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Hummingbirds do like lavender, and planting it is one of the best ways to attract these tiny, dazzling visitors to your garden.
While hummingbirds don’t rely on scent to find food, they are irresistibly drawn to the vibrant purple spikes and tubular shape of lavender blooms.
If you’ve been wondering whether hummingbirds like lavender enough to make it a staple in your pollinator garden, the answer is a resounding yes.
In this post, we’ll dive into exactly why hummingbirds are so fond of lavender, how to grow it for maximum appeal, and which lavender varieties they prefer most.
Let’s explore the sweet relationship between hummingbirds and lavender so you can create a garden they’ll visit all season long.
Why Hummingbirds Like Lavender So Much
Hummingbirds like lavender primarily because of its shape, color, and nectar production, not because of its fragrance.
The tubular flowers of lavender are perfectly designed for a hummingbird’s long, slender beak and extendable tongue.
Each tiny lavender blossom holds a droplet of nectar that hummingbirds can access with ease, making it an efficient food source for these high-energy birds.
Let’s break down the specific reasons why lavender is such a magnetic plant for hummingbirds.
1. The Color Purple Catches Their Eye
Hummingbirds are highly visual creatures, and they see color in the ultraviolet spectrum, which humans cannot perceive.
Purple and violet shades, like those found in lavender, are particularly attractive to them because they signal a rich nectar source.
When hummingbirds see lavender’s deep purple flowers waving in the breeze, they instinctively investigate, hoping for a sweet meal.
So while you might enjoy lavender for its calming scent, hummingbirds like lavender for its vivid, eye-catching color that screams “food here.”
2. Tubular Flowers Fit Their Feeding Style
Hummingbirds prefer flowers with a tubular or trumpet-like shape because they can insert their beaks deep into the bloom.
Lavender’s blossoms grow in whorls along the stem, each one shaped like a tiny tube, which is ideal for hummingbirds.
Unlike open-faced flowers that might require hovering at awkward angles, lavender lets hummingbirds feed efficiently while staying balanced.
This ergonomic fit is a huge reason why hummingbirds like lavender over flatter, less accessible blooms.
3. High Nectar Production Keeps Them Coming Back
Lavender is a nectar powerhouse, and hummingbirds have an incredible memory for locations with abundant food.
Once a hummingbird discovers your lavender patch, it will return repeatedly throughout the day to refuel.
The nectar in lavender has a sugar concentration that appeals to hummingbirds, providing the quick energy they need for their rapid wing beats.
So if you want to keep hummingbirds happy and loyal, lavender is a fantastic choice because it delivers consistent, quality nectar.
4. Long Blooming Season Offers Sustained Food
Hummingbirds like lavender not just for a week or two, but for months, because many lavender varieties bloom from late spring into early fall.
This extended blooming period ensures that hummingbirds have a reliable food source throughout their breeding and migration seasons.
By planting different lavender species, you can stagger the bloom times and provide nectar from early summer all the way to the first frost.
That steady supply is crucial for hummingbirds, which need to eat every 10 to 15 minutes during the day.
How to Grow Lavender That Hummingbirds Will Love
Knowing that hummingbirds like lavender is one thing, but growing it successfully is another.
Lavender thrives in conditions that mimic its native Mediterranean habitat: full sun, well-draining soil, and good air circulation.
If you can provide those basics, your lavender will flourish and become a hummingbird magnet in no time.
Here are the key steps to ensure your lavender plants are healthy, vibrant, and irresistible to hummingbirds.
1. Choose the Right Lavender Varieties for Hummingbirds
Not all lavender is created equal when it comes to attracting hummingbirds, so you’ll want to pick varieties with the richest color and highest nectar output.
English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a top choice because its dense, fragrant spikes are loaded with nectar.
French lavender (Lavandula stoechas) features distinctive “rabbit ear” bracts and is also very attractive to hummingbirds.
Spanish lavender is another excellent option, especially in warmer climates, as it produces heavy blooms that hummingbirds adore.
For the best results, plant a mix of early, mid, and late blooming varieties so hummingbirds like lavender all season long.
2. Plant in Full Sun for Maximum Bloom Production
Lavender needs at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily to produce abundant flowers and nectar.
In too much shade, lavender becomes leggy and produces fewer blooms, which means less nectar for hummingbirds.
Choose a spot in your garden that gets bright, unfiltered sun for most of the day, especially in the morning when hummingbirds are most active.
Sunny conditions also help dry the foliage, reducing the risk of fungal diseases that could weaken your lavender plants.
3. Ensure Sharp Soil Drainage to Prevent Root Rot
Lavender hates wet feet, and soggy soil is the fastest way to kill it, which obviously won’t help you attract hummingbirds.
Plant lavender in sandy or gravelly soil that drains quickly, or amend heavy clay soil with grit or perlite before planting.
If you’re growing lavender in containers, use a well-draining potting mix specifically formulated for Mediterranean herbs.
Healthy roots mean healthy plants, and healthy plants produce the profuse, nectar-rich flowers that hummingbirds like lavender for.
4. Prune Regularly to Encourage Fresh Blooms
Regular pruning keeps lavender compact, stimulates new growth, and encourages a second flush of flowers later in the season.
After the first bloom fades in early summer, trim back the spent flower stems by about one-third to promote a fresh wave of blooms.
This deadheading technique signals the plant to produce more flowers, giving hummingbirds a continuous supply of nectar.
Don’t prune too hard into woody stems, as lavender doesn’t regenerate well from old wood, but light shaping is essential.
Other Plants to Pair With Lavender for Hummingbirds
While hummingbirds like lavender immensely, they also appreciate a diverse garden with multiple nectar sources.
Pairing lavender with other hummingbird favorites creates a lush, colorful habitat that these birds can’t resist.
Consider planting salvia, bee balm, trumpet vine, or columbine alongside your lavender for a mixed buffet.
These plants offer different flower shapes and bloom times, ensuring hummingbirds have something to sip from early spring to late fall.
Also, avoid using pesticides on or near your lavender, as hummingbirds are sensitive to chemicals.
Instead, encourage beneficial insects that naturally control pests, keeping your lavender safe for hummingbirds to visit.
The Benefits of a Lavender Patch for Hummingbirds
Having a dedicated lavender patch doesn’t just feed hummingbirds; it also creates a beautiful, fragrant space for you to enjoy.
Lavender attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies too, turning your garden into a thriving ecosystem.
Watching hummingbirds dart and hover around your lavender is a magical experience that rewards your gardening efforts daily.
Plus, lavender is drought-tolerant once established, so you’ll conserve water while still providing essential food for hummingbirds.
This low-maintenance plant gives back so much, making it a no-brainer addition to any hummingbird-friendly landscape.
So, Do Hummingbirds Like Lavender?
Hummingbirds do like lavender, and they like it a lot, making it one of the best perennial choices for attracting them.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a newbie, planting lavender is a simple, rewarding way to invite these aerial jewels into your yard.
From its vivid purple color to its abundant tubular nectar flowers, lavender checks every box for what hummingbirds seek in a plant.
So go ahead and plant a few lavender bushes, give them sun and good drainage, and watch your garden come alive with hummingbirds.
Your patch of lavender will soon become the hottest hummingbird café in the neighborhood, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t plant it sooner.
The next time you see a hummingbird hovering near your lavender blooms, you’ll know exactly why it’s there, enjoying every last drop of nectar.