Hummingbird Sage
Salvia spathacea
Also listed as Audibertia grandiflora, Audibertiella grandiflora
Also known as California Hummingbird Sage, Crimson Pitcher Sage, Californian Hummingbird Sage
Climate Match for your location
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A California native perennial with attractive gray-green foliage and tubular red flowers beloved by hummingbirds. Extremely drought-tolerant and low-maintenance once established.
Why grow it
Hummingbird sage offers a mid-story plant option for California native gardens where pollinators are desired. Compared to other native Salvias, spathacea combines reliable red tubular flowers with notably low water needs once established, making it useful in xeriscaping schemes where other sage species might require more supplemental irrigation. It tolerates poor soils well, reducing the need for soil amendment in challenging sites.
Watch out for
In regions outside its native range, monitor for establishment success during the first growing season, as performance varies with local humidity and drainage conditions. In garden settings with consistently moist soil or poor air circulation, fungal issues may arise, so site selection with good drainage is preferable to preventive treatment.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Lamiaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
California
Native to: California
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
pH Range
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A California native perennial with attractive gray-green foliage and tubular red flowers beloved by hummingbirds. Extremely drought-tolerant and low-maintenance once established.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Hummingbird Sage grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Hummingbird sage offers a mid-story plant option for California native gardens where pollinators are desired. Compared to other native Salvias, spathacea combines reliable red tubular flowers with notably low water needs once established, making it useful in xeriscaping schemes where other sage species might require more supplemental irrigation. It tolerates poor soils well, reducing the need for soil amendment in challenging sites.
Watch out for
In regions outside its native range, monitor for establishment success during the first growing season, as performance varies with local humidity and drainage conditions. In garden settings with consistently moist soil or poor air circulation, fungal issues may arise, so site selection with good drainage is preferable to preventive treatment.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Lamiaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
California
Native to: California
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
pH Range
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar herbs you might consider:
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