Quick Answer
Lily of the valley does not typically attract hummingbirds. Hummingbirds are attracted to tubular flowers with lots of nectar, whereas lily of the valley has bell-shaped flowers that do not produce much nectar. However, hummingbirds may occasionally visit lily of the valley flowers if no other nectar sources are available nearby. Overall, lily of the valley is not a reliable hummingbird attractor.
Do Hummingbirds Like Lily of the Valley?
Hummingbirds are attracted to flowers that provide them with nectar, which is their main food source. The ideal hummingbird flowers have the following characteristics:
- Tubular or trumpet-shaped blossoms that are easy for hummingbirds to access
- Bright, vibrant colors like red, orange, or pink
- Lots of nectar with a high sugar concentration
Lily of the valley flowers do not fit these criteria very well. The bell-shaped blossoms are not tubular, so it is difficult for hummingbirds to reach the nectar. The flowers are also white, not brightly colored. Additionally, lily of the valley produces only small amounts of nectar with a lower sugar content compared to typical hummingbird plants.
While hummingbirds may occasionally visit lily of the valley if no other flowers are nearby, they prefer flowers that are specifically adapted to their needs. Lily of the valley’s shape and nectar production make it far from an ideal food source. So in general, lily of the valley does not attract hummingbirds.
Flowers That Attract Hummingbirds
Here are some flowers that are highly attractive to hummingbirds due to their tubular shape, bright colors, and abundant nectar:
| Flower | Colors |
|---|---|
| Trumpet vine | Orange, red |
| Cardinal flower | Red |
| Bee balm | Red, pink, purple |
| Petunia | Pink, purple, red |
| Columbine | Red, yellow |
| Fuchsia | Pink, red, purple |
| Coral honeysuckle | Orange, red |
| Lantana | Yellow, orange, red |
These flowers have the tubular shape, bright pigments, and high nectar content that attract hungry hummingbirds. Providing several different hummingbird-favored flowers in the garden will help entice these fast-flying pollinators.
Lily of the Valley Flower Features
To understand why lily of the valley does not attract hummingbirds, it helps to look more closely at the physical characteristics of the flowers:
- Shape – The flowers have a bell or cup shape with flared ends, rather than a long tubular trumpet shape. This makes it hard for hummingbirds to access any nectar.
- Color – The flowers are white, sometimes with a pale pink tint. Hummingbirds are not drawn to these muted colors like they are to bright reds and oranges.
- Nectar – The nectar content is relatively low compared to typical hummingbird flowers. There is not enough to provide much food value for hummingbirds.
- Odor – The flowers have a light, sweet fragrance. But hummingbirds locate flowers mainly by sight, not smell.
With these attributes, it is easy to see why lily of the valley flowers do not align with what hummingbirds are searching for. The shape prevents them from feeding, the color does not catch their eye, the nectar content is low, and the fragrance does not attract them.
Lily of the Valley Nectar Production
Here is some more detailed information on lily of the valley’s minimal nectar production:
- Sugar concentration – The nectar is dilute, with a sugar concentration of only 10-15%. Hummingbird-pollinated flowers typically have 25-40% sugar concentration.
- Nectar volume – Each flower produces only about 0.01 microliters of nectar. Hummingbird flowers can have 100 times more nectar per blossom.
- Nectar location – The nectar is located at the base of the flower, harder for hummingbirds to reach.
Given these nectar attributes, lily of the valley simply cannot provide enough nutritional value in the form of sugars to attract hungry hummingbirds. There are far better nectar sources available for meeting a hummingbird’s energy needs.
Do Hummingbirds Pollinate Lily of the Valley?
While lily of the valley does not need hummingbirds, the reverse relationship is also true – lily of the valley does not require hummingbirds for pollination.
Lily of the valley is self-pollinating, meaning it can transfer pollen from male to female flower parts within a single blossom. No external pollinator is required. Additionally, ants may facilitate some limited cross-pollination between flowers as they crawl over the plant collecting nectar. However, the presence of hummingbirds or other pollinators is not necessary for lily of the valley to successfully reproduce.
This contrasts with the many flowering plants that rely on hummingbirds to transfer their pollen. These flowers have specifically adapted in ways to attract hummingbirds, providing a food reward in return for the pollination service. This interdependent relationship does not exist between lily of the valley and hummingbirds.
Other Pollinators of Lily of the Valley
While adequate for self-pollination, lily of the valley flowers do attract some insect pollinators looking for nectar meals:
- Bees – Both honeybees and native solitary bees will visit lily of the valley flowers.
- Flies – Small flies are also occasional pollinators of lily of the valley.
- Ants – As mentioned, ants may provide incidental cross-pollination between flowers while collecting nectar.
- Butterflies – Some butterflies may feed on lily of the valley nectar, but butterflies are not effective pollinators.
Bees in particular help facilitate limited cross-pollination, even though the plant does not rely on insect pollinators. But hummingbirds, butterflies, and most other flower visitors do not play an important role in lily of the valley pollination.
How to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Garden
While lily of the valley itself may not draw in hummingbirds, you can easily attract hummingbirds to your garden by providing their preferred tubular-shaped flowers. Here are some tips:
- Choose a variety of brightly colored, tubular flowers like fuchsia, bee balm, trumpet vine, and columbine.
- Select plants that bloom at different times to provide nectar through the seasons.
- Plant flowers in clusters close together to make it efficient for hummingbirds to feed.
- Supplement with nectar feeders, especially red colored ones made specifically for hummingbirds.
- Avoid pesticides so there are plenty of insects for young hummingbirds to eat.
- Provide a water feature like a fountain or mister for hummingbirds to bathe in.
Following these tips will create an inviting habitat full of yummy nectar sources. Once you get hummingbirds visiting your garden, the bright splashes of color and constant motion they provide are a real joy. Enjoy this special experience even if lily of the valley itself doesn’t attract them.
Ideal Hummingbird Flowers for the Garden
Here are some top flower varieties to include in your hummingbird garden:
| Annuals | Perennials | Vines | Shrubs/Trees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bee balm | Butterfly weed | Trumpet creeper | Mimosa |
| Foxglove | Cardinal flower | Honeysuckle | Weigela |
| Impatiens | Columbine | Morning glory | Fuschia |
| Nasturtium | Crocosmia | Passion flower | Bottlebrush |
| Petunia | Penstemon | Black-eyed Susan vine | Abutilon |
| Salvia | Phlox |
This selection provides colorful, nectar-rich flowers of various heights blooming spring through fall. Together they will entice hummingbirds to take up residence in your garden.
Other Considerations for Attracting Hummingbirds
In addition to planting the right flowers, consider these other hummingbird magnet tips:
Location
Hummingbirds thrive in many environments but prefer areas close to flowering plants and water sources. Put feeders and flowering plants near trees and shrubs for perching and nest sites.
Water
Provide a bird bath, mister, or fountain for drinking and bathing. Change water frequently to keep it fresh and clean.
Feeders
Use feeders designed specifically for hummingbirds. Select bright red colors and make sure the “nectar” recipe is just sugar and water, no honey or food coloring.
Shelter
Hummingbirds appreciate trees, shrubs, and other sheltered spots to perch and build their tiny nests. Dense vegetation also provides protection from predators.
Maintenance
Keep feeders and flower beds clean, blooming, and well-stocked with fresh nectar. Periodic pruning, weeding, and cleanup are necessary.
Following these principles will help create an enticing habitat. The hummingbirds will reward your efforts with their dazzling aerial displays.
Conclusion
In summary, lily of the valley is not an effective attractor for hummingbirds. The tubular flower shape, bright colors, and ample nectar content that hummingbirds seek are lacking. A few other pollinators may visit lily of the valley for nectar, but hummingbirds have better options. To draw hummingbirds to your garden, focus on plants specifically adapted to their needs and preferences. Create an abundance of tube-shaped blooms in red, orange, and pink hues, supplement with feeders, and provide perches and water sources. Do this and the hummingbirds are sure to come, even without lily of the valley. Enjoy the magic of hummers zooming around your personal pollinator paradise.
