Are Hummingbirds Attracted to Lavender? - Plant Care Guide

While lavender is not a primary attractant for hummingbirds compared to many other nectar-rich flowers, these tiny birds can occasionally visit lavender plants. Hummingbirds are primarily drawn to tubular, brightly colored flowers that offer a rich source of nectar. Lavender, with its smaller, clustered florets and moderate nectar content, is more often a favorite of bees and other smaller pollinators.

What Flowers Do Hummingbirds Prefer?

Hummingbirds have distinct preferences for certain types of flowers, which are often shaped by their unique physiology and feeding habits. Understanding these preferences is key to designing a garden that truly attracts and supports these tiny, energetic birds. Their highly specialized beaks and tongues are perfectly adapted for accessing nectar from particular floral structures.

Here’s a breakdown of the flowers hummingbirds prefer:

Tubular or Trumpet-Shaped Flowers:
- Adaptation: This is the most crucial characteristic. Hummingbirds have long, slender beaks and even longer, grooved tongues that can reach deep into narrow, tubular flowers to access nectar that other pollinators, like bees, cannot.
- Efficiency: The tubular shape helps to minimize nectar theft by insects with shorter tongues, ensuring a better reward for the hummingbird.
- Examples: Beebalm (Monarda), Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans), Honeysuckle (Lonicera), Penstemon, Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis), Cypress Vine (Ipomoea quamoclit), many Salvias (Sages), Fuchsia, and Petunia.
Bright, Vivid Colors (Especially Red):
- Visual Attraction: Hummingbirds are highly attracted to bright colors, particularly red, orange, and pink. They can see colors in the ultraviolet spectrum, and these bold hues stand out against green foliage.
- Learned Association: They quickly learn that these colors often signal a rich source of nectar. While red is a primary attractant, they also visit orange, pink, yellow, and purple flowers.
- Examples: Red Salvia, Indian Paintbrush, Scarlet Runner Bean, Zinnia (bright colors), Canna Lily.
Abundant Nectar Production:
- Energy Needs: Hummingbirds have incredibly high metabolic rates, requiring a constant supply of energy from nectar. They need flowers that produce a generous amount of sugary liquid.
- Sugar Concentration: They prefer nectar with a high sugar concentration (typically 20-25% sucrose), which provides the most efficient energy boost.
- Continuous Bloom: A garden with a succession of blooming plants ensures a consistent food source throughout their active season.
No Strong Fragrance (Often):
- Poor Sense of Smell: Unlike bees, which rely heavily on scent to locate flowers, hummingbirds have a poor sense of smell. Therefore, flowers they prefer often have little to no fragrance.
- Scent vs. Sight: Their primary flower detection mechanism is sight.
Perching Spots (Sometimes):
- While they can hover, hummingbirds appreciate sturdy stems or branches nearby for quick perching between sips of nectar, especially for flowers like honeysuckle vines.

Examples of top hummingbird-attracting plants include:

Salvia (many varieties, especially 'Lady in Red' or 'Pineapple Sage')
Trumpet Vine
Honeysuckle
Bee Balm
Cardinal Flower
Columbine
Delphinium
Lupine
Petunia
Fuchsia
Canna Lily
Zinnia (single-petal varieties allow easier access)

By focusing on these characteristics, gardeners can create a vibrant and irresistible haven for hummingbirds, ensuring these aerial jewels are frequent visitors. For consistent feeding, also consider a hummingbird feeder.

Why is Lavender Not a Primary Attractant for Hummingbirds?

Lavender is not a primary attractant for hummingbirds due to several key differences between its floral characteristics and the specific preferences and adaptations of these tiny birds. While it's a magnet for other pollinators like bees, its design isn't optimized for hummingbird feeding.

Here’s why lavender isn't a top choice for hummingbirds:

Flower Shape and Size:
- Small, Clustered Florets: Lavender flowers are typically small, tightly clustered florets, not the long, tubular, or trumpet-shaped blooms that hummingbirds prefer.
- Accessibility: The nectar in lavender is relatively shallow and easily accessible to insects with short tongues or proboscises, like bees. A hummingbird's long, slender beak and tongue are not efficiently utilized by lavender's small flower structure. They would expend too much energy trying to access minimal nectar from each tiny floret.
Nectar Quantity and Concentration:
- Moderate Nectar: While lavender does produce nectar, it's generally not as abundant or as concentrated in sugars as the nectar found in classic hummingbird flowers. Hummingbirds need a high volume of high-sugar nectar to fuel their incredibly high metabolism.
- Energy Return: The energy expenditure of hovering to extract nectar from many small lavender florets likely doesn't provide a sufficient energy return for these birds.
Flower Color:
- Purple/Blue Hues: Lavender typically blooms in shades of purple, blue, and sometimes pinkish-white. While hummingbirds can see these colors, they are strongly cued by red and orange as primary nectar signals. Purple is more associated with bee attraction.
Strong Fragrance:
- Scent vs. Sight: Lavender is famous for its strong, aromatic fragrance. Hummingbirds have a poor sense of smell and rely predominantly on visual cues to find flowers. A strong scent is often a signal for insects, not birds, indicating the flower might be better suited for insect-specific pollination.
Pollinator Specialization:
- Bee Favorite: Lavender has evolved to be highly attractive to a wide range of bees (honeybees, bumblebees, native bees), as well as butterflies. Its flower structure, scent, and nectar composition are perfectly suited for these insect pollinators. Hummingbirds are not the target pollinators for lavender.

While you might occasionally see a curious hummingbird briefly investigate a lavender plant, especially if other preferred flowers are scarce, it's not a reliable plant to attract them to your garden. If your goal is to draw hummingbirds, focus on their preferred tubular, brightly colored, nectar-rich blooms. You can find many types of lavender plants for bees if your goal is to attract those specific pollinators.

Does Lavender Attract Other Pollinators?

Yes, absolutely! While lavender may not be a primary magnet for hummingbirds, it is an exceptional pollinator plant and is highly attractive to a wide array of other beneficial insects. Its abundant, fragrant flowers make it a powerhouse for supporting local ecosystems, especially for species that rely on nectar and pollen.

Here’s a look at the other pollinators lavender attracts:

Bees (Primary Attractant):
- Honeybees: Lavender is one of the most beloved plants by honeybees. They visit for both nectar (to make delicious lavender-infused honey) and pollen. Large fields of lavender are a common sight for beekeepers.
- Bumblebees: These large, fuzzy bees are also frequent visitors, efficiently collecting nectar and pollen.
- Native Bees: A diverse array of native bee species, including mason bees, leafcutter bees, and various solitary bees, are drawn to lavender's abundant resources.
- Why Bees Love Lavender: Its numerous small florets provide a continuous feast, and its strong fragrance helps bees locate it easily. The shallow nectar is perfectly accessible to their shorter tongues.
Butterflies:
- Nectar Source: Many species of butterflies are attracted to the nectar-rich flowers of lavender. The flat clusters of small flowers provide an easy landing platform for them to feed.
- Examples: Swallowtails, Painted Ladies, Monarchs, and various Fritillaries are often seen flitting among lavender plants.
- You can often enhance your garden's appeal with a butterfly feeder.
Moths:
- Nocturnal Pollinators: Some moth species, particularly those active during the day, may also visit lavender for nectar.
Hoverflies (Syrphid Flies):
- Beneficial Insects: These fascinating insects often mimic bees and wasps. Adults feed on nectar and pollen, and their larvae are beneficial predators, consuming aphids and other soft-bodied pests.
- Lavender Attraction: They are drawn to the easily accessible nectar and pollen of lavender.
Other Beneficial Insects:
- Ladybugs: While not direct pollinators, ladybugs are often found on lavender, attracted by aphids or other small pests that might briefly visit the plant.
- Lacewings: Another beneficial predator that can be found in a diverse garden attracting many insects.

Planting lavender in your garden is an excellent way to support local pollinator populations and enhance the overall biodiversity of your outdoor space. Its fragrant blooms and abundant resources provide a vital food source for many essential insects throughout the growing season. For a complete pollinator garden, consider adding other pollinator-friendly plants.

What are the Best Flowers to Attract Hummingbirds?

To truly make your garden a magnet for hummingbirds, it's best to prioritize specific flower characteristics that align with their unique feeding adaptations and high energy needs. Focusing on a diverse selection of these plants will ensure a consistent and irresistible nectar source throughout their active season.

Here are the best flowers to attract hummingbirds:

*Salvias (Sages) - Salvia spp.:*
- Why they're great: Many Salvia species and cultivars are absolute hummingbird magnets. Their tubular flowers are perfectly shaped for hummingbird beaks.
- Top Picks: 'Lady in Red', 'Black and Blue' (S. guaranitica), Pineapple Sage (S. elegans), 'Wendy's Wish', 'May Night'.
- Colors: Often red, blue, purple, pink.
Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans):
- Why it's great: A vigorous climbing vine with large, showy, trumpet-shaped flowers. A classic hummingbird favorite.
- Colors: Orange and red. Be aware it can be very aggressive in some climates.
*Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.):*
- Why it's great: Many honeysuckle vines and shrubs have highly fragrant, tubular flowers that are irresistible to hummingbirds.
- Top Picks: Trumpet Honeysuckle (L. sempervirens), a native option with red-orange flowers.
- Colors: Red, orange, yellow, pink.
Bee Balm (Monarda didyma):
- Why it's great: A native perennial with unique, shaggy flower heads, often red or pink, that are highly attractive to hummingbirds.
- Colors: Red, pink, purple, white.
Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis):
- Why it's great: Known for its brilliant, intense scarlet red tubular flowers on tall spikes, a true hummingbird beacon.
- Colors: Primarily red. Needs moist soil.
*Fuchsia (Fuchsia spp.):*
- Why it's great: Known for its intricate, dangling, bell-shaped flowers, often bi-colored, perfectly designed for hummingbird feeding. Great for hanging baskets and containers.
- Colors: Pink, red, purple, white.
*Columbine (Aquilegia spp.):*
- Why it's great: Distinctive spurred flowers that are a favorite early-season nectar source for hummingbirds.
- Colors: Wide range including red, yellow, pink, blue, white, often bi-colored.
*Penstemon (Beard Tongue) (Penstemon spp.):*
- Why it's great: A genus with many species offering beautiful, tubular flowers on upright spikes, ranging from red to purple.
- Colors: Red, pink, purple, blue, white.
Zinnias (Zinnia elegans):
- Why they're great: While not strictly tubular, single-petal Zinnia varieties with bright red and orange flowers are very popular with hummingbirds because of their easily accessible nectar. They also attract butterflies.
- Colors: Red, orange, pink, yellow. For best results, use single-petal zinnia seeds.
*Delphinium (Delphinium spp.):*
- Why they're great: Tall, stately spires of flowers, often blue or purple, are visited by hummingbirds, especially taller species.
- Colors: Blue, purple, pink, white.

Tips for a Hummingbird Garden:

Continuous Bloom: Plant a variety of flowers that bloom at different times throughout the growing season to ensure a constant nectar supply.
Mass Plantings: Plant in large clumps rather than scattered individual plants to create a more noticeable beacon.
Red is Key: Incorporate plenty of red flowers, as it's their favorite color.
Avoid Pesticides: Use organic gardening practices to protect both hummingbirds and the insects they might inadvertently consume.
Water Source: Provide a shallow water source, like a bird bath with a mister, as hummingbirds also use water for bathing.
Hummingbird Feeders: Complement your flower garden with a hummingbird feeder filled with a simple sugar solution (4 parts water to 1 part sugar).

By designing your garden with these specific preferences in mind, you can create a vibrant and bustling sanctuary for these captivating creatures.

How to Create a Hummingbird-Friendly Garden Layout?

Creating a hummingbird-friendly garden layout involves more than just planting the right flowers; it's about designing an entire space that caters to their feeding, resting, and nesting needs. A well-thought-out layout ensures continuous resources and a safe, inviting environment for these energetic birds.

Here’s how to design a hummingbird-friendly garden layout:

Choose a Sunny Location:
- Plant Needs: Most nectar-rich flowers that hummingbirds prefer (like Salvias, Zinnias) thrive in full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day).
- Bird Preference: Hummingbirds are active during the day and prefer sunny areas for feeding.
Mass Plantings for Visual Impact:
- Clump Similar Colors: Plant flowers in large drifts or clumps of similar colors, especially reds, oranges, and pinks. This creates a highly visible "target" that hummingbirds can spot from a distance. Scattered individual plants are less effective.
- Layer Heights: Plant taller flowers in the back and shorter ones in the front, creating a tiered look that also provides multiple feeding levels.
Provide a Succession of Blooms:
- Continuous Nectar: Design your garden to have something blooming from early spring through late fall. This ensures a consistent nectar supply throughout their migration and breeding season.
- Seasonality: Include early bloomers (e.g., Columbine), mid-season favorites (e.g., Bee Balm, Salvia), and late-season flowers (e.g., Zinnia, Cardinal Flower).
Include Perches and Shelters:
- Resting Spots: Hummingbirds need places to rest between sips of nectar and to observe their territory. Plant trees, tall shrubs, or install a small trellis that offers bare branches or thin twigs.
- Protection: Dense shrubs or small trees nearby provide shelter from predators, harsh weather, and a place for nesting material (though they build very tiny nests).
Add a Water Source:
- Misters or Drippers: Hummingbirds love to bathe and drink from moving water. A bird bath with a small mister or dripper that creates fine droplets is ideal. They will also dart through sprinkler spray.
- Avoid Deep Water: They prefer very shallow water or fine sprays rather than deep bird baths.
Integrate a Hummingbird Feeder (Optional but Recommended):
- Supplemental Food: Place a hummingbird feeder among your flowers to offer a consistent, high-energy supplement to natural nectar.
- Location: Hang feeders in a shaded area to prevent the sugar solution from fermenting too quickly, but still visible to the birds. Keep them clean.
Paths and Borders:
- Create clear paths so you can easily access your plants for maintenance without disturbing the birds.
- Use borders to define flower beds and keep plants tidy.
Avoid Pesticides:
- Organic Practices: Do not use chemical pesticides. These can harm hummingbirds directly or by reducing the insect populations (small insects are a vital protein source for them, especially during nesting). Embrace organic gardening.

By thoughtfully arranging your plants and incorporating these elements, you can create an inviting and dynamic hummingbird-friendly garden that provides continuous food, shelter, and water, bringing these delightful creatures up close for you to enjoy. A garden design book for wildlife can offer more ideas.

What Other Plants Attract Bees and Butterflies to a Hummingbird Garden?

Creating a garden that attracts hummingbirds can also naturally bring in other vital pollinators like bees and butterflies, provided you choose a diverse array of nectar-rich flowers. While hummingbirds have specific preferences, many plants that cater to a wide range of pollinators will enhance the overall biodiversity and beauty of your garden.

Here are other plants that attract bees and butterflies to a hummingbird garden:

*Lavender (Lavandula spp.):*
- Why it's great: As discussed, lavender is a superstar for bees (especially honeybees and bumblebees) and butterflies. Its abundant florets offer easy access to nectar and pollen.
- Features: Fragrant, purple flowers, drought-tolerant once established.
- Pollinators: Bees, butterflies. You can buy lavender seeds for your garden.
Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea):
- Why it's great: A classic prairie perennial with a prominent central cone and ray petals. Highly attractive to a wide range of pollinators.
- Features: Large, daisy-like flowers in purple, pink, white, or yellow.
- Pollinators: Bees, butterflies (especially monarchs), occasional hummingbirds (for larger varieties).
Bee Balm (Monarda didyma):
- Why it's great: A dual-purpose plant, great for hummingbirds and a huge draw for bees (hence the name!) and butterflies.
- Features: Shaggy, tubular flowers, often red or pink.
- Pollinators: Hummingbirds, bees, butterflies.
Zinnia (Zinnia elegans):
- Why it's great: Another excellent dual-purpose plant. While single-petal varieties suit hummingbirds, all Zinnias, especially the larger, flatter varieties, are beloved by butterflies.
- Features: Brightly colored, daisy-like flowers. Easy to grow from seed.
- Pollinators: Hummingbirds, butterflies, bees.
*Milkweed (Asclepias spp.):*
- Why it's great: Essential for Monarch butterflies as it's their only host plant for caterpillars. The flowers are also a good nectar source for adult butterflies and bees.
- Features: Various species offer different flower colors and growth habits.
- Pollinators: Butterflies (Monarchs specifically), bees. You can easily find milkweed seeds for planting.
Phlox (Phlox paniculata):
- Why it's great: Tall, showy clusters of fragrant flowers that are excellent for butterflies and often visited by hummingbirds.
- Features: Available in various colors, provides vertical interest.
- Pollinators: Butterflies, hummingbirds, bees.
Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus):
- Why it's great: Cheerful, daisy-like flowers that are easy to grow and a favorite of butterflies and bees.
- Features: Wide range of colors, provides a delicate, airy look.
- Pollinators: Butterflies, bees.
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus):
- Why it's great: Large, iconic flowers that are excellent for attracting bees and provide valuable seeds for birds.
- Features: Striking presence, various sizes and colors.
- Pollinators: Bees, occasionally butterflies.
*Aster (Symphyotrichum spp.):*
- Why it's great: Late-season bloomers that provide critical nectar for butterflies and bees preparing for winter or migration.
- Features: Daisy-like flowers in purple, pink, blue, or white.
- Pollinators: Butterflies, bees.
Lantana (Lantana camara):
- Why it's great: A continuous bloomer in warm climates, producing clusters of small, colorful flowers that are highly attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds.
- Features: Drought-tolerant, thrives in full sun.
- Pollinators: Hummingbirds, butterflies, bees.

By incorporating a diverse selection of these plants, you create a vibrant and thriving ecosystem within your garden, providing essential resources for a wide array of fascinating pollinators. Consider a pollinator garden seed mix for easy planting.