Plant Guide

Salvia spathacea

• Common Name

  Hummingbird Sage
• CA Native

  California Native
• Plant Type

  Perennial
• Size

  2' x 4' - 5'
• Flower Color

  Magenta Pink
• Bloom Time

  • Spring
• Leaves

  Sticky, Arrow-Shaped Green Leaves
• Evergreen

  Evergreen
• Deer Resistant

  Rarely Damaged
• Wildlife Value

  • Attracts Beneficial Insects
  • Bees
  • Hummingbirds
• Growth Rate

  Fast
• Hardiness

  Hardy
• Adverse Growth Factors

  Invasive
• Special Features

  • Good Under Oaks
  • Low Maintenance
  • Showy Flowers
• Water Use

  • Drought Tolerant
  • Low
• Soil pH

  6.5-7.5 (neutral)
• Exposure

  • Partial Shade
  • Shade
• Soil Type

  Not Particular
• Drainage

  Well Drained
• Description and Cultural Plant Tips

  This is a good plant for dry, shady gardens. It has a mound-forming structure up to 2' tall and produces spikes of magenta pink flowers that can reach 30 inches tall.  Hummingbird Sage is a natural component of oak woodlands so it can be planted under oaks and only requires minimal summer watering to keep it looking good. This plant sends out long rhizomes so it can spread rapidly under the right conditions. Fragrant leaves can be dried and used in tea.

  Tolerates clay and sepentine but needs good drainage so plant slightly above soil grade. In coastal areas it can be planted on north slopes in full sun  Plant in shady locations inland. Looks best with some summer water since it will go semi-dormant with too little water. Cut back in January for more compact growth.

  As noted in the common name, this plant is loved by hummingbirds. Bees also appreciate its early blooms.

  Plant die-back and root rot occur when watered too much. Hot summer sun can also kill them.

• Master Gardener Comments

  This is a great plant for under oaks.

• Varietals

  N / A