Both hummingbirds and butterflies are attracted to the color purple, which makes lavender an excellent plant to have in your garden if you want to see more of these beautiful creatures. Lavender produces vibrant purple flowers that contain nectar, which is a sugary substance that hummingbirds and butterflies feed on. The sweet scent from the lavender flowers also helps attract these pollinators. So growing lavender can increase the number of hummingbird and butterfly visitors to your yard.
Do hummingbirds like lavender?
Yes, hummingbirds are highly attracted to lavender. The tubular purple flowers contain nectar which hummingbirds rely on as an energy source. Hummingbirds have specially adapted long, thin beaks and tongues that allow them to reach deep into flowers to extract the nectar.
Lavender flowers produce more nectar than many other flowering plants, making them a favorite of hummingbirds. The blooms also refill with nectar quickly after a hummingbird visit. This ensures a constant nectar supply that keeps hummingbirds coming back to lavender plants repeatedly throughout the day.
Hummingbirds can see the color purple very well. The bright lavender blooms act as a visual signal, alerting hummingbirds from quite a distance that there is a good food source in that location.
Do butterflies like lavender?
Butterflies also love lavender. They are attracted to the sweet nectar the flowers produce just like hummingbirds. Butterflies sip nectar through their long, coiled proboscis which acts as a straw. Lavender flowers provide an excellent nectar source for butterflies.
Butterflies also like lavender because it often flowers for an extended period, providing nectar for weeks or months. This gives butterflies a reliable long-term food source.
The fragrance from lavender is very attractive to butterflies. They have an excellent sense of smell and can detect the scent from lavender plants from quite a distance away. The scent helps guide them to the flowers.
Butterflies prefer purple, yellow, pink, red, and orange flowers. Lavender’s vibrant purple color is very attractive to many butterfly species.
Which Types of Hummingbirds Like Lavender
Many different hummingbird species are attracted to lavender. Some of the most common types of hummingbirds that like lavender include:
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
The ruby-throated hummingbird is the most widespread and commonly seen hummingbird in Eastern North America. Ruby-throats are small, only about 3-4 inches long. The adult male ruby-throat has an iridescent ruby red throat, white breast, and metallic green back. Females lack the ruby red throat patch.
Ruby-throated hummingbirds readily visit lavender plants to drink the nectar. They are often the most common hummingbird found at lavender flowers, especially in the Eastern United States.
Rufous Hummingbird
Rufous hummingbirds are common visitors to lavender in the Pacific Northwest and Western North America. The adult male rufous hummingbird has a brilliant orange throat and belly. Females and juveniles have green backs, white bellies, and some rusty colored spots on the sides.
Rufous hummingbirds have an extremely long migration, breeding in the Northwest and wintering in Mexico. Lavender provides an important nectar source to help fuel their long journeys.
Allen’s Hummingbird
In the Southwest United States, Allen’s hummingbirds commonly visit lavender blooms. The adult male Allen’s hummingbird has an orange throat, green back, and rufous sides. Females have a green back, grey sides, white throat, and rust colored tail spots.
Allen’s hummingbirds breed in California and migrate south to Mexico for the winter. Lavender plants help support Allen’s hummingbirds in both their breeding and wintering grounds.
Anna’s Hummingbird
Anna’s hummingbirds are year-round residents along the Pacific Coast. They can be found visiting lavender flowers both in their breeding range and winter range. Adult male Anna’s have iridescent magenta throats and crowns. Females have grey-green backs and off-white bellies.
Lavender stands out against the predominant yellow and red tubular flowers that Anna’s hummingbirds typically visit. So lavender provides an important alternative nectar source for Anna’s hummingbirds.
Other Hummingbirds
Many other hummingbird species will visit lavender flowers when they are available, especially migrants passing through areas where lavender grows. This includes ruby-throated, black-chinned hummingbirds, broad-tailed hummingbirds, calliope hummingbirds, Costa’s hummingbirds, rufous hummingbirds, and more. If you want to attract hummingbirds with your lavender garden, make sure to provide other flowers and feeding stations too to support a diversity of hummingbird species.
Which Types of Butterflies Like Lavender
Butterflies that are attracted to lavender include:
Swallowtail Butterflies
Many different swallowtail butterfly species drink nectar from lavender flowers. In North America, some of the most common swallowtails attracted to lavender include the eastern tiger swallowtail, western tiger swallowtail, pale swallowtail, and black swallowtail.
Their long proboscis allows them to reach deep into lavender flowers for nectar. Lavender also serves as a caterpillar host plant for some swallowtail species.
Monarch Butterflies
Monarch butterflies regularly sip nectar from lavender blooms. Monarchs are declining so planting milkweed for their caterpillars and nectar sources like lavender can help support them. Lavender plants along migration routes help provide fuel for monarchs on their long journeys.
Painted Lady Butterflies
Painted ladies visit lavender throughout their range. They make one of the longest migrations of any butterfly, from Mexico up into Canada, needing plenty of nectar sources along the way. The bright purple lavender flowers are highly attractive to painted ladies during their travels.
Fritillary Butterflies
Many fritillary butterfly species frequent lavender, including the gulf fritillary, silver-spotted skipper, and variegated fritillary. The wide, flat shape of lavender flower clusters give fritillaries plenty of landing space while they sip nectar.
Skipper Butterflies
Skippers such as the silver-spotted skipper and common checkered skipper often stop at patches of lavender for nectar. The small size of skippers allows them to fly quickly between flowers to get enough nectar. Lavender’s extended bloom time provides skippers with the quick energy they need.
Other Butterflies
Many other butterflies visit lavender as well, though less frequently, depending on species and region. Some other butterflies attracted to lavender include admirals, hairstreaks, coppers, sulfurs, blues, and more. Planting lavender near other butterfly-friendly flowers provides nectar for a greater diversity of butterflies.
When do Hummingbirds and Butterflies Arrive for Lavender?
The timing when hummingbirds and butterflies will visit lavender depends on when the lavender blooms and when these pollinators arrive in your area. Here is an overview:
Hummingbirds
| Hummingbird Type | Lavender Visiting Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Ruby-throated hummingbird | Early spring through summer |
| Rufous hummingbird | Late spring through summer in Northwest, spring and fall during migration |
| Allen’s hummingbird | Spring through summer |
| Anna’s hummingbird | Year-round in range |
The key is to have lavender plants blooming when hummingbirds arrive in your area from migration. This ensures they have an excellent nectar source readily available.
Butterflies
| Butterfly Type | Lavender Visiting Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Swallowtails | Spring through fall |
| Monarchs | Late summer/fall migration, some in spring |
| Painted ladies | Spring and fall migration |
| Fritillaries | Summer |
| Skippers | Summer |
Butterfly migration times vary more by species compared to hummingbirds. Planting lavender that blooms over an extended period from spring through fall will provide nectar for the most butterfly species.
Lavender Varieties Preferred by Hummingbirds and Butterflies
Some lavender varieties are especially attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies. Recommended types include:
English Lavender
English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) produces sweetly fragrant lavender flowers on long stems, above gray-green aromatic foliage. It is one of the most popular lavender varieties for gardens and essential oil. The long flower spikes give hummingbirds and butterflies plenty of nectar access. Some English lavender cultivars to try are Munstead, Hidcote, and SuperBlue.
Spanish Lavender
Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas) blooms earlier than many other lavenders, providing an early season nectar source. The flower heads are more compact than English lavender. Good cultivars include Otto Quast and Richard Gray.
French Lavender
French lavender (Lavandula dentata) has a fuller growth habit and denser flower spikes than English lavender. The blunt-tipped flower bracts and strong camphor scent distinguish it. Grosso and Provence are popular French lavender cultivars.
Lavandin
Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia) is a sterile lavender hybrid appreciated for its abundant flowers and resistance to heat and humidity. Phenomenal and Grosso are top performing lavandin cultivars.
Portuguese Lavender
Portuguese lavender (Lavandula latifolia) can produce very large lavender-blue flower heads up to four inches wide. The cultivar L. latifolia ‘Nana Alba’ has slightly smaller white flowers.
Fringed Lavender
Fringed or Spanish fringed lavender (Lavandula dentata) has attractive leaves with fringed edges. The flowers are compact andInputTagss purple atop the foliage. Good varieties are L. dentata ‘Goodwin Creek Grey’ and ‘Fringed Purple’.
How to Plant and Grow Lavender for Hummingbirds and Butterflies
Here are some tips for successfully growing lavender to attract hummingbirds and butterflies:
Plant in Full Sun
Lavender thrives in full sunlight. Choose a spot that gets at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. Morning sun is ideal.
Ensure Good Drainage
Lavender hates wet feet. Make sure the soil is very well-draining. Improve drainage by mixing in gravel or sand if needed. Raised beds also provide better drainage.
Plant in Spring or Fall
The best times to plant new lavender are in early spring after the last frost or early fall several weeks before the first frost. This gives plants time to establish roots before hot and cold weather.
Space Plants 18-24 Inches Apart
Allow sufficient room between lavender plants for good air circulation. Overcrowding increases humidity and disease risk.
Prune Every Few Years
Prune back by 1/3 to 1/2 of plant height every 2-3 years after flowering ends. This encourages bushy new growth. Avoid pruning in fall to prevent winter damage.
Use Fast-Draining Soil Mix
Lavender grows best in slightly sandy, gravelly soil. Improve drainage in clay soil by amending with compost and perlite or pumice. Or plant in raised beds with potting mix.
Water Deeply But Infrequently
Lavender prefers low moisture and drier conditions. Water thoroughly only when the top few inches of soil become dry. Allow soil to dry between waterings.
Apply Slow-Release Fertilizer in Spring
Use a low nitrogen, slow-release fertilizer at the start of spring growth. Avoid high nitrogen formulas that promote excess foliage over flowers.
Protect from High Humidity
High humidity increases lavender’s risk of fungal diseases. Improve airflow with spacing and pruning. Consider growing in pots you can move to adjust humidity.
Mulch Annually
Spread a 2-3 inch layer of gravel, rock, or wood chip mulch around plants each spring. This helps retain moisture and keeps soil cooler.
How to Attract More Hummingbirds and Butterflies to Lavender
Here are some additional tips to bring even more hummingbirds and butterflies to your lavender:
Plant in Drifts or Clumps
Group multiple lavender plants together in drifts or clumps rather than singly. The greater number of flowers will attract more winged visitors.
Include Other Flower Colors
While hummingbirds and butterflies are drawn to purple, also plant flowers in red, orange, pink, yellow, and white near your lavender. Mixing colors provides more visual appeal.
Provide a Water Source
Set up a butterfly puddling area or shallow bird bath, waterfall, or mister near your lavender plants. The water source gives hummingbirds and butterflies a place to drink and rest.
Include Host Plants for Butterflies
Some lavender varieties can serve as butterfly host plants. Also incorporate other host plants like milkweed for monarchs in your landscape to support butterfly reproduction.
Avoid Pesticides
Never use pesticides, herbicides, or insecticides near your lavender or anywhere in your yard. Even organic chemicals can harm hummingbirds and butterflies.
Include Shelter and Perches
Near your lavender, add trees, shrubs, tall flowers, and garden structures to provide shelters and perching areas for hummingbirds and butterflies to rest in your garden.
Let Some Lavender Go to Seed
Allow some lavender plants to complete their life cycle and go to seed. The seeds provide an additional food source for some butterflies and larval host plants attract even more species.
Use Hummingbird Feeders Too
It’s fine to also set up hummingbird feeders with nectar (1 part sugar to 4 parts water) to supplement the lavender flowers. Just make sure to change nectar regularly to avoid spoilage.
Conclusion
With their beautiful purple blooms and sweet nectar, lavender plants are extremely enticing to both hummingbirds and butterflies. A variety of hummingbird species visit lavender gardens regularly when the plants are in bloom, while many different butterflies also stop by lavender for nectar. Choosing non-invasive lavender species suited to your climate, planting in optimal conditions, and incorporating companion plants can attract even greater numbers of these special pollinators to your outdoor space. By adding lavender to your garden and landscaping, you can enjoy watching the fluttering wings, aerobatic flight, and magical colors of hummingbirds and butterflies all season long.
