Do Hummingbirds Like Lilies

If you’re hoping to see more hummingbirds zipping around your garden, you might be wondering about the best flowers to plant. Do hummingbirds like lilies? The answer is a bit more nuanced than a simple yes or no. While some lilies can attract these tiny birds, others might not be their first choice. This guide will help you understand which lilies work, how to use them effectively, and how to create a truly irresistible hummingbird habitat.

Certain types of lilies can indeed attract hummingbirds, but it’s not a guarantee with every variety. Hummingbirds are primarily looking for three things in a flower: a rich nectar supply, a tubular or trumpet-shaped bloom that fits their long bills, and a bright, conspicuous color. Some lilies hit all these marks perfectly, while others fall short. It’s all about choosing the right kind and planting them as part of a larger, bird-friendly strategy.

What Hummingbirds Look For in a Flower

To understand if a lily will work, you need to think like a hummingbird. Their feeding habits are very specific and driven by high energy needs.

Nectar Content: The flower must produce a good amount of sugary nectar. This is their primary fuel source.
Bloom Shape: Tubular, trumpet, or bell-shaped flowers are ideal. They allow the hummer to insert its long tongue while hovering.
Color Attraction: Hummingbirds are especially drawn to the colors red, orange, and bright pink. They see these hues very vividly.
No Scent Needed: Unlike bees, hummingbirds don’t rely on fragrance. They are visual hunters, so scentless flowers are fine.

The Best Lily Varieties for Hummingbirds

Not all lilies are created equal in the hummingbird garden. Focus on these types, which offer the shape and nectar access that hummers prefer.

Trumpet Lilies (Lilium)

These are the top contenders. As their name suggests, they have long, trumpet-shaped flowers that are a perfect fit for a hummingbird’s bill. Their blooms often face outward or downward, making for easy access.

Popular Examples: ‘African Queen’ (orange), ‘Pink Perfection’ (deep pink), and ‘Golden Splendor’ (yellow).
Why They Work: The deep trumpet holds nectar, and the bright colors act like a neon sign.

Oriental Trumpet Lilies (OT Hybrids)

A cross between Trumpet and Oriental lilies, these combine great form with stunning beauty. They often have the trumpet shape hummers love along with striking colors and patterns.

Turk’s Cap Lilies (Lilium superbum)

This native North American species has distinctive blooms with recurved petals. While the shape is more open, they produce abundant nectar and are a fantastic natural choice for attracting local hummingbird species.

Lilies That Might Not Attract Hummers

It’s just as important to know which lilies to avoid if hummingbirds are your main goal. Some common garden lilies aren’t as appealing.

Asiatic Lilies: These have wide, open, cup-shaped flowers. While beautiful, they are often more accessible to bees and butterflies. Their nectar isn’t as protected, so hummers might bypass them for better options.
Double-Flowered Varieties: Any lily with dense, multi-petaled blooms can be problematic. The extra petals can block access to the nectar center, frustrating the bird.
Pure White or Pastel Lilies: While hummers might still visit them, they are less visable than vibrant reds and oranges. They don’t provide the strong color cue the birds rely on.

How to Plant Lilies for Maximum Hummingbird Traffic

Planting the right lily is only the first step. Where and how you plant them makes a huge difference.

Plant in Clusters: Don’t plant just one or two lilies. Group at least three to five of the same variety together. This creates a larger, more noticeable target for passing hummingbirds.
Choose the Right Location: Plant them in a sunny spot that you can easily view from a window. Hummingbirds prefer sunlit flowers. Also ensure the soil is well-draining; lilies hate soggy feet.
Layer with Other Plants: Place lilies in the middle or back of a flower border. Use shorter annuals or perennials in front to fill space and provide additional color.
Provide Perches: Hummingbirds need to rest. Place a slender pole, a shepherd’s hook, or a small, bare branch near the lily patch. They will use it to guard their favorite feeding territory.

Creating a Complete Hummingbird Garden

Lilies alone won’t sustain hummingbirds for the entire season. Their bloom period is limited. To keep them coming back, you need a sequence of blooms from spring to fall.

Early Season: Columbine, Bee Balm, and Coral Bells.
Mid-Season: Your Trumpet Lilies, Cardinal Flower, and Penstemon.
Late Season: Salvia, Fuchsia, and Trumpet Honeysuckle.

By offering a continous buffet, you support hummingbirds throughout their stay and encourage them to nest nearby. Remember to also avoid pesticides, as hummers eat tiny insects for protein.

Step-by-Step: Adding Lilies to Your Garden

Source Bulbs: Buy plump, firm bulbs from a reputable nursery in fall or early spring.
Planting Time: Fall is ideal for most zones, but spring planting works too. Plant them as soon as possible after purchase.
Prepare Soil: Work the soil to a depth of 12 inches. Mix in compost to improve drainage and fertility.
Plant Deep: Set bulbs 3 times as deep as the bulb is tall (usually 6-8 inches). This ensures good root development and stability.
Water and Mulch: Water thoroughly after planting. Apply a light layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Be Patient: Mark the spot and wait for growth. They may not bloom the first year if planted in spring, but will reward you in subsequent seasons.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even with the best plans, issues can arise. Here’s how to handle common lily challenges.

Lily Beetles: These bright red pests can devour leaves and buds. Hand-pick them daily or use neem oil as an organic control.
Poor Blooming: This is often due to too much shade or overcrowded bulbs. Ensure they get at least 6 hours of sun and divide clumps every 3-4 years.
Animals: Deer and rabbits love lily buds. Use physical barriers or repellents if these are a problem in your area.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

What flowers do hummingbirds like most?

Hummingbirds strongly prefer tubular flowers in red, orange, and pink. Top favorites include Bee Balm, Cardinal Flower, Salvia, Trumpet Vine, and, of course, the right types of Trumpet Lilies.

Are daylilies good for hummingbirds?

Daylilies (Hemerocallis) are not true lilies. They can sometimes attract hummers, especially the darker red varieties, but their open shape is more suited to bees. They are not as reliable as trumpet lilies.

Should I use a feeder if I have lilies?

Absolutely. A clean nectar feeder filled with a simple sugar solution (4 parts water to 1 part white sugar) provides a reliable supplemental food source, especially when flowers are not in bloom. Place it near your lily bed to create a hub.

When do lilies attract hummingbirds?

Most lilies bloom in the summer, typically from early to mid-summer. This makes them a key part of your mid-season nectar strategy. Plan your garden so other flowers bloom before and after them.

So, do hummingbirds like lilies? The right ones, planted with care and supported by other nectar-rich plants, can be a wonderful addition to your hummingbird haven. By choosing trumpet-shaped varieties in vibrant colors and integrating them into a layered, season-long garden plan, you’ll significantly increase your chances of hosting these fascinating little birds. Grab some bulbs this season and get ready for the show.