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California Native Plant

Salvia spathacea

Hummingbird Sage, Pitcher Sage

Plant photo of: Salvia spathacea
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Information by: The Plant Nerd Inc.        Photographer: El Nativo Growers, Inc.

 

Description

The extravagant leaves of this small clumping sage emit a perfectly sweet fragrance, which attracts hummingbirds. In the spring, the reddish pink flowering spikes become a deep fuchsia. It is a great plant for dry shade.

Maintenance Tips

Salvia spathacea is a low-growing, perennial sage that is native to coastal regions of California and Oregon. It is commonly called Hummingbird Sage, which is appropriate considering how often they frequent the blooms of this plant. The foliage only reaches 6-8" tall, but the flower spikes can stand up to 2' tall. This plant isn't quite as drought tolerant as many of the other native sages are, so it is best planted in areas where moisture can collect or where there is regular irrigation. It can take full sun coastally, but it prefers some dappled shade inland where the temperatures can get much higher. This is a low-maintenance perennial, but it can take a break in colder winters, often dying back completely. The old foliage and spent blooms can be removed to keep the plant tidy and to encourage new growth.

 

Plant Type

Shrub

Height Range

1-3'

Flower Color

Pink

Flower Season

Spring, Summer

Leaf Color

Green

Bark Color

n/a

Fruit Color

n/a

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Half, Shade

Water

Low

Growth Rate

Moderate

Soil Type

Sandy, Loam, Rocky

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained

Soil pH

Neutral

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage, Mediterranean, Ranch, Seascape, Spanish, Wild Garden, Woodland

Accenting Features

Fragrance, Showy Flowers

Seasonal Interest

Spring

Location Uses

Entry, Perennial Border, Foundation, Parking Strip, Patio, Raised Planter, Walkways, With Rocks

Special Uses

Container, Cut Flowers, Filler, Mass Planting

Attracts Wildlife

Hummingbirds

Water Saving Tip:

Adjust sprinklers to avoid watering sidewalks and driveways.