Hummingbird Sage

Hummingbird Sage is a semi-evergreen, low-spreading perennial native to coastal and foothill regions of California. Unlike most salvias, it thrives in partial shade and handles dry shade well, making it a favorite for under-oak settings or north-facing slopes.

Its large, puckered leaves are aromatic with a fruity, pineapple-like scent and form dense ground-hugging mats through rhizomatous spread. In spring and early summer, it sends up flower spikes lined with dark calyxes and vibrant, tubular magenta blooms that are perfectly shaped for hummingbirds, who visit in droves. Native bees are also frequent visitors.

Hummingbird Sage grows 1–3 feet tall in bloom, with a spread of 3–6 feet or more. It provides excellent groundcover in dry, shady conditions and helps suppress weeds while stabilizing soil. Its bold color and scent make it a standout in native and woodland gardens alike.

• Cut back flower stalks in late summer after blooming to encourage fresh foliage.
• Water to establish, then reduce to monthly or less in most coastal or shaded sites.
• May spread by rhizomes - divide every few years to control size or propagate.
• Protect from deep frost in colder zones or grow in containers for overwintering.