Do Lavender Plants Attract Hummingbirds

Do lavender plants attract hummingbirds, and if so, what is it about these fragrant purple blooms that draws them in?
 
The quick answer is that lavender plants do attract hummingbirds, but not for the reason you might think.
 
Hummingbirds aren’t lured by lavender’s strong scent, which is mainly for bees and other pollinators, but by the nectar that sits deep inside those tiny tubular flowers.
 
While lavender might not be the very first plant on a hummingbird’s menu, it absolutely earns a spot in a pollinator-friendly garden.
 
In this post, we’ll explore whether lavender plants attract hummingbirds consistently, which varieties they prefer, and how to position lavender alongside other flowers to create a hummingbird haven.
 
Let’s dig into the nectar-rich world of lavender and your favorite flying jewels.
 

Why Lavender Plants Attract Hummingbirds

Lavender plants attract hummingbirds because they offer a reliable source of nectar during the long blooming season.
 
Hummingbirds have a fantastic memory for food sources, and once they discover a patch of lavender, they’ll return again and again.
 
The structure of the lavender flower is perfectly suited for a hummingbird’s long, slender beak.
 
Let’s break down the reasons these aromatic shrubs are so appealing to hummingbirds.
 

1. High Nectar Content Inside Tiny Blooms

Each lavender spike is packed with dozens of small, tube-shaped flowers that hold nectar at their base.
 
While the individual amount of nectar is tiny, the sheer number of blooms on a single lavender plant adds up quickly.
 
This high concentration of nectar makes lavender an efficient stop for a hummingbird that needs to fuel up constantly.
 
When a hummingbird hovers over lavender, it can move from flower to flower rapidly, collecting a satisfying meal in seconds.
 

2. The Shape of the Flower Matches Their Beak

Hummingbirds prefer flowers that match the length and curve of their beaks, and lavender fits that bill nicely.
 
The corolla, or the tubular part of the flower, is just the right depth for a hummingbird’s tongue to reach the nectar easily.
 
Because lavender flowers grow in whorls along an upright stem, hummingbirds can access them from various angles without much effort.
 
So, do lavender plants attract hummingbirds more than flat-faced flowers?
 
Yes, because flat flowers like daisies offer nectar that is too shallow and often less accessible for a hovering bird.
 

3. Extended Blooming Period Keeps Them Coming Back

Lavender typically blooms from late spring through early summer, and some varieties will re-bloom into the fall.
 
This long season means lavender plants attract hummingbirds over several months, not just a brief window.
 
Unlike some annuals that fade quickly, lavender provides a steady food supply during the critical nesting and migration periods.
 
Hummingbirds need to eat every 10 to 15 minutes during the day, so having a reliable patch of lavender is like having a 24-hour diner for them.
 

Which Lavender Varieties Are Best for Hummingbirds

Not all lavender is created equal when it comes to attracting hummingbirds, so choosing the right variety matters.
 
English lavender is the classic choice, but French and Spanish lavender also have their perks for hummingbird visitors.
 
The color of the flower also plays a role, as hummingbirds are drawn to bright hues, especially red, pink, and purple.
 
Here are the top lavender types that will make your garden irresistible to hummingbirds.
 

1. English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

English lavender is the hardiest and most fragrant variety, making it a top pick for hummingbird gardens.
 
Its dense flower spikes are loaded with nectar, and the deep purple color is highly visible to hummingbirds from a distance.
 
Varieties like ‘Hidcote’ and ‘Munstead’ are shorter and compact, perfect for edging a sunny border where hummingbirds can easily spot them.
 
English lavender plants attract hummingbirds reliably in cooler climates, and they also tolerate dry soil well.
 

2. French Lavender (Lavandula stoechas)

French lavender is known for its distinctive “rabbit ears” at the top of the flower spike, which are actually bracts.
 
These showy bracts are often a deep purple or pink, creating a bold target for hummingbirds.
 
French lavender tends to bloom earlier and longer than English types, providing nectar well into the warm season.
 
However, it’s less cold-hardy, so it works best in warmer zones where hummingbirds stay year-round.
 

3. Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia)

Lavandin is a hybrid between English and Portuguese lavender, known for its massive flower stalks and high oil content.
 
These vigorous plants produce an abundance of nectar, which is exactly what hummingbirds need to refuel.
 
Varieties like ‘Grosso’ and ‘Provence’ are taller and create a dramatic mass of purple that hummingbirds can’t miss.
 
If you have space for a larger lavender hedge, lavandin will keep hummingbirds visiting all season long.
 

Complementing Lavender for Ultimate Hummingbird Attraction

To maximize the number of hummingbirds in your yard, don’t just stop at lavender, pair it with other tubular flowers.
 
Lavender plants do attract hummingbirds best when they’re planted alongside nectar-rich companions that share the same bloom time.
 
This creates a buffet effect that encourages hummingbirds to stay longer and even nest nearby.
 
Let’s look at the perfect planting partners for lavender.
 
Salvia (particularly red varieties) is a superstar companion for lavender, as both love full sun and well-drained soil.
 
Bee balm (Monarda) has spiky, tubular blossoms that are practically hummingbird magnets and bloom around the same time.
 
Catmint and Russian sage offer similar airy structure and a blue-purple palette that blends beautifully with lavender.
 
Don’t forget hanging baskets of fuchsia or trumpet vine near your lavender bed for an extra pop of red that draws the eye.
 
By combining these flowers, you’re telling hummingbirds that your garden is a safe and reliable feeding station.
 

So, Do Lavender Plants Attract Hummingbirds Enough to Matter?

Yes, lavender plants do attract hummingbirds, and they are absolutely worth adding to your garden if you want more of these birds.
 
While lavender won’t outshine a dedicated trumpet vine or red salvia in terms of raw allure, its subtle power lies in consistency and abundance.
 
When you plant a large swath of lavender, you create a nectar-rich environment that supports hummingbirds from spring through fall.
 
So if you’ve been wondering whether lavender plants attract hummingbirds, the answer is a clear yes, provided you choose the right variety and plant enough of it.
 
With the proper placement in full sun and well-drained soil, lavender will become a favorite pit stop for hummingbirds in your backyard.
 
Now that you know the truth about lavender and hummingbirds, go ahead and plant a few purple clusters of your own.
 
Your garden will be buzzing with wings and glowing with color in no time.