Do Dahlias Attract Hummingbirds – Your Complete Guide To Creating A

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Have you ever stood in your garden, admiring your beautiful flowers, and wished for a little more magic? For me, that magic often arrives on tiny, furiously beating wings—the hummingbird.

There’s nothing quite like watching one of these iridescent jewels zip from flower to flower. It makes you wonder, “What else can I plant to see them more often?” You might have a beautiful patch of dahlias and ask yourself, do dahlias attract hummingbirds?

The answer is a resounding yes… with a few important secrets. Not all dahlias are created equal in the eyes of a hummingbird, but I promise that by the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to turn your dahlia patch into their favorite neighborhood diner.

We’ll explore which dahlia types are irresistible to them, how to plant for maximum appeal, and the simple, eco-friendly practices that will make your garden a true sanctuary. Let’s get started!

The Surprising Truth: Why Some Dahlias Are Hummingbird Magnets

So, here’s the deal. When we ask if dahlias attract hummingbirds, the answer isn’t a simple yes or no. It all comes down to one crucial factor: nectar accessibility.

Hummingbirds have long, slender beaks and even longer tongues designed to sip nectar from deep within a flower’s throat. They are incredibly efficient and won’t waste energy trying to access a flower that makes it too difficult.

Think about those huge, stunning ‘Dinner Plate’ dahlias or the perfectly spherical ‘Pompon’ varieties. They are breathtaking, but their petals are so tightly packed and numerous that the nectar-rich center is completely hidden. For a hummingbird, trying to get a meal from one of these is like trying to drink from a sealed cup—it’s just not worth the effort.

The dahlias that hummingbirds absolutely adore are the ones that lay out a welcome mat. These are the open-centered varieties, where the nectar and pollen are on full display, making for an easy and delicious meal.

Choosing the Best Dahlia Varieties for Hummingbirds: An Expert’s List

Ready to pick the perfect plants? Focusing on the right form of dahlia is the most important step in this do dahlias attract hummingbirds guide. Forget about chasing exotic, complex blooms for a moment and fall in love with these simple, elegant, and incredibly effective hummingbird attractors.

Single and Mignon Dahlias: The All-You-Can-Eat Buffet

These are, without a doubt, the number one choice for attracting hummingbirds. They feature a single ring of petals around a wide-open, pollen-filled center. They are the definition of easy access.

  • Why they work: The central disc is completely exposed, acting like a bright yellow landing pad that screams “nectar here!”
  • Varieties to try: ‘Happy Single Kiss’ (a lovely pink and yellow), ‘HS Party’, ‘Mignon’ mixes, and ‘Bishop of Llandaff’ (for its stunning dark foliage and scarlet red blooms).

Collarette Dahlias: A Landing Pad with a Treat

Collarette dahlias are so charming! They have a large ring of outer petals and then a smaller ring of ruffled petals—the “collar”—surrounding the open center. They offer a unique look while keeping the nectar accessible.

  • Why they work: That central disc is still open and easy for a hummingbird to find. The collar adds extra visual appeal.
  • Varieties to try: ‘Kelsey Annie Joy’, ‘Appleblossom’, and ‘Pooh’ (a fun red and yellow combo that hummingbirds love).

Orchid Dahlias: Uniquely Shaped for Tiny Beaks

These are some of the most elegant and under-utilized dahlias, in my opinion. Orchid dahlias have star-like flowers where the petals are rolled inward (involute), often leaving the center completely open.

  • Why they work: Their unique shape is both visually striking and perfectly functional for a hummingbird seeking a quick sip.
  • Varieties to try: ‘Honka’ (a delicate yellow star), ‘Verrone’s Obsidian’ (a striking dark variety), and ‘Marie Schnugg’.
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How to Plant Dahlias to Attract Hummingbirds: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you know what to plant, let’s talk about how to plant them for maximum hummingbird happiness. Following these do dahlias attract hummingbirds best practices will make a huge difference.

Location, Location, Nectar Location!

Hummingbirds are visual creatures. They spot potential food sources from high above, scanning for bright patches of color. Don’t just plant one dahlia here and another there.

Instead, plant your open-centered dahlias in groups or “drifts” of 3, 5, or more. This creates a large, vibrant target they can’t miss. Be sure to choose a spot that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. More sun means more blooms, and more blooms mean more food for your feathered friends.

Soil Prep and Planting for Thriving Blooms

Dahlias are not terribly fussy, but they do have one request: well-draining soil. They hate having “wet feet,” which can cause their tubers to rot. If you have heavy clay soil, amend it with compost to improve its texture and drainage.

  1. Dig a hole about 6 inches deep.
  2. Mix a little bone meal or a balanced fertilizer into the bottom of the hole.
  3. Lay the dahlia tuber horizontally in the hole with the “eye” or growing point facing up.
  4. Cover with soil, but don’t water it until you see the first green shoots emerge from the ground. This prevents the tuber from rotting before it has a chance to sprout.

The Importance of Staking

This is a pro tip that many beginners overlook! Many dahlia varieties, even the smaller ones, can get top-heavy with blooms. A strong wind or heavy rain can snap their hollow stems.

Place a sturdy stake in the ground next to the tuber at the time of planting. Staking later can damage the delicate tuber. As the plant grows, loosely tie the main stem to the stake for support. This ensures your beautiful, nectar-rich flowers are held up high where hummingbirds can easily access them.

The Wonderful Benefits of Attracting Hummingbirds with Dahlias

Creating a hummingbird-friendly garden goes beyond just the joy of watching them. There are fantastic ecological benefits of do dahlias attract hummingbirds practices for your entire garden.

  • Natural Pest Control: Did you know that nectar is only part of a hummingbird’s diet? They are also voracious hunters of small insects like aphids, gnats, and spiders to get protein. They are your tiny, beautiful garden patrol!
  • Pollination Powerhouses: As they zip from dahlia to dahlia, they are also pollinating them and other nearby plants, contributing to a healthier and more productive garden ecosystem.
  • Sheer Joy and Garden Magic: Let’s be honest—this is the big one. The sight of a hummingbird hovering at a flower you planted is a pure, simple joy that connects you directly to the nature in your own backyard.

Beyond Dahlias: Creating a Sustainable Hummingbird Oasis

To keep hummingbirds visiting all season, think like a hummingbird! They need more than just one type of flower. A truly effective garden is a diverse one. This is where sustainable do dahlias attract hummingbirds strategies come into play.

Smart Companion Planting

Plant your open-centered dahlias alongside other hummingbird favorites. This ensures there’s always something in bloom from early spring to late fall.

Great companions include:

  • Salvia: Especially the red varieties like ‘Hot Lips’ and ‘Salvia greggii’.
  • Bee Balm (Monarda): A native powerhouse for all pollinators.
  • Penstemon (Beardtongue): Their tubular flowers are perfectly shaped for hummingbird beaks.
  • Fuchsia: Their dangling, colorful flowers are irresistible.

Providing Water and Perches

Hummingbirds love to bathe! A shallow bird bath with a few stones for them to land on or a gentle mister is a huge attractant. They also need small, twiggy branches nearby to perch on between feedings. They spend up to 80% of their time resting and digesting!

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An Eco-Friendly Approach: Go Organic

This is the most critical part of any eco-friendly do dahlias attract hummingbirds plan. Please avoid using chemical pesticides and herbicides in your garden. These chemicals can be directly harmful to hummingbirds if they ingest contaminated nectar or insects. A healthy garden full of life is a much better food source than a sterile, chemical-laden one.

Common Problems and Easy Solutions

Sometimes, even with the best intentions, things don’t go as planned. Here are some common problems with do dahlias attract hummingbirds efforts and how to troubleshoot them.

Problem: “I planted the right dahlias, but no hummingbirds are coming.”
Solution: Be patient! It can take time for them to discover a new food source. Make sure your garden feels safe—a nearby cat can be a major deterrent. Adding a hummingbird feeder can help draw them to the area initially, where they’ll then discover your beautiful flowers.

Problem: “My dahlias aren’t blooming well.”
Solution: This usually comes down to three things. First, check your sun exposure—they need at least 6 hours of direct sun. Second, ensure they are getting consistent water, especially during hot, dry spells. Third, a low-nitrogen fertilizer (like a “bloom booster”) applied mid-season can encourage more flowers instead of leafy growth.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dahlias and Hummingbirds

Do hummingbirds prefer certain colors of dahlias?

Yes, hummingbirds are most attracted to colors in the red spectrum, including hot pinks, oranges, and deep reds. However, they are also incredibly smart! Once they learn that your yellow or white open-centered dahlias are a reliable food source, they will visit them just as eagerly.

Can I grow hummingbird-friendly dahlias in containers?

Absolutely! This is a fantastic way to create a hummingbird hotspot on a patio or balcony. Choose smaller, more compact varieties like the Mignon or Happy Single series. Ensure your container is large enough (at least 5 gallons) and has excellent drainage.

When is the best time to see hummingbirds visiting my dahlias?

Hummingbirds are most active during the early morning hours, shortly after sunrise, and again in the late afternoon as they fuel up before dusk. Sit quietly with a cup of coffee or tea during these times, and you’re likely to be rewarded with a show.

Your Garden, Their Sanctuary

So, the next time someone asks, “do dahlias attract hummingbirds?” you can confidently say yes—as long as you choose wisely!

By planting beautiful, open-centered varieties like Single, Collarette, and Orchid dahlias, you’re not just growing flowers. You’re rolling out the welcome mat for some of nature’s most dazzling creatures. You’re creating a living, breathing ecosystem right outside your door.

Remember to plant in colorful groups, provide water and perches, and always, always garden organically. The hummingbirds will thank you with their breathtaking aerial displays all season long.

Now go on and get planting. A little bit of garden magic awaits!

Rimon Chowdhury
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