The question of whether lavender attracts hummingbirds is common for gardeners. While lavender is a valued addition to any garden, its primary role is attracting insect pollinators rather than serving as a dedicated food source for hummingbirds. Understanding the specific feeding requirements and sensory preferences of these birds clarifies why lavender is generally not their first choice. This knowledge helps gardeners select plants that provide a reliable and rewarding nectar supply.
Lavender and Hummingbirds: The Nectar Question
Lavender is not considered a specialized food source for hummingbirds, though they may occasionally investigate the blooms. The plant’s small, individual flowers, or florets, are grouped closely on spikes and have a short corolla tube that limits access to the nectar. This structure is perfectly suited to the smaller mouthparts of generalist pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, which are the plant’s main visitors.
Hummingbirds require a high volume of concentrated sugar to fuel their extremely high metabolism, necessitating drinking from flowers with deep reservoirs. The floral architecture of most Lavandula species offers a low nectar yield per visit compared to flowers adapted specifically for birds. The lack of an efficient, deep nectar source means hummingbirds quickly pass over lavender in favor of more energetically rewarding plants.
Understanding Hummingbird Color and Shape Preferences
Hummingbirds are equipped with specialized vision and behavioral patterns that guide them toward optimal nectar sources. They possess excellent color vision, extending into the ultraviolet spectrum, but show a strong preference for flowers in the red and orange color range. This preference exists partly because red flowers are often less visible to bees, which are primary competitors for nectar. Lavender’s typical blue-purple coloring places it within the spectrum more attractive to insect pollinators.
The bird’s long, slender bill and specialized tongue are adapted to feed from flowers with a tubular shape. Tubular flowers act as a deep, natural dispenser, ensuring the hummingbird can access the nectar while simultaneously excluding most insects. This shape signals a high-energy reward. Flowers that lack this specific depth are often ignored in favor of those offering a more substantial caloric intake.
Proven Alternatives for Attracting Hummingbirds
Gardeners looking to reliably attract hummingbirds should focus on plants that meet the criteria of bright colors and specialized floral structures. Planting native species is highly effective, as local hummingbirds are already familiar with these reliable food sources. Creating large groupings of the same plant species maximizes the visual impact and signals a dependable supply of nectar, encouraging repeat visits.
Excellent choices include:
- Varieties of Salvia, especially those with red or scarlet tubular flowers, such as Scarlet Sage or Pineapple Sage.
- Bee Balm (Monarda didyma), known for its shaggy, often red or pink flowers, which offers a continuous supply of nectar.
- Vining plants like Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens), which produces clusters of deep red or orange tubular blooms.
- Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis).
- Many species of Penstemon, which feature the favored tubular flower shape.