Hummingbirds are attracted to lantana for several reasons. Lantana is a flowering plant that produces clusters of small, tubular flowers that appeal to hummingbirds’ preferences. The flowers come in a variety of bright, attractive colors that catch hummingbirds’ attention. Additionally, lantana flowers provide nectar that is an important energy source for hummingbirds. The shape of lantana flowers matches hummingbirds’ specialized beaks and tongues that allow them to access nectar. Hummingbirds also use lantana plants for nesting and shelter. Let’s explore the characteristics of lantana that make it so appealing to hummingbirds in more detail.
Brightly colored flowers
One of the main reasons hummingbirds are attracted to lantana is the bright colors of the flowers. Hummingbirds have excellent color vision compared to other birds and are attracted to red, orange, and pink flowers. Lantana comes in a wide range of flower colors including red, yellow, orange, pink, purple, and white. This color variation attracts different hummingbird species that may have preferences for certain flower colors. For example, ruby-throated hummingbirds are particularly attracted to red flowers.
The bright, bold colors of lantana flowers help them stand out. This makes it easier for hummingbirds to spot the flowers from a distance as they fly around in search of food sources. Once hummingbirds discover a lantana plant, the cluster of multiple flowers provides a concentrated area of nectar for them to feed from. Having brightly colored flowers is an evolutionary advantage for lantana plants. The vibrant flowers attract pollinators like hummingbirds which transfer pollen between plants as they feed, enabling lantana to reproduce.
Tubular flower shape
In addition to its bright colors, the tubular shape of lantana flowers is ideal for hummingbird pollination. Hummingbirds have slender, pointed beaks that are adapted for reaching into tubular flowers to access nectar. Their long tongues can extend far into flowers to collect the nectar. The curved shape of lantana flowers perfectly matches the specialized morphology of hummingbird beaks and tongues.
Many other pollinators would not be able to effectively pollinate lantana because their mouthparts cannot fit into the tubular flowers. Bees, for example, have shorter tongued and would not be able to gather as much nectar. So by producing flowers tailored to hummingbirds, lantana ensures an effective pollinator that will frequently visit its flowers as it moves from plant to plant. This increased pollinator visitation increases the reproductive success of lantana.
Abundant nectar
Hummingbirds need a lot of energy to support their fast metabolism and hover in place while feeding. Lantana flowers produce significant amounts of nectar that provide an excellent energy source for hummingbirds. The concentration of sugars in lantana nectar is also suited to the dietary needs to hummingbirds. Up to 30% of a hummingbird’s dietary intake can come from consuming flower nectar.
Lantana produces nectar continuously as new flowers bloom throughout the growing season. This ensures a consistent supply of nectar is available for hummingbirds over an extended period of time rather than just a brief flowering period. Having a steady supply of its preferred food source is one reasons hummingbirds are found visiting lantana plants so frequently.
Range of colors attracts different species
There are over 300 different species of hummingbirds living in the Americas. Different hummingbird species are attracted to different flower colors. For example, broad-tailed hummingbirds are attracted to red flowers while black-chinned hummingbirds prefer orange or purple flowers. By producing blooms in a wide spectrum of colors, lantana appeals to more hummingbird species.
In areas where multiple hummingbird species overlap, planting an assortment of lantana colors provides feeding opportunities for each species. The variability in flower color also decreases competition between species since they are not all limited to feeding from the same flower color. So the colorful diversity of lantana flowers allows for a greater diversity of hummingbird visitors.
Long flowering period
Another desirable characteristic of lantana from a hummingbird’s perspective is its long flowering period. Lantana can bloom almost continuously from spring through fall provided the weather is warm enough. This long flowering provides hummingbirds with a consistent, reliable food source for many months as opposed to plants the flower briefly.
The continuous bloom cycle is facilitated by lantana’s ability to produce flowers on both new and old growth. Even as existing flower clusters fade, new buds and growth keep developing flowers. Deadheading spent flowers also prolongs the bloom period by encouraging new growth. The long flowering window enables hummingbirds to seek out lantana plants as a food source throughout their nesting period and migration.
| Hummingbird Species | Flower Color Preference |
|---|---|
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | Red |
| Black-chinned Hummingbird | Purple or orange |
| Broad-tailed Hummingbird | Red |
| Rufous Hummingbird | Red |
| Allen’s Hummingbird | Orange, red |
Native species in the Americas
Lantana originated in the Americas and is native to tropical and subtropical regions. As an indigenous species, lantana has coevolved with hummingbirds in these regions. This means hummingbirds developed an attraction to lantana flowers, and lantana became adapted to hummingbird pollination over thousands of years. Hummingbirds’ physical traits and behavior are tuned to effectively pollinate native plants like lantana. Likewise, lantana depends on hummingbirds specifically for pollination services in its native habitat.
This mutualistic relationship continues today both in areas where lantana grows natively and where it has been introduced beyond its native range. Even newly arrived hummingbird species identify the familiar flower shapes and colors of lantana and serve as pollinators. The long shared history between hummingbirds and lantana help explain why the attraction remains strong.
Nesting sites
In addition to feeding, hummingbirds use lantana plants for nesting sites. Lantana’s dense branches provide cover and support for hummingbird nests. Hummingbirds frequently construct nests in the middle of lantana bushes, hidden by the foliage. The small size of hummingbird nests, often only 2 inches (5 cm) across, allows them to be concealed within lantana’s branches.
Another beneficial characteristic of lantana for nesting is its long flowering period which coincides with the hummingbird breeding season. Having a plentiful nectar source right next to their nests allows hummingbird parents to easily feed their offspring once the eggs hatch. This gives the baby hummingbirds the constant nourishment they need to grow and fledge successfully.
Drought tolerance
Lantana’s drought tolerance is advantageous for hummingbirds. Once established, lantana can survive with minimal water even during hot, dry periods. Many hummingbird species live in tropical regions that experience distinct wet and dry seasons. Lantana’s ability to thrive year-round under these conditions means hummingbirds have a reliable nectar source even when the overall availability of flowers is lower in the dry months.
Drought tolerance is also beneficial when lantana is planted in gardens and landscapes in arid regions. Hummingbird enthusiasts in dry climates who want to provide habitat can depend on lantana to bloom through summer drought when other plants fade away. The resilience of lantana flowers gives hummingbirds a stable food supply.
Adaptable growth habit
Lantana occurs in diverse forms including both low growing shrubs and trailing vines. Different lantana varieties can grow anywhere from 1-6 feet (0.3-1.8 m) tall. This adaptable growth habit allows it to thrive in various environments from gardens to natural areas. The flexibility in form also means it can be planted in many different landscape situations to attract hummingbirds.
Trailing lantana varieties are excellent for hanging baskets while the short shrub forms work well in borders and beds. The tall varieties can be used as screens or informal hedges. Landscape designers often incorporate multiple heights of lantana together to provide nectar at different levels. The variation in forms gives hummingbirds options for easy access while flying around the landscape.
Ornamental value
In addition to its wildlife benefits, lantana is valued as an ornamental plant for its colorful flowers and long bloom period. It requires minimal care and can enhance gardens, patios, and outdoor living areas. Many different cultivars exist with a diversity of flower forms and colors. The compact varieties work especially well in container gardens.
Plant breeders have also developed sterile lantana cultivars that cannot spread invasively. These non-invasive kinds can be planted confidently in gardens beyond lantana’s native range without fear of it escaping. The popularity of ornamental lantana ensures a wide availability of plants for gardeners to incorporate in their landscapes. When they plant lantana, homeowners can enjoy both beautiful flowers and hummingbird visitors drawn to the blossoms.
Conclusion
With their specialized beaks and feeding behaviors, hummingbirds rely heavily on certain tubular flower shapes to provide their food. Flowers that match their anatomy, offer abundant nectar, and bloom continuously are highly attractive. Lantana possesses these key traits, making it a magnet for hummingbird visitors. The showy flower clusters in a variety of bright colors appeal to hummingbirds’ sense of vision. Lantana’s plentiful nectar provides essential energy. And its long flowering period supplies food consistently for months. These qualities explain why hummingbirds routinely seek out lantana and display a strong preference for the flowers. By offering both food and shelter, lantana supports hummingbirds’ needs for nesting and migration. The co-dependent relationship between hummingbirds and lantana continues to thrive today as it has evolved over thousands of years. For gardeners wanting to host more hummingbirds, planting lantana is an excellent strategy. Its multi-season flowers will readily attract these special birds.
