If you’re looking to fill your garden with vibrant, darting jewels, you might be asking: does lantana attract hummingbirds? The answer is a resounding yes. This tough, colorful plant is a magnet for these tiny, energetic birds. Its unique flower structure and nectar-rich blooms make it a favorite pit stop in any wildlife-friendly garden.
Creating a space that hummingbirds love is about more than just one plant. But lantana is a fantastic place to start. It offers a reliable food source and adds a long season of color to your yard. Let’s look at why this plant works so well and how you can use it to create a hummingbird haven.
Does Lantana Attract Hummingbirds
Lantana’s appeal to hummingbirds isn’t an accident. It’s the result of specific traits that perfectly match what these birds search for. The relationship is a classic example of co-evolution in your own backyard.
First, the flower shape is ideal. Hummingbirds have long, specialized beaks designed to reach into tubular flowers. Lantana’s small, clustered florets form a perfect landing pad. The bird can easily access the nectar at the base of each tiny tube.
Second, lantana produces nectar consistently. While not the absolute highest in sugar content, it’s a reliable and abundant source. For a hummingbird, which needs to eat half its body weight in nectar each day, a dependable patch of lantana is like a trusted diner.
Finally, the blooming period is exceptionally long. In warm climates, lantana can flower from late spring straight through to the first frost. This provides a critical food source when other flowers have faded, supporting hummingbirds during their migration and beyond.
Choosing the Best Lantana Varieties for Hummingbirds
Not all lantana are created equal in the eyes of a hummingbird. Some varieties are simply more attractive and accessible. When selecting plants, your goal is to choose types with the most nectar and the most inviting form.
Here are some top-performing varieties known to attract hummingbirds:
* ‘Miss Huff’: A classic, hardy perennial with orange and pink clusters. It’s vigorous and gets large, offering a big target for birds.
* ‘New Gold’: A stunning, uniform yellow. Its bright color is highly visible, and it’s a prolific bloomer.
* ‘Dallas Red’: Features rich red and yellow flowers. Red is a color that naturally draws in hummingbirds, making this a top choice.
* Trailing Lantana (Lantana montevidensis): This purple or white variety is excellent for hanging baskets or ground cover. Its more open form can be easier for some birds to access.
* Native Lantana (Lantana urticoides, etc.): If you can find them, native species are often the best ecological choice. They co-evolved with local hummingbird populations and are perfectly adapted.
Avoid sterile hybrid varieties that are bred not to set seed. While tidy, they sometimes product less nectar. Your best bet is to visit a local nursery and observe which varieties are already buzzing with life.
How to Plant and Grow a Hummingbird-Friendly Lantana
Lantana is famously low-maintenance, but giving it the right start ensures a healthier plant with more flowers. More flowers means more happy hummingbirds.
Follow these steps for success:
1. Pick the Sunniest Spot: Lantana needs full sun to bloom its best. Aim for at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
2. Ensure Excellent Drainage: This plant hates wet feet. Plant in well-draining soil, or use raised beds or containers. If your soil is heavy clay, amend it with compost or gravel.
3. Space Them Out: Give plants plenty of room for air circulation. This prevents mildew and allows the plant to reach its full, bushy potential.
4. Water Wisely: Water deeply after planting to establish roots. Once established, lantana is very drought-tolerant. Water only when the soil is dry.
5. Feed Lightly: Too much fertilizer leads to leafy growth at the expense of flowers. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring, or top-dress with compost.
Caring for Your Lantana Through the Season
A little care goes a long way in keeping your lantana blooming non-stop. The key is to encourage new flower production, as that’s where the fresh nectar is.
* Deadheading: Regularly snip off the old, spent flower clusters. This tells the plant to produce more blooms instead of putting energy into seeds.
* Pruning: In mid-summer, if the plant gets leggy, don’t be afraid to give it a light trim. Cut back by about one-third to encourage bushier growth and a new flush of flowers.
* Overwintering: In colder zones (below Zone 8), lantana is often grown as an annual. You can try to bring container plants indoors to a sunny window, or take cuttings to root for next year.
Designing a Garden That Hummingbirds Will Love
While lantana is a star player, hummingbirds need a diverse menu. Think of your garden as a layered buffet. By adding different plants, you provide nectar for the entire season and reasons for birds to stay and explore.
Combine your lantana with these other hummingbird favorites:
* Tall Background Plants: Bee balm, cardinal flower, and trumpet vine.
* Mid-Height Companions: Salvia (especially scarlet sage), penstemon, and zinnias.
* Fillers and Spillers: Fuchsia, petunias, and nasturtiums in containers.
Create clusters of color. Hummingbirds are more likely to notice a large block of red or orange than a single plant scattered here and their. Also, include a water feature, like a mister or shallow fountain. They love to fly through fine sprays to bathe.
Most importantly, avoid pesticides. These chemicals can poison the insects that hummingbirds also eat for protein. A few chewed leaves are a small price to pay for a thriving ecosystem.
Common Lantana Problems and Solutions
Even tough plants can have issues. Being proactive keeps your lantana healthy and attractive to wildlife.
* Powdery Mildew: This white fungus appears in humid conditions with poor air flow. Solution: Space plants properly, water at the base (not overhead), and use a fungicidal spray if needed.
* Lace Bugs: These tiny pests cause leaves to look speckled or bleached. Solution: A strong spray of water from a hose can dislodge them. For severe cases, use insecticidal soap.
* Not Blooming: The usual culprits are too much shade, too much fertilizer, or soil that’s too rich. Solution: Move to a sunnier location and hold back on feeding.
Remember, a stressed plant won’t produce many flowers. Addressing problems quickly ensures your lantana remains a nectar powerhouse.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is lantana the best plant for attracting hummingbirds?
A: It’s one of the top choices due to its long bloom time and easy care. It’s best used as part of a diverse garden with other nectar-rich plants to provide a continuous food source.
Q: Do hummingbirds like all colors of lantana?
A: They are attracted to bright, warm colors like red, orange, bright pink, and yellow. They can still visit other colors, but the brighter clusters tend to be more effective signals.
Q: Is lantana invasive?
A: In some warm, frost-free regions (like parts of Florida, Texas, and Hawaii), certain lantana species can be invasive. Always check with your local extension service to see if it’s a problem in your area. Look for sterile cultivars that don’t set seed.
Q: Can I grow lantana in pots?
A: Absolutely. Container growing is a great option, especially in cooler climates. Use a large pot with drainage holes and a well-draining potting mix. This also helps control its spread.
Q: What time of day do hummingbirds visit lantana?
A: They are most active at dawn and dusk, but you’ll see them visiting throughout the day. They need to feed frequently, so a lantana in full sun will get visits from morning to evening.
Q: Are there any downsides to planting lantana?
A: The leaves can cause skin irritation for some people, so wear gloves when handling. Also, all parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested by people, dogs, or cats. Plant it where pets won’t be tempted to chew on it.
Creating a garden that attracts colorful hummingbirds is a joyful project. By planting lantana, you’re choosing a reliable, beautiful workhorse that will draw these fascinating birds in for a closer look. Pair it with other thoughtful choices, and you’ll be rewarded with a lively, buzzing garden full of color and motion all season long.