Hummingbird sage is a beautiful and versatile plant that can be combined with many other flowers, herbs, and vegetables. When planning a garden with hummingbird sage, the key considerations are sunlight, soil, water, and companion plants that will complement the sage without competing too much for resources. With some thoughtful planning, hummingbird sage can be the star of a thriving garden that attracts pollinators and adds visual interest.
Quick Introduction to Hummingbird Sage
Hummingbird sage (Salvia spathacea) is a flavorful and aromatic herb in the mint family that is native to California and Oregon. It thrives in USDA zones 8-10 and grows up to 3 feet tall and wide. The leaves are oval-shaped and dark green in color. From spring to summer, it produces dense whorls of small, tubular pink or magenta flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and of course, hummingbirds!
This sage needs full sun exposure and moderate watering to thrive. It prefers fast-draining, slightly acidic soil. Once established, it is quite drought tolerant. Hummingbird sage spreads slowly via its rhizomatous roots and generally requires little maintenance. It can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or division. The leaves have a pleasant, minty flavor and aroma and can be used fresh or dried for culinary purposes.
Choosing Companion Plants
When pairing hummingbird sage with other plants, you’ll want to select varieties that have similar sunlight, water, and soil needs. Herbs and native plants are generally good choices as companion plants. Here are some specific varieties that grow well alongside hummingbird sage:
- Sages – Try pineapple sage, autumn sage, or Cleveland sage. They look great next to hummingbird sage and have complementary colors.
- Salvias – Salvia leucantha (Mexican bush sage) and Salvia guaranitica (Anise-scented sage) attract hummingbirds and pollinators.
- Native flowers – Penstemon, fuschia, and monkey flower are great hummingbird-friendly flowers to plant with sage.
- Herbs – Oregano, thyme, rosemary, lavender, basil, parsley, and dill complement sage nicely.
- Edibles – Lettuce, kale, Swiss chard, peppers, bush beans, and carrots can grow well with hummingbird sage.
- Grasses – Try small ornamental grasses like blue fescue or Mexican feather grass as an attractive accent.
- Succulents – Hens and chicks, aloe vera, and agaves blend well and thrive in similar conditions.
Where to Plant Hummingbird Sage
Hummingbird sage does best when grown in full sun. Choose a spot that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. The plant can tolerate light afternoon shade in very hot climates. Morning sun is especially important to allow the sage leaves to dry out after nighttime moisture or dew.
This versatile plant can be incorporated into beds, borders, containers, and rock gardens. Use it alongside pathways, or massed together for a bigger visual impact. You can allow it to meander through other low-growing plants or give it a designated spot to highlight its flowers and fragrance. It generally does not require extremely rich soil as long as the drainage is good.
Caring for Hummingbird Sage
Here are some tips for taking care of hummingbird sage so it thrives alongside other plants:
- Water 1-2 times per week until established, then water only when the top several inches of soil become dry. Avoid overwatering.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost 1-2 times during the growing season.
- Trim plants back by 1/3 after flowering to encourage a second bloom.
- Divide the clumps every 2-3 years in spring or fall.
- Cut back any diseased or dead growth promptly.
- Watch for aphids, whiteflies, powdery mildew, and other pests and treat organically as needed.
- Protect from snails and slugs with organic deterrents.
- Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Plant Combination Ideas
Here are a few inspirational ideas for combining hummingbird sage with other plants:
Hummingbird Sage with Ornamental Grasses
Let hummingbird sage intermingle with small ornamental grasses for beautiful texture and movement. Good grasses to try include Mexican feather grass, purple fountain grass, or blue fescue grass. Allow the grasses and sage to gently sway together in the breeze.
Hummingbird Sage with Herbs
Plant hummingbird sage with other culinary herbs like parsley, basil, oregano, and thyme. Not only will this look lovely and attract pollinators, you’ll have fresh flavorful herbs right at your fingertips when cooking.
Hummingbird Sage with Vegetables
Add hummingbird sage to your vegetable garden beds. Try underplanting it with shade-loving greens like lettuce and kale. The flowers will draw in pollinators to help fruit set on squash, beans, tomatoes and other vegetables.
Hummingbird Sage in Containers
Hummingbird sage looks fantastic in pots and planters. Surround it with trailing plants like sweet potato vine, lobelia, or bacopa. Or combine it with other herbs and flowers like dill, salvia, and verbena.
Hummingbird Sage with Succulents
Create a waterwise garden with hummingbird sage and succulents like aloe vera, agave, and sedum. This combination is low maintenance and perfect for a rock garden, border, or slope.
Conclusion
With its pretty flowers and attractive aroma, hummingbird sage deserves a spot in any garden that gets plenty of sunlight. Combine it with sages, salvias, culinary herbs, pollinator-friendly flowers, grasses, vegetables, and succulents for a beautiful, thriving garden that brings in hummingbirds. Pay attention to sunlight, drainage, and watering needs when planting. Then enjoy this versatile, low maintenance plant for years to come!
