Lilies produce tubular flowers that are difficult for hummingbirds to access with their short bills. So, do hummingbirds like lilies? The short answer is that hummingbirds are not naturally drawn to most true lily species, though they may visit a few specific types.
Hummingbirds prefer open, trumpet-shaped blooms where they can easily insert their long, thin beaks. Many lilies have deep, narrow tubes that make nectar extraction challenging. Still, some lily varieties can attract these tiny birds if planted strategically.
Do Hummingbirds Like Lilies
Hummingbirds generally avoid true lilies (Lilium species) because of their flower shape. These birds have evolved to feed from blossoms with wide openings and short corolla tubes. Lilies often have long, pendant flowers that point downward, making it hard for hummingbirds to hover and feed.
However, not all plants called “lilies” are true lilies. Some common garden plants with “lily” in their name, like daylilies or calla lilies, have different structures. Hummingbirds may visit these if the flowers offer easy access to nectar.
Why True Lilies Are Not Ideal For Hummingbirds
True lilies have several features that discourage hummingbird feeding:
- Deep, narrow floral tubes that require a long proboscis
- Flowers that often hang downward, requiring the bird to feed upside down
- Strong fragrances that attract bees and moths instead
- Pollen that sticks to feathers and is hard to clean
Hummingbirds prefer flowers that face outward or upward. They also like blooms with landing platforms or wide openings. Lilies simply don’t meet these needs for most species.
Daylilies: A Different Story
Daylilies (Hemerocallis) are not true lilies, and hummingbirds often visit them. These flowers have wide, open faces with accessible nectar. The trumpet shape is ideal for a hummingbird’s long bill.
Daylilies come in many colors, including red, orange, and pink—shades that attract hummingbirds. They bloom for just one day, but each plant produces many flowers over several weeks. This provides a steady food source.
If you want to attract hummingbirds, plant daylilies in groups. Mass planting creates a visible target for passing birds. Choose varieties with bright, warm colors for best results.
Calla Lilies: Not A Favorite
Calla lilies (Zantedeschia) have a unique structure. The showy part is actually a spathe, not a petal. The tiny flowers are clustered on a central spike called a spadix. Nectar is not easily accessible to hummingbirds.
Hummingbirds may probe calla lilies out of curiosity, but they rarely feed from them. The flowers lack the tubular shape that hummingbirds need. Stick to other plants if your goal is to attract these birds.
Lily-Like Flowers That Attract Hummingbirds
Some flowers resemble lilies but are much better for hummingbirds. These include:
- Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) – large, orange, tubular blooms
- Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) – bright red spikes with tubular florets
- Bee balm (Monarda didyma) – shaggy, tubular flowers in red or pink
- Penstemon – also called beardtongue, with tubular blooms
- Fuchsia – pendant flowers with easy access for hummingbirds
These plants have the right shape and color to catch a hummingbird’s attention. They also produce plenty of nectar. Plant them near lilies to create a mixed garden that supports both aesthetics and wildlife.
How To Make Lilies More Attractive To Hummingbirds
If you love lilies and want to try attracting hummingbirds, you can take a few steps. These won’t guarantee visits, but they may help:
- Plant lilies in clusters of at least five bulbs for visibility
- Choose lighter-colored lilies, like pink or white, which are more visible
- Place lilies near other hummingbird-friendly flowers
- Provide a water source like a mister or shallow birdbath
- Add red garden ornaments or feeders near the lilies
Remember that hummingbirds learn from experience. If they find nectar in your garden once, they may return. But lilies alone are unlikely to become a regular stop.
Best Lily Varieties For Hummingbirds
Some lily cultivars have more open flowers than others. These may be worth trying if you want to test the waters:
- Asiatic lilies – often have upward-facing blooms that are easier to access
- Martagon lilies – have smaller, turk’s-cap flowers that some birds visit
- Oriental lilies – very fragrant, but some varieties have wider openings
- Trumpet lilies – as the name suggests, they have long, trumpet-shaped blooms
Even with these varieties, hummingbirds may not feed regularly. They prefer flowers with shorter tubes and more abundant nectar. Consider these as accent plants rather than primary attractants.
What Hummingbirds Really Want In A Flower
Hummingbirds have specific preferences when choosing flowers. Here are the key features they look for:
- Bright colors, especially red, orange, and pink
- Tubular or trumpet shapes with wide openings
- Flowers that face outward or upward
- High nectar production
- No strong scent (hummingbirds rely on sight, not smell)
Lilies fail on several of these points. They often have strong scents, downward-facing blooms, and deep tubes. This is why hummingbirds usually pass them by.
Comparing Lilies To Other Hummingbird Plants
Let’s see how lilies stack up against top hummingbird flowers:
| Plant | Hummingbird Appeal | Nectar Access |
|---|---|---|
| Trumpet vine | High | Easy |
| Cardinal flower | High | Easy |
| Bee balm | High | Moderate |
| Daylily | Moderate | Easy |
| True lily | Low | Difficult |
| Calla lily | Low | Very difficult |
As you can see, true lilies and calla lilies rank low. Daylilies are a better choice if you want a lily-like look with hummingbird visits.
Planting Strategy For Hummingbirds
To create a hummingbird-friendly garden, follow these steps:
- Choose a sunny location with some shade
- Plant in layers: tall plants in back, shorter ones in front
- Use a mix of early, mid, and late-season bloomers
- Include at least three different hummingbird-friendly species
- Avoid pesticides that can harm birds and their insect prey
Lilies can be part of this mix, but don’t rely on them. Use them as background plants while placing better options up front.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Hummingbirds Like Lilies Of The Valley?
No. Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) has small, bell-shaped flowers that are too tiny for hummingbirds. The nectar is also not abundant. Plus, this plant is toxic if ingested.
Do Hummingbirds Like Peace Lilies?
Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum) are not true lilies and have a different flower structure. They produce very little nectar and are not attractive to hummingbirds. These are best kept as indoor foliage plants.
Do Hummingbirds Like Tiger Lilies?
Tiger lilies (Lilium lancifolium) have downward-facing, spotted flowers. Hummingbirds rarely visit them because the nectar is hard to reach. Bees and butterflies are more common visitors.
Can Hummingbirds Drink From Lily Flowers?
In rare cases, a hummingbird may try to drink from a lily if no other food is available. But the flower shape makes it inefficient. They will quickly move on to better options.
What Flowers Do Hummingbirds Like Most?
Hummingbirds prefer trumpet-shaped flowers in red, orange, or pink. Top choices include trumpet vine, cardinal flower, bee balm, salvia, fuchsia, and petunia. These provide easy access to nectar.
Final Thoughts On Lilies And Hummingbirds
So, do hummingbirds like lilies? The answer is mostly no. True lilies are not designed for hummingbird feeding. Their deep, narrow tubes and downward-facing blooms make nectar access difficult.
Daylilies are a better option if you want a similar look. They have open, trumpet-shaped flowers that hummingbirds can easily probe. Plant them in groups for the best effect.
If you already have lilies in your garden, don’t remove them. Just add some hummingbird-friendly plants nearby. This way, you get beautiful blooms and happy birds.
Remember to keep feeders clean and filled with fresh sugar water. Feeders can supplement natural nectar sources. Place them near flowers to create a welcoming environment for hummingbirds.
With the right plant choices, you can enjoy both lilies and hummingbirds in your garden. It just takes a little planning and knowledge of what these tiny birds really need.