectar for hummingbirds. Crepe myrtle provides a great food source throughout the growing season.
Plant in a sunny location: Hummingbirds prefer sunny locations to feed and nest in. Planting your crepe myrtle in a sunny spot will make it the perfect spot for hummingbirds to visit.
Plant in a sheltered area: Crepe myrtle likes to be in a sheltered area that is not too windy. This will help to keep hummingbirds safe from the elements and make them feel more secure when feeding and nesting.
Provide perching areas: Plant shrubs and trees around your crepe myrtle to provide perching areas for hummingbirds. This will help to keep them safe from predators and give them a place to rest and feed.
These simple tips can help you attract hummingbirds to your crepe myrtle and create a beautiful and inviting environment for them to visit.
Species of Hummingbirds Attracted to Crepe Myrtle
Crepe myrtles are attractive plants with eye-catching flowers and foliage, making them a popular choice for landscaping.
Hummingbirds are especially attracted to crepe myrtles due to the sweet nectar that the flowers produce.
Below is a list of hummingbird species attracted to crepe myrtles:
- Anna’s Hummingbird
- Black-chinned Hummingbird
- Broad-tailed Hummingbird
- Rufous Hummingbird
- Calliope Hummingbird
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Crepe myrtles are a great addition to any garden as they provide a natural source of food for hummingbirds.
The blooms have a unique, fragrant smell and the brightly colored flowers will attract many hummingbirds.
By planting crepe myrtles in your garden, you can create a beautiful space that will attract hummingbirds and provide hours of bird watching enjoyment.
Nesting Spot Opportunities for Hummingbirds With Crepe Myrtle
Crepe myrtle is an excellent choice for providing a nesting spot for hummingbirds.
It offers a wide range of benefits that make it perfect for these birds, including:
Its flowers provide a plentiful source of nectar:
Crepe myrtle’s blossoms are bursting with nectar, which is the primary food source for hummingbirds. The flowers are easily accessible and provide a continuous source of food for the birds.
Its branches and leaves offer shelter:
Hummingbirds need a safe place to nest and perch, which the crepe myrtle offers with its branches and leaves. This allows them to build a nest and protect their eggs from predators.
It is a fast-growing tree:
Crepe myrtles grow quickly, which makes them ideal for providing nesting spots for hummingbirds. They also provide a quick source of shade, which is important for these birds.
Overall, crepe myrtle is an excellent choice for providing a nesting spot for hummingbirds. It offers a wide range of benefits that make it perfect for these birds, while also being a fast-growing tree.
By planting crepe myrtle, you can help provide a safe and secure spot for these birds to live and thrive.
FAQ of Do Hummingbirds Like Crepe Myrtle
Do hummingbirds feed on crepe myrtle?
Yes, hummingbirds are known to feed on the nectar of crepe myrtle flowers.
What time of year should I plant crepe myrtle to attract hummingbirds?
Crepe myrtles should be planted in the spring so they will be blooming when hummingbirds migrate through the area in the summer.
Are there any varieties of crepe myrtle that are better for hummingbirds?
Red-flowered varieties of crepe myrtle such as ‘Natchez’ and ‘Muskogee’ are especially attractive to hummingbirds.
What other plants can I add to attract hummingbirds to my crepe myrtle?
Planting shrubs and flowers such as salvias, penstemons, buttonbush, and cardinal flower can attract additional hummingbirds in your garden.
Are there any special maintenance requirements for crepe myrtles to ensure that they attract hummingbirds?
Regular pruning of crepe myrtles can help ensure that they will produce plenty of flowers for hummingbirds to feed on in the spring.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds like to feed on the nectar and pollen of Crepe Myrtle flowers, making them an excellent choice for a hummingbird garden.
In addition to providing an excellent food source, Crepe Myrtle blooms also provide an excellent nesting spot for some species of hummingbirds.
With its long-lasting blooms in a wide range of shapes and colors, Crepe Myrtle is an ideal choice for hummingbird enthusiasts.