Petunias are more than just vibrant flowers that add a colorful touch to your garden. They draw in many pollinators approaching to get a sip of that sweet nectar.
However, do you know what petunias attract most?
In this article, you’ll find out more about the kinds of insects and birds that love petunias. You’ll also learn about the flower’s different colors and if they play a part in attracting those pollinators.
So, keep reading.
1 – Bees
Bees are essential for the environment because they help in reproducing many plants. They’re among the top pollinators, playing a massive role in your garden as well as in agriculture.
Do Petunias Attract Bees and Wasps?
Yes, petunias attract bees due to their bright colors and the smell of their sweet nectar. That’s especially true for smaller bee species more than the large ones.
Generally, bees use that nectar as a food source. Yet, they may just buzz around and not stay for long.
That’s mainly due to the limited size of the flower’s petals. On top of that, petunias don’t have too much to offer when it comes to nectar compared to other flowers.
On the other hand, that marvelous flower isn’t famous for attracting wasps. That’s because wasps prefer protein-based food and sugary substances to flower nectar.
However, if you notice some wasps around your petunias, this may be due to a different type of attractor.
In this case, the suspect may be some insects or water drops. In addition, it can be sugary honeydew resulting from sap-feeding aphids and mealybugs.
Do Bees Like Petunias?
Yes, although petunias aren’t key pollinators in gardening, bees like them. Nevertheless, these marvelous insects may like some flower colors more than others.
Primarily, bees are particularly drawn to blue, violet, and purple flowers. Yet, they’re less attracted to reds.
So, if you want to see some buzzy visitors in your garden, consider planting pale purple, pink, or white petunia varieties.
2 – Butterflies
With their delicate wings and spectacular colors, butterflies can add dreamy aesthetics to your garden.
Furthermore, they play another tremendous role in pollination. Therefore, many gardeners plant certain types of flowers to attract those graceful flying insects.
Do Petunias Attract Butterflies?
Yes, they do. While petunias may not be butterflies’ favorite, these flowers still attract some species.
In general, petunias thrive out in the wide open under direct sunlight.
As such, they can capture the attention of butterflies. That’s especially true when there are no other flower options available around.
Aside from being colorful, these flowers thrive in sunshine and can resist high heat. This is perfect for butterflies as they don’t always prefer to hunt for nectar under the shade.
Additionally, butterflies admire plants that don’t grow too tall as they can be tough to reach. Luckily, petunias grow to an average of only 6 to 12 inches.
That said, butterflies aren’t especially attracted to specific colors like other pollinators. Yet, they may sometimes favor red and pink petunias.
3 – Hummingbirds
It’s mesmerizing to spot Hummingbirds in your garden. I mean, what’s not to like about their shiny feathers and stunning hovering technique?
Such fascinating creatures love to drink from colorful flowers and are great at spreading pollen.
Do Petunias Attract Hummingbirds?
Just as is the case with butterflies, petunias aren’t the main source of nectar for hummingbirds. That’s because they aren’t as nectar-rich as other varieties.
Still, they can attract those tiny creatures, especially in the absence of other more preferable flowers.
That said, if you wish to see some hummingbirds flying over your petunia garden, there’s a way.
Luckily, you can select some types of petunias that possess attractive qualities for hummingbirds, such as shape and color.
Why Do Hummingbirds Like Petunias?
Principally, these adorable birds are mostly attracted to blooms that produce nectar, and petunias do just that.
Despite not being a favorite, you can still spot some of these tiny visitors in your petunia garden.
Besides, the tubular shape of some petunia varieties allows hummingbirds for easy access. That’s especially convenient for such birds because of their long and extendable tongues.
What Color Petunias Do Hummingbirds Like?
Among the characteristics that draw hummingbirds to petunias are the vibrant colors. In general, hummingbirds love pink, orange, and red blooms.
Such colors are easily visible to hummingbirds, and they usually associate them with a delicious source of nectar. So, you may want to consider growing one or more of the following colors.
- Bingo Red Petunias: This beautiful variety blooms earlier than others, offering an early food source for hummingbirds. Plus, the bright red color is another compelling factor.
- Easy Wave Pink Passion Petunias: Easy waves make a fantastic addition to the Wave petunia family. Besides its spectacular color, this variety can bloom in cooler weather.
- Littletunia Red Fire Petunias: Another bright red variety with an attractive color for hummingbirds, littletunia petunias are quite compact and can fit anywhere in the garden.
- African Sunset Petunias: From spring to early fall, this variety of petunias produces blooms that pop with their distinct orange color.
- Pink Vein Petunias: This particular pink type of petunias is perfect for those who want to attract small birds with the tiniest effort. That’s because they’re quite easy to care for.
Can Hummingbirds Get Nectar From Petunias?
Yes, hummingbirds can extract nectar from petunias, especially the tubular-shaped varieties.
That’s because they can reach the nectar within such types with their long bills and tube-like tongues.
In fact, if you want to attract hummingbirds to your petunia garden, you may want to consider this particular petunia species.
Besides having bright colors, the elongated petunia shapes are quite successful in attracting hummingbirds.
4 – Moths
Moths are nocturnal insects famous for their furry bodies and delicate antennas. Unlike butterflies, moths are more active during the night.
Many moth species participate in the pollination process by visiting flowers and feeding on nectar.
Do Petunias Attract Moths?
Yes, they do. Despite attracting daytime pollinators most times, petunias may also appeal to the nocturnal ones, such as moths.
Such insects are known to be active at night and are attracted to the sweet scent of many flowers, including petunias.
According to research, this aromatic flower releases a sweet fragrance in the evening to draw in pollinators. Among the most popular types of night pollinators are hawk moths.
Are Petunias Good for Pollinators?
Mainly, most gardeners plant petunias for their decorative qualities. Nonetheless, these gorgeous flowers can produce nectar that attracts pollinators.
While they’re not as highly recommended for such a task as other flowering plants, petunias may still help with the pollinator activity in your garden.
Primarily, bees (especially the smaller species) may be attracted to the nectar of petunia flowers. Moreover, butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds might visit too.
To create a more pollinator-friendly garden, consider including different flower types with various shapes, colors, and blooming seasons.
This way, you ensure having a diverse environment suitable for a wider range of pollinators.
Petunia Care Tips
Petunias come in a wide array of types. As such, care requirements may be different from one type to the other.
So, it’s always a good idea to check the guidelines provided by the place where you got your plant.
That said, here are a few general tips to care for your beloved petunias.
- Plant petunias in a location where they can receive at least six to eight hours of sunlight.
- Ensure the soil is well draining to avoid waterlogged roots.
- Water the soil regularly to keep it moist, but don’t get it soaking wet.
- Apply a layer of mulch around the plant’s base to help retain moisture.
- Trim the leggy parts of the flower bed to encourage a more compact shape.
Final Thoughts
Colorful flowers make a superb addition to your garden. Yet, you should consider what types of pollinators your flower beds may draw.
When it comes to what petunias attract, you may expect a variety of insects and birds. Such mesmerizing blooms can be great for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and moths.
Not only do these flowers participate in preserving the environment, but they also make a super appealing atmosphere.
That’s especially true for those who like this kind of charming winged presence in their gardens.
Growing up with a mom who filled her home (inside and out) with all sorts of plants, Lisa got her start in gardening at a young age. Living now on her own with a home and yard full of plants (including an indoor greenhouse), she shares all the gardening tips she’s gained over the years.