How to Grow Hummingbird sage
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Hummingbird sage
Salvia spathacea
herbHummingbird sage is a California native perennial known for its vibrant red tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds and other pollinators. This aromatic herb features soft, velvety sage-green leaves and grows as a compact groundcover or mounding subshrub. It thrives in dry, well-drained conditions and is drought-tolerant once established.
When should you plant Hummingbird sage in your zone?
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Example Hummingbird sage timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Hummingbird sage
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Hummingbird sage
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Hummingbird sage dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 8b-10b; marginal in zone 8a
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Seedling/Establishment
4-8 weeksYoung plants with small, soft leaves; slow initial growth. Root system developing.
Keep soil lightly moist but not wet. Protect from intense afternoon sun if in hot climates. Avoid fertilizer; this plant prefers lean conditions.
Vegetative Growth
8-12 weeksPlant expands with increasingly dense foliage. Mounding shape develops. Leaves are aromatic and gray-green.
Reduce watering as root system deepens. No fertilizer needed. Pinch back early growth to encourage bushier form if desired.
Flowering
4-6 months (spring through early summer in most regions)Tall, slender flower spikes emerge with tubular red to crimson flowers arranged along the inflorescence. Highly attractive to hummingbirds.
Maintain dry conditions; avoid overhead watering. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming. Minimal intervention needed.
Post-Bloom/Dormancy
6-8 weeksFlowers fade; seed heads may develop. Growth slows in hot summers or enters dormancy in cooler zones.
Reduce water further. In cooler zones, cut back dead growth in late winter. In mild zones, plant may remain semi-evergreen.
Maintenance/Year-Round
PerennialEstablished plants require minimal care. May reseed around base.
No deadheading required unless you want to prevent volunteers. Very low maintenance. Extremely drought-tolerant when fully mature.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; increase humidity slightly if indoors. Rarely a problem in dry climates.
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Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering. Remove affected leaves. Improve drainage if in humid conditions.
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Prevent by ensuring excellent drainage and avoiding overwatering. Once established, not typically an issue in dry climates.
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Remove by hand; use barriers. Primarily a problem if overwatered.
Uses
Herbal tea and infusions
CulinaryLeaves and flowers can be brewed into a fragrant, slightly minty tea with mild medicinal properties. Traditionally used by California Native Americans and valued for its delicate flavor. [source]
Traditional herbal remedy
MedicinalCalifornia Native Americans traditionally used hummingbird sage for digestive support and as a general wellness tonic. Contains aromatic oils and compounds typical of sage genus plants. [source]
Hummingbird and pollinator magnet
WildlifeThe tubular red flowers are specifically adapted to attract hummingbirds, making it invaluable for wildlife gardens. Also attracts bees and other beneficial insects. [source]
Drought-tolerant landscape plant
OrnamentalBeautiful accent plant for xeriscape and water-wise gardens. Contributes texture and color with minimal water input once established, ideal for California native plantings. [source]
Dried flowers and arrangements
CraftFlowers dry well and retain color and fragrance, making them suitable for dried arrangements, potpourri, or craft projects. Flowers can be pressed or hung-dried. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest leaves and flowers year-round once plant is established. Pinch off fresh leaf tips for culinary use. Collect flowers for tea or ornamental use when fully open. Best harvested in morning after dew dries. Flowers attract hummingbirds best when left on plant; harvest sparingly to support wildlife.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Hummingbird sage is endemic to the coastal scrub and chaparral of California, particularly the Santa Cruz Mountains and surrounding regions, and is perfectly adapted to the state's Mediterranean climate.
- 🌱 The common name accurately reflects the plant's primary pollinator: Anna's hummingbirds and other hummingbird species are strongly attracted to its red tubular flowers and visit them repeatedly throughout the blooming season.
- 🌱 Despite its common name, hummingbird sage is not closely related to culinary sage (Salvia officinalis); it belongs to a different species group within the large Salvia genus, which contains over 900 species worldwide.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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