Lavender is a fragrant herb that produces beautiful purple flowers. These flowers not only look and smell lovely, but they also attract pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds. Many gardeners specifically grow lavender to draw these winged visitors to their yard. But does lavender actually attract butterflies and hummingbirds? And if so, which one is more drawn to lavender? Keep reading to find out.
Does Lavender Attract Butterflies?
Yes, lavender does attract butterflies. The nectar-rich flowers provide an excellent food source for butterflies. Additionally, butterflies are visually drawn to the bright purple blooms which act as a signal that there is tasty nectar inside. Some of the butterfly species known to visit lavender include:
Swallowtails
Several swallowtail species feed on lavender including the western tiger swallowtail, pale swallowtail, and black swallowtail. These large, vibrantly colored butterflies sip nectar from the flowers using their long proboscises. Lavender also serves as a host plant for the common checkered skipper butterfly larvae.
Painted Ladies
Painted lady butterflies regularly stop by lavender plants when making their migrations through North America. The nectar from the flowers provides fuel for these travelers.
Skippers
Skippers such as the common branded skipper, Fiery skipper, and European skipper feed on lavender nectar. They use their short, stout proboscises to extract the nectar.
Monarchs
Monarch butterflies rely on lavender as a nectar plant. The migrating populations that travel to Mexico for the winter will stop at locations with abundant lavender blooms to refuel.
Admirals
The admiral family includes butterflies like the red admiral and white admiral. Both types visit flowering lavender plants to drink the nectar.
Hairstreaks
Various hairstreak butterflies are attracted to lavender including the gray hairstreak, red-banded hairstreak, and coral hairstreak. They use their slender proboscises to sip the nectar.
Metalmarks
The Mormon metalmark relies on lavender as one of its prime nectar sources. It is specially adapted to pollinating lavender flowers.
Sulfurs
Sulfur butterflies like the orange sulfur and cloudless sulfur get nutrients from the nectar and pollen of lavender flowers. The small blooms are perfectly sized for these petite butterflies.
Blues
Lavender attracts a number of blue butterflies as well. Spring azures, Melissa blues, and marine blues are species you may see visiting lavender plants.
Coppers
The American copper butterfly favors lavender flowers. The bright purple color is highly attractive to this vividly colored insect.
Fritillaries
Some fritillary butterflies, like the gulf fritillary, stop by lavender when seeking food sources. The nectar sustains these delicate winged insects.
What Attracts Butterflies to Lavender
There are a few key reasons butterflies are attracted to lavender specifically:
Nectar
Butterflies drink the nectar from lavender flowers through their proboscises. This provides them with sugars and carbohydrates that fuel flight.
Color
The vivid purple flowers stand out visually and signal to butterflies that there is nectar inside. Butterflies see in colors like yellows, blues, and purples particularly well.
Fragrance
The strong fragrance from lavender acts like a magnet to draw butterflies in to investigate further. Butterflies sense scents through receptors on their antennae and feet.
Shape
The tubular shape of lavender flowers provides a perfect landing platform for butterflies. They can easily access the nectar.
Bloom Period
Lavender blooms through spring and summer when butterflies are most active and in need of food sources. The seasonal sync makes lavender an optimal nectar plant.
Does Lavender Attract Hummingbirds?
In addition to butterflies, lavender attracts hummingbirds. Its tubular flowers hold abundant nectar perfectly suited for hummingbirds’ long, slender beaks and tongues. And the blossoms come in colors that appeal to these small birds. Some hummingbirds drawn to lavender include:
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
The ruby-throated hummingbird is the most common hummingbird in eastern North America. It feeds on the nectar of lavender flowers.
Rufous Hummingbird
In the west, the rufous hummingbird visits lavender frequently. It migrates northward each spring to breeding grounds where lavender provides food.
Allen’s Hummingbird
Another western hummingbird, the Allen’s hummingbird, relies on lavender as a food source. It is commonly found along the California coast.
Black-Chinned Hummingbird
The black-chinned hummingbird living in western states gravitates towards lavender when the flowers are in bloom. The nectar provides much-needed energy.
Anna’s Hummingbird
A year-round resident of the west coast, Anna’s hummingbirds feed on arbors and patches of lavender. The blooms provide food through winter when less nectar is available.
Costa’s Hummingbird
In the southwestern deserts, Costa’s hummingbirds visit lavender plantings. The flowers offer an oasis of nectar in an arid climate.
What Attracts Hummingbirds to Lavender
There are a few reasons hummingbirds specifically seek out lavender flowers:
Nectar
Like butterflies, hummingbirds tap into lavender flowers for their sweet nectar. They consume more than their weight in nectar each day, so lavender is an important source.
Color
Hummingbirds see the color red exceptionally well. So they spot the vivid purple lavender blooms from afar and go in to explore.
Shape
The tubular shape of lavender flowers perfectly matches a hummingbird’s long, slender beak. This makes it easy to access the nectar inside.
Blooms All Season
Depending on the variety, lavender can produce flowers from spring through fall. This provides a consistent nectar supply for hummingbirds through the seasons.
High Nectar Volume
Lavender flowers hold more abundant nectar than many other tubular flowers. A little goes a long way in fueling hummingbirds.
Which is More Attracted to Lavender: Butterflies or Hummingbirds?
Both butterflies and hummingbirds are highly attracted to lavender flowers due to their color, fragrance, and nectar. But between the two, butterflies seem to be a bit more drawn to lavender overall. Here’s why:
Wider Feeding Range
More butterfly species frequent lavender plants thanks in part to their wider range of proboscis types. Long, short, slender, or stout – lavender can accommodate them all. Hummingbirds have a narrower range of beak shapes.
Better Vision of Color
Butterflies see purple hues especially well. The lavender color stands out boldly to them. Hummingbirds don’t see purple quite as vividly. Red flowers attract them better.
Stronger Scent Receptors
Butterflies have more acute scent receptors on their feet and antennae to detect floral scents like lavender. Hummingbirds rely more on vision than smell when foraging.
More Dependence on Nectar
Butterflies get most of their nutrition from flower nectar. Hummingbirds also eat small insects for protein. They are slightly less dependent on nectar alone.
Greater Need to Refuel
Butterflies need to frequently refuel while fluttering about all day. Hummingbirds conserve energy by perching periodically. So butterflies tend to visit flowers more often.
Maximizing Lavender’s Appeal for Pollinators
If you want to maximize the appeal of lavender for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds, here are some helpful tips:
Plant in Full Sun
Lavender thrives in full sunlight, which means more abundant blooms. Go for at least 6 hours of direct sun daily.
Choose Nectar-Rich Varieties
Some lavender varieties have more copious nectar than others. Opt for types like Munstead, Grosso, and SuperBlue.
Include Different Lavender Species
Grow English lavender, French lavender, and Spanish lavender for diverse blooming seasons.
Plant in Groups
Massing lavender plants together creates an attractive pollinator magnet. Go for at least 3-4 plants.
Provide Drip Irrigation
Lavender needs fast-draining soil and even moisture. Drip irrigation provides water without scaring away pollinators.
Mulch Around Plants
Natural mulches help lavender soil stay cool and retain moisture. This supports healthy plants.
Deadhead Frequently
Removing spent blooms encourages new flower production to maintain nectar sources.
Avoid Pesticides
Using organic methods instead of pesticides ensures safe foraging for pollinators.
Include Other Flowering Plants
Nearby plants like bee balm, verbena, and salvia complement lavender in attracting pollinators.
Conclusion
To conclude, both butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to lavender due to its color, fragrance, and nectar-rich flowers. Butterflies seem more strongly attracted, visiting lavender in larger numbers with greater dependence on its nectar. By choosing the right lavender varieties and caring for plants properly, you can create an enticing pollinator garden that draws in both beautiful butterflies and hummingbirds regularly. If you want vibrant wings fluttering through your yard, include plenty of flowering lavender.
