Gardening to attract hummingbirds often begins with a simple question about what to plant. Many gardeners are curious about common kitchen herbs, leading to the query of whether the familiar mint plant can serve as a food source. The answer involves understanding the specific physical and biological needs of hummingbirds, which dictate the types of flowers they will visit. By examining the structure of mint flowers and the preferences of hummingbirds, gardeners can choose better alternatives to create a thriving habitat.
Mint and Hummingbirds: The Direct Answer
Hummingbirds generally do not seek out common culinary mint species, such as peppermint or spearmint, as a primary source of nectar. While a curious hummingbird might occasionally investigate any bloom, their visits to true mint flowers are largely incidental. The bird’s extraordinary metabolism demands a highly concentrated and easily accessible sugar solution, and the typical mint flower does not fulfill this requirement.
A notable exception exists within the larger mint family, Lamiaceae, with a species commonly named “hummingbird mint” (Agastache spp.). This plant is distinct from culinary mint and is highly attractive to hummingbirds because its flowers have evolved to meet their needs. The common name, however, often causes confusion, leading gardeners to believe that all plants in the mint family are equally suitable for the birds.
Why Mint Fails to Attract Hummingbirds
The structural design of most true mint flowers makes them unsuitable for a hummingbird’s specialized feeding method. Hummingbirds rely on long, tubular flower shapes that house nectar deep inside, which their slender bills and long tongues are perfectly adapted to reach. Mint flowers are typically small, tightly clustered, and have an open, two-lipped shape that does not require a long beak to access nectar.
The nectar itself also plays a role, as the high-speed hovering flight requires an extremely high-calorie fuel source. Flowers that attract hummingbirds commonly produce nectar that is highly concentrated with sucrose, often ranging between 20% and 30% sugar. Mint’s nectar concentration is often lower and less abundant, meaning the energy expended by the hummingbird to investigate the flower is not worth the minimal caloric reward. Furthermore, the strong aromatic oils that give mint its distinctive scent are not a factor in attracting hummingbirds, as these birds rely far more on visual cues than on smell to locate food sources.
Preferred Nectar Sources for Hummingbirds
To attract these pollinators, gardeners should select plants that exhibit the specific characteristics that have co-evolved with hummingbird feeding. These birds show a strong preference for flowers in bright colors, especially red, orange, and deep pink, which they can spot from a distance. The tubular or trumpet-like shape is a defining characteristic, as it excludes many insects and ensures the nectar is reserved for the bird.
Excellent garden alternatives to common mint include species known for their copious, high-sugar nectar and appropriate structure. Members of the Salvia genus, related to mint but featuring elongated, tubular blooms, are highly favored. Other top choices include Bee Balm (Monarda spp.), which has a tubular bloom structure, and Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) with its vivid red, specialized flowers. Planting masses of these long-blooming, tubular flowers ensures a consistent and visible food supply, which is the most effective strategy for encouraging regular hummingbird visits.