Salvia Sage for Hummingbirds

Salvia Sage is the largest genus of the mint family.

We will explain how to plant salvia and the care of salvia.

As there are many flowers frequented by hummingbirds, let me describe the salvia to help you decide if it is the best flower for your garden.

There are more than 700 species both annual and perennial.

They are lovely spikes of flowers, tubular in shape and range in size from
10 inches to 60 inches tall.

The bright red salvia is best for hummingbirds but we have seen them visiting other colors often such as the purple salvia.

All Salvia Sage has a high nectar count needed by hummingbirds.

Hummingbirds do not have a sense of smell but are attracted to bright colors especially red.

I chose to plant the 10” annual as a border around my hummingbird flower garden. I don’t usually plant annuals but Salvia is one of my exceptions becoming convinced the first year. No sooner had I planted the beautiful blooms when they were almost immediately visited by my hummingbirds.

Salvia, Hot Lips Intensely colored flowers consist of a pure white hood and brilliant red pouch. Hot Lips starts blooming in early summer and continues to fall. Upright bushy plants grow 3' tall with a 3' spread. Hot Lips is great planted along a fence or foundation in a well drained soil. Loved by hummingbirds.

Care of Salvia

How to grow annual Salvia

1. Consider timing. Plant after the last frost.
2. Consider sun requirements: Plant in full sun. (Note: They do make great border plants)
3. Consider soil requirements: Plant in well-drained soil.
4. Add mulch or weed regularly.
5. Think about water requirements: Keep the soil moist.
6. Disease is generally not a problem with this plant.

How to grow perennial Salvia
Follow directions above for annual Salvia with these exceptions:

1. Consider location more carefully. Remember that the plants will return year after year.
2. Consider that these blooms are heavy seeders. You should deadhead the plants by removing the spent flowers. This improves the appearance of your garden. It also prevents plants from spreading to other areas the following year.
3. Another option is to divide the plants the following spring. This is a matter of choice. If you love these flowers, you might not mind having more of them. Of course, the hummingbirds won’t mind at all.

Happy gardening for hummingbirds!!



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