Do Calla Lilies Attract Hummingbirds? Yes!

Yes, calla lilies can attract hummingbirds. While they are not the top attractor compared to some other plants, their bright colors and trumpet-shaped flowers do appeal to these tiny birds.

Calla lilies (Zantedeschia aethiopica) are known for their elegant, trumpet-shaped flowers and are popular in gardens and as cut flowers.

The shape and color of calla lilies can catch the eye of hummingbirds, which are attracted to brightly colored blooms and can feed on the nectar they provide.

While calla lilies do not have a strong nectar presence like some other flowers preferred by hummingbirds, they can still be a part of a hummingbird-friendly garden.

Incorporating calla lilies into your garden can add an element of grace and color that may occasionally lure in curious hummingbirds searching for nectar.

Hummingbirds’ Attraction to Calla Lilies

Do hummingbirds really find calla lilies attractive? Surprisingly, calla lilies are not a major attractant for hummingbirds.

While hummingbirds are known to be attracted to brightly colored, tubular-shaped flowers with high nectar content, calla lilies do not fit this description.

Calla lilies do produce a small amount of nectar, but their unique shape and the position of their reproductive parts make it difficult for hummingbirds to access the nectar.

The long, tubular shape of calla lilies is more suited for pollination by beetles and other crawling insects.

Nectar Production in Calla Lilies

Nectar production in calla lilies is essential for attracting pollinators. Calla lilies produce nectar in their spadix, the central column-like structure enclosed by the petal-like spathe.

This nectar serves as a vital food source for pollinators, including hummingbirds, who are drawn to the sweet liquid as a high-energy fuel.

The nectar production in calla lilies is particularly important for their interaction with hummingbirds, as these birds have a strong preference for nectar-producing flowers.

The calla lily’s ability to produce nectar makes it an attractive option for hummingbirds seeking sustenance.

Understanding the role of nectar in attracting hummingbirds to calla lilies sheds light on the characteristics that make these flowers appealing to these avian pollinators.

Characteristics of Calla Lilies That Hummingbirds Love

Calla lilies produce ample nectar, which is a key characteristic that hummingbirds love. The shape of the calla lily flower also makes it convenient for hummingbirds to access the nectar.

The long tubular shape of the flower allows hummingbirds to insert their beaks and reach the nectar deep inside.

Additionally, the vibrant colors of calla lilies, such as white, pink, yellow, and orange, attract hummingbirds as they have a keen sense of color vision, especially for red and orange hues.

The trumpet-shaped flowers also act as a perch for hummingbirds, allowing them to rest while feeding.

These characteristics, combined with the ample nectar production, make calla lilies an attractive and beneficial addition to any garden seeking to attract hummingbirds.

Planting and Caring for Calla Lilies to Attract Hummingbirds

To encourage hummingbird visitation, proper planting and care of calla lilies are essential for attracting these birds to the garden.

Follow these steps to create an environment that will attract hummingbirds:

• Sunlight: Plant calla lilies in an area that receives partial to full sunlight for at least 6 hours a day.
• Soil: Use well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging, as calla lilies prefer moist but not waterlogged conditions.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not overly wet, and water the plants regularly, especially during dry periods.
• Fertilization: Apply a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer once a month during the growing season to promote healthy growth and blooming.

Companion Plants to Attract Hummingbirds to Calla Lilies

Attract hummingbirds to calla lilies by planting companion plants that provide additional nectar sources and attract these birds to the garden.

Hummingbirds are attracted to bright, tubular flowers with abundant nectar, so planting companion plants such as bee balm, cardinal flower, salvia, and trumpet vine can help create a hummingbird-friendly environment around calla lilies.

These plants not only provide additional nectar sources but also offer perching spots and nesting materials for hummingbirds.

It’s important to choose plants that bloom at different times to ensure a consistent nectar supply throughout the growing season.

By incorporating these companion plants, gardeners can enhance the attractiveness of calla lilies to hummingbirds, creating a vibrant and inviting space for these fascinating birds.

Creating a Hummingbird-Friendly Garden With Calla Lilies

Calla lilies can play a vital role in creating a hummingbird-friendly garden. Their vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers are known to attract hummingbirds with their nectar.

When designing a garden to attract hummingbirds, incorporating calla lilies can add both beauty and functionality, making the space a welcoming haven for these lovely, tiny birds.

Attracting Hummingbirds With Lilies

• Choose the Right Varieties: Opt for Calla lily varieties with bright, tubular flowers, such as the Zantedeschia aethiopica, to attract hummingbirds.
• Planting Location: Place the Calla lilies in a location that offers some protection from strong winds, as hummingbirds prefer feeding in calmer areas.
• Provide Adequate Nectar: Supplement the nectar from Calla lilies with other hummingbird-friendly plants like bee balm, salvia, or trumpet vine to ensure a consistent food source.
• Maintain a Clean Environment: Keep the garden clean and free from pesticides, as these can be harmful to hummingbirds. Regularly clean and refill feeders to provide additional food sources.

Garden Design With Lilies

When designing a garden to attract hummingbirds with Calla lilies, gardeners should strategically plan the layout and selection of plants to provide an inviting environment for these delicate birds.

Calla lilies, with their trumpet-shaped flowers and nectar, can be a beautiful addition to a hummingbird-friendly garden.

When incorporating Calla lilies into the garden design, it’s important to consider their placement.

Planting them in clusters or near other nectar-rich flowers can create attractive feeding areas for hummingbirds.

Additionally, including a variety of flowering plants with staggered blooming times ensures a consistent nectar supply throughout the seasons.

It’s also crucial to provide perches and shelter for the hummingbirds, such as small trees or shrubs, to make the garden more welcoming.

By carefully considering the layout and selection of plants, gardeners can create a stunning and hummingbird-friendly garden with Calla lilies.

Conclusion

Calla lilies are like the VIP lounge for hummingbirds, offering nectar, vibrant colors, and a cozy place to hang out.

With a little care and the right companions, you can create a hummingbird paradise in your garden.

So, if you want to attract these delightful little birds and add some elegance to your garden, calla lilies are the way to go. Just be prepared for the VIP guest list to fill up fast!