Carried by 47 nurseries
View Availability at NurseryData provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria
View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora
Like many other species of salvia, Hummingbird Sage is a magnet for pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and --- of course --- hummingbirds! This attractive sage is notable for its bold pink and red flowering spikes and pleasant fragrance. It spreads by rhizomes and over time can cover a large area, making it a popular groundcover plant.
Hummingbird Sage grows well in shade and part-shade. In its natural environment, it's often found under trees and large shrubs. It is drought tolerant and can survive without summer irrigation once established. Some supplemental water will keep the foliage green.
Perennial herb
1 - 3 ft Tall
3 ft Wide
Spreading
Moderate
Evergreen
Slight
Pink, Red
Winter, Spring, Summer
Containers, Deer resistant, Groundcover
Deep Shade, Full Sun, Partial Shade
Very Low
Max 2x / month once established
Easy
Tolerates cold to 0° F
Medium
Tolerates a variety of soils.
Soil PH: 5.0 - 7.0
Can be deadheaded and lightly pruned in summer if a neater appearance is desired.
Spreads by rhizomes. For propagating by seed: No treatment; sow outdoors in early fall. Germination may be poor if diurnal fluctuation insufficient; see also alternative treatments for S. mellifera.
5, 7, 8, 9, 14*, 15*, 16*, 17*, 18, 19*, 20*, 21*, 22*, 23*, 24*
Dry shady areas, primarily near the coast. It occurs in a variety of habitats. Nearest the coast, it may be found in coastal strand or chaparral. Inland and slightly higher in elevation, it occurs in oak woodland and other woodland types.
Chaparral, Foothill Woodland, Northern Oak Woodland, Southern Oak Woodland
It is often found under trees or large shrubs such as Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia), Bay Laurel (Umbellularia californica) or Madrone (Arbutus menziesii). Companion understory plants include California Peony (Paeonia californica), Yerba Buena (Clinopodium douglasii), Ocean Spray (Holodiscus discolor), Snowberry (Symphoricarpos mollis, Miners Lettuce Claytonia perfiolata), and Canyon Sunflower (Venegasia carpesioides).
Yerba Buena
Clinopodium douglasii
Ocean Spray
Holodiscus discolor
Coast Live Oak
Quercus agrifolia
Creeping Snowberry
Symphoricarpos mollis
Butterflies and moths supported
2 confirmed and 7 likely
Anstenoptilia marmarodactyla
Pyrausta dapalis
Climbing Cutworm|Well-marked Cutworm|Barnes' Climbing Cutworm
Abagrotis orbis
Alfalfa Looper Moth
Autographa californica