Salvia spathacea, Hummingbird sage

Hummingbird Sage

This perennial grows up to three feet tall and wide.  It is slightly sticky to the touch with aromatic arrow-shaped light green leaves that can grow to six inches long and are wrinkled on top and hairy beneath. The deep rose-pink flowers grow in large pagoda-like whorls on 30 inch tall flower stalks that bloom from late winter into summer.  Dead head the inflorescences to their base after flowering is over to keep plant low and tidy and dig unwanted spreading rhizomes for replanting elsewhere in late fall or early winter.

An easy California Native to grow in the Los Angeles area.   For more recommendations visit our Easiest California Native Plants to grow in your garden guide. 

It has been said that the leaves and the flowers make a tea good for decongestion, anti microbial properties and sore throats!

- Plant in cool sun to light shade

- Best in well-drained soil, does not need irrigation

- Great companion plant under evergreen oaks

- Fragrant foliage

- Attracts hummingbirds, birds, bees, and butterflies

- Drought tolerant once established

- Fire resistant

- Great for erosion control and bank stabilization

- Deer tolerant

- Hardy up to 10 degrees

- Native to California