The lily of the Nile (Agapanthus africanus) is a popular ornamental plant known for its beautiful blue or white flower clusters. With its long tubular flowers, it is frequently promoted as an attractant of hummingbirds. But do hummingbirds really like lily of the Nile? Let’s take a closer look at the characteristics of this plant and what they mean for hummingbird preferences.
Nectar Production in Lily of the Nile
An important factor in hummingbird preference is the amount of nectar a flower produces. Hummingbirds have very high metabolisms and rely on drinking nectar throughout the day to fuel their energetic lifestyles. Flowers that produce more nectar are likely to be more attractive to hummingbirds.
Lily of the Nile produces only small amounts of nectar compared to many other hummingbird-pollinated flowers. The shape of the flowers indicates that lily of the Nile is adapted for pollination by long-tongued bees, which can access nectar deep in the long floral tubes. Hummingbirds have shorter tongues and likely cannot efficiently reach all of the nectar.
This low nectar production makes lily of the Nile less than ideal for attracting hummingbirds. Flowers adapted for bee pollination often do not provide enough nectar calories to be worth a hummingbird’s effort.
Flower Color
Flower color is another factor that influences hummingbird preference. Hummingbirds are attracted to red, orange, and pink flowers, as they have color vision and pollinators like bees do not. This allows them to target flowering plants that cater specifically to bird pollination.
The blue or white flowers of lily of the Nile are not colors that appeal to a hummingbird’s visual senses. While hummingbirds will visit many flower colors in order to find nectar, they actively seek out and remember locations of red, orange, and pink flowers.
Flower Shape
Tubular flower shapes like those of lily of the Nile are adapted for pollinators that can fit inside and access the nectar within. Bees are able to crawl inside and pollinate the flowers. Hummingbird beaks and tongues, in contrast, are not optimized for Flowers tube access.
Hummingbirds prefer flowers with a shape that allows easy access while hovering. Open, cup-shaped flowers or flowers with a landing platform allow hummingbirds to perch and easily insert their beaks and tongues. The long, narrow tubes of lily of the Nile flowers make nectar access difficult for hummingbirds.
Plant Growth Habit
Hummingbirds also prefer flowers on plants with an upright, compact growth form. Lily of the Nile has a clumping growth habit, with flowers produced on tall stems or scapes that rise above the foliage. This makes it difficult for hummingbirds to access the flowers while hovering.
Plants with a branching form or shorter flower stems are more convenient for hummingbirds to visit multiple flowers in quick succession. They gravitate toward inflorescences that provide dense concentrations of flowers shaped for easy access.
| Factor | Lily of the Nile Trait | Hummingbird Preference |
|---|---|---|
| Nectar Production | Low | High |
| Flower Color | Blue, White | Red, Orange, Pink |
| Flower Shape | Tubular | Cup-shaped, Landing Platform |
| Growth Habit | Clumping | Branching, Compact |
Observations of Hummingbird Use
In addition to considering the floral traits above, we can look directly at observations of hummingbird interactions with lily of the Nile to determine if they actively visit these plants.
Several sources indicate that hummingbird visits to lily of the Nile occur but are infrequent compared to more preferred food sources. One report from the Los Angeles Arboretum notes that Allen’s and Anna’s hummingbirds were observed visiting their lily of the Nile plants rarely.
A study in Arizona found that broad-billed hummingbirds accounted for only 1% of visits to lily of the Nile plants, compared to 97% of visits by bees. This indicates the flowers are much more attractive to insect pollinators. Observations from California gardeners also suggest minimal hummingbird interest in these plants.
While hummingbirds may occasionally visit lily of the Nile flowers if other food sources are scarce, they do not seem to be highly attracted to them. The floral characteristics and limited observations indicate these plants are not a reliable means of attracting hungry, hovering hummingbirds.
Preferred Hummingbird Flowers
If lily of the Nile does not make the top of the list, which flowers are preferred by hummingbirds? Some excellent options for attracting these speedy pollinators include:
Bee Balm (Monarda)
Bee balm, Monarda didyma and other Monarda species, is a mint family member native to North America. Its shaggy tubular flowers come in shades of red and pink that appeal to hummingbird vision. The nectar is easily accessible, and plants have a compact, bushy form perfect for hovering.
Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
The aptly named cardinal flower boasts bright red blooms perfectly suited for attracting hummingbird attention. It produces an abundance of nectar to fuel the high metabolic rates of its preferred pollinators. Dense floral spikes provide one convenient feeding station.
Fuchsia (Fuchsia)
Available in vivid shades from scarlet to fuchsia (of course!), the drooping flowers of fuchsia plants are irresistible to hummingbirds. Their unique shape provides easy access to ample nectar rewards. Fuchsias are compact, branching plants that allow for easy hovering access.
Salvia (Salvia)
Many red, tubed salvia blossoms are favorites of hummingbirds. Pineapple sage, scarlet sage, and autumn sage are just a few of the hundreds of plant species in this diverse genus. Abundant nectar and convenient flower spikes make salvias a top choice.
Scarlet Gilia (Ipomopsis aggregata)
With striking red tubular flowers arranged in dense inflorescences, scarlet gilia is perfectly adapted for pollination by attracted hummingbirds. It blooms through summer in its native region of the western United States. Hummingbirds won’t miss this abundant source of fuel.
Trees and Vines
In addition to herbaceous plants, trees and vines with suitable flowers are also attractive to hummingbirds. Flame acanthus, trumpet vine, coral honeysuckle, and mimosa tree are just a few flowering woody plants known to draw in these tiny birds.
Providing Other Habitat Needs
While nectar-rich flowers are critical, truly accommodating your visiting hummingbirds requires meeting more than just their dietary requirements. Here are some other habitat elements to provide:
Water
Hummingbirds get most of their water needs from flower nectar. But they still appreciate fresh water sources like misters, drippers, and fountains, especially in dry climates. Moving water that forms droplets is preferred over still water sources.
Shelter
Hummingbirds appreciate small trees, shrubs, and vines that provide shelter and perches between flower visits. This gives them a place to preen, rest, and watch for predators.
Nesting Sites
Providing protected nesting spots will allow hummingbirds to take up residence in your habitat. Small trees and shrubs with horizontal branches are natural nest sites. You can also purchase specialized hummingbird nesting baskets or platforms.
Feeders
Although no substitute for flowers, nectar feeders are useful for supplementing food sources. Use a feeder with perches and food made from refined white sugar (never honey). Change the sugar water every few days.
Key Considerations When Landscaping for Hummingbirds
To design a landscape that truly caters to hummingbird preferences, keep these key principles in mind:
– Prioritize nectar-rich plants with red or orange tubular flowers that provide abundant, accessible fuel. Cup-shaped and platform flowers are also excellent.
– Choose plants with compact, branching growth habits for easy hovering access. Avoid tall flowers on sparsevertical stalks.
– Time plantings for continuous bloom through spring, summer, and fall to provide a constant food supply.
– Supplement with feeders and include water sources, perches, and shelters to provide complete habitat.
– Avoid pesticides that could be harmful to hummingbirds and reduce insect populations they rely on for food.
Conclusion
While lily of the Nile flowers may occasionally attract visiting hummingbirds, they do not appear to be a preferred food source. Factors like small amounts of inaccessible nectar, unwieldy growth habit, and lack of vibrant red coloration make them less than ideal for attracting these energetic pollinators.
Gardeners who want to design a space that is highly appealing to hummingbirds should focus on plants with ample nectar supplies, convenient access, and bright scarlet to orange tubed blossoms. Supplementing these flowers with shelter, water, perches and next sites can help create an ideal habitat. Lily of the Nile may add nice visual interest, but other plants will be more successful for inviting hordes of hungry hummingbirds. With the right selection of natural food sources, any yard can become a bustling hummer hotspot.
