Salvia spathacea (Hummingbird Sage)
Hummingbird Sage is a California Native that does best in a dry shade location or with morning sun only. It resists wildlife, needs only low to average water, and attracts Butterflies and Hummingbirds. You can even plant it under oak trees.
This is a strong perennial growing 1-3 feet tall, with large groups of 1” bright red to maroon or dark purple flowers from early spring through June with attractive evergreen foliage when not blooming. Flowers have a lovely, fruity scent, and last well as cut flowers, which is not usual for salvias. Hummingbird sage will die back in the late summer. This is a natural survival mechanism that allows the plant to survive California's long dry summers. As soon as it is watered, it will reappear.
Hummingbird sage spreads by rhizomes so it will also create a nice ground cover. Hummingbird sage grows naturally from Orange county to the Bay area. Most California sages prefer direct sun, but this one is different.
Along the coast, hummingbird sage can be planted in full sun and can grow close to the sea, but will not withstand direct salt spray. In hotter, interior climates, it will grow better under another plant, tree, or shrub. In southern California, it may need some extra water in the spring. In central and northern California, it can grow on rainfall alone. Hummingbird sage will grow in heavy clay soils as well as very sandy soils. After a few initial waterings to establish it properly, Hummingbird sage thrives on neglect.
Free delivery in Orange County only. We do not ship plants outside Southern California due to weather, shipping service handling, and cost considerations.