Hummingbird sage, also known as Salvia spathacea, is a fantastic plant for attracting hummingbirds to your garden. When deciding where to plant it, there are a few key factors to consider to ensure your hummingbird sage thrives.
Sun Exposure
Hummingbird sage does best in full sun to partial shade. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Areas that receive morning sun and afternoon shade are ideal. Too much shade will result in fewer flowers, which will minimize visits from hummingbirds.
Soil Needs
This plant is not too picky when it comes to soil as long as the drainage is good. It thrives in soil that drains well to prevent soggy roots. The soil should also have plenty of organic matter like compost or manure worked into it. Hummingbird sage likes slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH between 6.0-7.5.
Water Requirements
Young hummingbird sage plants need regular watering to establish. Wait until the top few inches of soil have dried out before watering again. Once established, hummingbird sage is quite drought tolerant. However, it will flower more with occasional deep watering during hot and dry periods.
USDA Hardiness Zones
Hummingbird sage grows perennially in USDA plant hardiness zones 8-10. In zones 3-7, it can be grown as an annual or brought indoors as a houseplant over winter.
Ideal Garden Location
When planting hummingbird sage, choose a location with these features:
- Full sun to partial shade
- Well-draining soil
- Near other nectar-producing flowers
- Protected from strong winds
Plant it next to other hummingbird favorites like bee balm, fuchsia, lantana, and penstemon. Clumping it with other plants provides shelter.
When to Plant
Hummingbird sage can be planted in spring after the last frost date or in fall in zones 8-10. If grown as an annual, start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost. Harden off seedlings before transplanting them outside. Fall planting should take place at least 6 weeks before the first expected frost.
How to Plant
Follow these tips when planting hummingbird sage:
- Prepare the garden bed by loosening soil and mixing in compost
- Dig holes twice the width of the root ball
- Set plants at the same level they were growing in the container
- Backfill soil and water thoroughly after planting
- Spread mulch around plants to retain moisture
- Water young plants regularly until they become established
Space hummingbird sage about 3 feet apart. They can reach up to 5 feet tall and wide at maturity.
Ongoing Care
Here are some tips for caring for hummingbird sage:
- Water 1-2 inches per week
- Fertilize in spring with a balanced organic fertilizer
- Pinch back tips to encourage bushy growth
- Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming
- Cut plants back by one-third in fall
- Mulch yearly with compost
- Divide large clumps every 2-3 years
Companion Plants
Good companion plants for hummingbird sage include:
- Agastache
- Bee balm
- Columbine
- Coral bells
- Fuchsia
- Lantana
- Penstemon
- Persian shield
- Pineapple sage
- Zinnias
These flowers will attract more hummingbirds to your garden when planted alongside Salvia spathacea.
Advantages of Hummingbird Sage
Some key benefits of growing hummingbird sage are:
- Attracts hummingbirds
- Easy care and maintenance
- Deer and rabbit resistant
- Drought tolerant once established
- Adaptable to various soil types
- Attractive green foliage
- Blooms spring through fall
This perennial is one of the most reliable plants for enticing hummingbirds to visit your garden.
Disadvantages of Hummingbird Sage
Some potential drawbacks of Salvia spathacea include:
- Can spread aggressively
- Subject to powdery mildew
- Prone to rust if overwatered
- Relatively short bloom period
- Deer or rabbits may snack on it
- Cannot tolerate wet soil
Properly siting this plant and providing good air circulation can help minimize any potential issues.
Key Takeaways
Here are some key tips to remember when planting hummingbird sage:
- Plant in full sun to partial shade
- Choose an area with well-draining soil
- Water regularly until established
- Fertilize in spring to encourage blooms
- Pinch back tips for bushy growth
- Attracts hummingbirds and other pollinators
With proper sitting and care, hummingbird sage can be a beautiful, low maintenance addition to gardens in zones 8-10.
Conclusion
Hummingbird sage is an excellent choice for gardeners who want to attract more hummingbirds. This easy-going perennial offers months of nectar-rich blooms that hummingbirds love. By providing the right growing conditions, you can have great success with Salvia spathacea. Choose a spot with full sun, well-draining soil, and good air circulation. Water regularly when young and fertilize each spring. Deadheading spent flowers and pinching back tips will keep it blooming. Pair hummingbird sage with other hummingbird favorites for maximum appeal. Follow these tips and enjoy watching jewel-toned hummingbirds flock to your yard.
