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Lavender will attract hummingbirds, but only under the right conditions.
If you’ve ever wondered “will lavender attract hummingbirds?” the short answer is yes, because these tiny birds are drawn to the tubular blooms and the nectar hidden inside.
That said, not every lavender plant will bring hummingbirds to your yard, and a few key factors determine whether these winged visitors show up or fly right past.
In this post, we’ll explore whether lavender attracts hummingbirds, why these birds love certain plants, and how to make your lavender garden a hummingbird magnet.
Let’s dive in.
Will Lavender Attract Hummingbirds?
Lavender will attract hummingbirds, and here’s why:
1. Lavender Produces Nectar Hummingbirds Need
The main reason lavender attracts hummingbirds is the nectar inside its tiny flowers.
Hummingbirds need a massive amount of energy every day, and flower nectar is their primary fuel source.
Lavender blooms are rich in nectar, which makes them a valuable food stop for these busy birds.
That’s why a patch of blooming lavender can become a regular feeding station once hummingbirds discover it.
2. The Tubular Flowers Match Hummingbird Beaks
Lavender flowers have a tubular shape that fits a hummingbird’s long, slender bill perfectly.
This shape lets hummingbirds reach deep into each bloom to sip the nectar without much effort.
It’s a natural partnership, the flower gets pollinated while the bird gets fed.
So when you ask will lavender attract hummingbirds, the flower’s shape alone is a big part of the answer.
3. Lavender’s Color Is Irresistible to Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds are strongly attracted to purple, blue, and violet tones.
Lavender happens to bloom in exactly those shades, which makes it a natural match.
These birds have excellent color vision and can spot purple blooms from a distance.
That’s why a row of lavender will often catch a hummingbird’s eye long before the bird lands.
4. Lavender Offers a Safe Feeding Spot
Hummingbirds prefer flowers that give them a clear view of their surroundings.
Lavender grows in bushy clumps with open space around the blooms, which makes it easy for hummingbirds to hover and feed while watching for danger.
This sense of safety is one more reason lavender will attract hummingbirds to your garden.
What Kinds of Lavender Attract Hummingbirds Best?
Not all lavender varieties perform the same when it comes to drawing in hummingbirds, so choosing the right type matters.
1. English Lavender
English lavender is one of the most reliable choices.
It blooms heavily in early summer, produces plenty of nectar, and thrives in many climates.
2. Spanish Lavender
Spanish lavender features distinctive blooms with a longer flowering season.
Its bright purple flowers are especially appealing to hummingbirds looking for a quick meal.
3. French Lavender
French lavender has a longer bloom time and showy flowers that hummingbirds love.
It’s a great option if you want color in your garden for more of the year.
4. Lavandin Hybrids
Lavandin hybrids are a cross between English and Spanish lavender.
They tend to produce larger plants and more blooms, which means more nectar and more hummingbird visits.
How to Make Your Lavender More Attractive to Hummingbirds
Even the best lavender won’t help if it’s not planted and cared for properly, so here’s how to tip the odds in your favor.
1. Plant Lavender in Full Sun
Lavender needs at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day.
More sun means more blooms, and more blooms mean more nectar for hummingbirds.
2. Plant in Groups
Hummingbirds are more likely to notice a large patch of color than a single plant.
Group several lavender plants together, or plant them in rows along a border.
3. Keep the Soil Well-Drained
Lavender hates soggy roots.
Plant it in sandy or rocky soil with good drainage, and it will reward you with healthier growth and more flowers.
4. Avoid Pesticides
Pesticides can harm hummingbirds and the tiny insects they also feed on.
Skip the chemicals and let nature do its job.
5. Add a Water Source
Hummingbirds need to bathe and drink, so a small birdbath or mister nearby will keep them coming back.
Do Hummingbirds Prefer Lavender Over Other Flowers?
Hummingbirds love lavender, but they also adore other nectar-rich blooms like salvia, bee balm, and penstemon.
That said, lavender’s long bloom time and easy care make it a favorite for many gardeners.
If you plant lavender alongside other hummingbird-friendly flowers, you’ll create a garden that keeps these birds visiting all season long.
So, Will Lavender Attract Hummingbirds?
Lavender will attract hummingbirds thanks to its nectar-rich blooms, tubular flowers, and vibrant purple color.
The key is choosing the right variety, planting it in full sun, and keeping it healthy so it blooms generously.
And when it does, you’ll likely see hummingbirds hovering around your lavender patch in no time.
So go ahead and plant that lavender, because the answer to will lavender attract hummingbirds is a resounding yes.