Salvia spathacea – Hummingbird Sage

Salvia spathacea – Hummingbird Sage

Hummingbird Sage is a spectacular California native groundcover sage endemic to the coastal sage scrub, chaparral margins, and oak woodlands of Southern and Central California. Large, showy whorls of magenta-rose flowers on tall spikes emerge in spring, producing one of the most dramatic floral displays of any CA native perennial — and hummingbirds respond in kind, making this plant a reliable magnet for Anna’s and Allen’s hummingbirds. The broad, wrinkled leaves carry a distinctive and delightful strawberry-grape fragrance when brushed. Salvia spathacea spreads by rhizomes to form a robust, weed-suppressing colony — exceptional for shady slopes, oak understory, and difficult dry-shade situations where few plants thrive.

Key Features:

• True California native — endemic to coastal sage scrub and oak woodland understory
• Large magenta-rose flower whorls on tall spikes — one of the showiest CA native spring bloomers
• Strawberry-grape scented foliage — distinctive and delightful
• Spreads by rhizomes — excellent weed-suppressing groundcover for slopes and shade
• Exceptional drought and shade tolerance; outstanding hummingbird plant

Growing Details:
Height: 2–3 ft | Spread: 3–5 ft (spreading)
Exposure: Part shade to full shade | Water: Low
Bloom time: Spring | Bloom color: Magenta-rose
USDA Hardiness Zone: 7–10