Hummingbird plants, also known as salvias, are a popular choice for gardens because of their long blooming season and ability to attract hummingbirds. Salvias come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes – from small compact plants under 1 foot tall to large border plants over 6 feet tall. Many gardeners wonder if these versatile plants can be grown in pots and containers. The quick answer is yes, many varieties of salvia will thrive when planted in pots. Read on to learn more about planting salvias in containers and which varieties work best.
What are Hummingbird Plants?
Hummingbird plants refer to any flowering plant that attracts hummingbirds. Salvias are a top choice, along with fuchsias, petunias, bee balm, coral bells, trumpet vines, and lantana. There are over 900 species of salvias found worldwide. In gardens, the most popular types are:
– Salvia splendens (Scarlet Sage) – These have red, orange, pink, white, or bicolor flowers on 18-24 inch plants. They bloom spring to frost.
– Salvia farinacea (Mealycup Sage) – Spikes of blue, purple, or white flowers bloom on tall 3-5 foot stems summer through fall.
– Salvia guaranitica (Anise-Scented Sage) – Tubular blue flowers on 4-5 foot plants bloom summer to frost.
– Salvia leucantha (Mexican Bush Sage) – Velvety purple spikes bloom fall through winter on 3 foot plants.
– Salvia microphylla (Baby Sage) – Compact 12-18 inch plants with red, pink, or white summer flowers.
– Salvia nemorosa (Woodland Sage) – Purple, blue, white, or bicolor flowers on 18-36 inch stems bloom spring to summer.
Hummingbirds are attracted to the tubular flowers of salvias along with their bright colors and sweet nectar. Planting salvias in your garden or containers is an easy way to draw in more of these special birds.
Can Hummingbird Plants Grow in Containers?
Many kinds of salvias will adapt well to container growing. Dwarf and compact salvias are best suited to small pots. Larger varieties can be planted in bigger containers at least 18-24 inches wide and deep. Choosing the right size pot allows the salvia’s root system to establish and prevents the plant from becoming root-bound too quickly.
Keep these tips in mind when selecting salvias for container gardening:
– Look for miniature or dwarf cultivars – Miniature salvias are ideal for small pots since they stay under 12 inches tall with a compact form. Some good options are Salvia microphylla, Salvia greggii, and Salvia uliginosa.
– Choose short-lived perennials – Many salvias are short-lived perennials meaning the plants can be grown as annuals and may only live for 2-3 years even in the ground. Go for these instead of hardy perennials which tend to outgrow containers quickly.
– Pick plants suited to your climate – Make sure to select salvias that are appropriate for your hardiness zone and will thrive over summer and winter in your area.
– Give them enough room – Place larger varieties like Salvia leucantha and Salvia farinacea in big containers (at least 18 inches diameter) to support their long root systems.
– Use quality potting mix – Plant salvias in containers with drainage holes using a commercial potting soil or a DIY mix of peat moss, compost, and perlite.
Growing Hummingbird Plants in Pots
If you select the right salvia varieties and give them proper care, they will flourish in pots on your patio, balcony, or porch. Follow these tips for container success:
– Sunshine – Place containers where they’ll receive at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. Morning light is ideal. Less sun can result in fewer flowers.
– Watering – Water whenever the soil becomes dry down to 1 inch deep. Allow pots to drain fully after watering to prevent soggy soil.
– Fertilizer – Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the active growing season to support flowering and growth.
– Pruning – Prune back leggy growth and dead blooms to encourage continuous flowering through summer and fall.
– Overwintering – In cold zones, keep plants above 40°F in a greenhouse or sunny window over winter. Take cuttings to carry plants over from year to year.
Best Salvias for Containers
The following hummingbird plants are container all-stars and great for attracting hummingbirds on patios and porches:
1. Scarlet Sage (Salvia splendens)
– Grows 12-18 inches tall and wide
– Blooms spring to frost with bright red flowers
– Thrives in sun and heat
– Loves containers as small as 6 inches wide
2. Lady in Red Salvia (Salvia microphylla)
– A compact 18 inch plant
– Produces showy red flowers all summer
– Handles drought well
– Does not require deadheading
3. Indigo Spires Salvia (Salvia farinacea)
– Grows 3-4 feet tall with blue flower spikes
– Blooms almost non-stop from early summer until frost
– Tolerates some shade
– Looks gorgeous in large containers
4. Mexican Bush Sage (Salvia leucantha)
– Has long velvety purple blooms in late fall
– Grows up to 3 feet tall and wide
– Can take light frost
– Mixes well with fall pansies and mums
5. Hot Lips Salvia (Salvia microphylla)
– Produces bicolor red and white flowers
– A heat and drought tolerant hybrid
– Stays compact under 2 feet tall
– Flowers from spring until frost
Container Gardening Tips
Follow these general tips to help your salvia containers flourish:
– Choose containers with drainage holes – Pick pots with holes in the bottom to allow excess water to drain out. Salvias are prone to root rot if soil stays too wet.
– Use potting mix – Opt for a commercial potting soil or make your own blend of compost, peat moss, and perlite which will drain well and hold moisture.
– Fertilize regularly – Feed container plants every 2-4 weeks during spring and summer with a water-soluble plant food. This encourages flowering and healthy growth.
– Prune when needed– Trim back wayward stems and pinch off spent blooms to shape the plant and encourage more flowers.
– Monitor for pests – Aphids, whiteflies, spider mites and mealybugs can attack container salvias. Hose down or use insecticidal soap to control.
– Overwinter carefully – In cold climates, salvias will need to move indoors before frost. Take cuttings or store dormant plants in a cool basement over winter.
Conclusion
Many types of popular hummingbird plants like salvias are well suited to growing in pots and containers. Their long flowering habit makes them excellent choices for gardeners short on space. Miniature varieties are perfectly content in small pots while larger kinds thrive with ample room to spread out.
Provide the right growing conditions by situating pots in full sun, using fast draining potting soil, fertilizing regularly, and pruning when necessary. Select compact salvia cultivars that match your climate and bloom season. With the right care, container-grown salvias will reward you with colorful flowers and enticing hummingbird visits all season long.
| Salvia Variety | Height | Bloom Time | Flowers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salvia splendens | 12-18 inches | Spring to Frost | Red |
| Salvia microphylla | 12-18 inches | Spring to Frost | Red, Pink, White, Bicolor |
| Salvia farinacea | 3-4 feet | Summer to Fall | Blue, Purple, White |
| Salvia guaranitica | 4-5 feet | Summer to Frost | Blue |
| Salvia leucantha | 3 feet | Fall to Winter | Purple |
| Salvia nemorosa | 18-36 inches | Spring to Summer | Purple, Blue, White, Bicolor |
Key Takeaways
- Many varieties of salvias will thrive when planted in containers and pots.
- Select short, compact cultivars suited to container growing.
- Use potting mix and fertilize regularly for best results.
- Provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Water when soil is partly dry to prevent root rot.
- Prune back flowers after blooming and trim wayward growth.
- Overwinter container plants indoors in cold climates.
Hummingbird plants like salvias bring non-stop color and winged wonders to patio containers. Their versatility, long blooming habit and irresistible flowers make them a top choice. With proper pot selection, soil, sunlight and care, salvias will thrive and reward gardeners with a fabulous floral display.
