Hummingbird Sage
salvia spathacea
Also known as: ["Pitcher Sage","Pitcher Sage"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant native to California, known for its vibrant magenta flowers and large, velvety leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Salvia |
| Botanical Name: | Salvia spathacea |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed or container in a sheltered spot with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–10"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining to well-draining.
- Soil Type: Rich, well-draining soil with organic matter; tolerates clay if amended with compost.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering in late spring or early summer; light pruning can be done as needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the plant if overgrown, but avoid heavy pruning in late summer.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates some afternoon shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to direct sun; protect from intense midday sun in hot regions; place in dappled shade if leaves show signs of scorching.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Morning sun is ideal; avoid harsh afternoon sun in summer; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overwatering, especially in winter.
Soil
well-draining, rich in organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter; avoid waterlogged conditions.
Temperature
Thrives in mild temperatures (50–80°F or 10–27°C); prefers cooler nights and tolerates mild frosts.
Protect from hard freezes; provide shade in extreme heat; maintain consistent temperatures for best growth.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during spring and summer
Fertilize lightly; avoid over-fertilization; apply before new growth appears in spring.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of rhizomes.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Plant in moist medium.
- Keep warm and humid.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water initially.
Hormone
Rooting hormone can be used but is not strictly necessary.
Timeline
Roots develop in 3–6 weeks; new growth appears in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone (optional), pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic cover; avoid direct sun during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut back stems just above a leaf node or bud; deadhead spent flowers to promote reblooming.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove spent flowers; also remove dead or damaged stems.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves, clean cutting tools.
Checklist
Use clean tools; prune after flowering; remove dead/damaged stems; shape as desired.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with a slightly larger pot.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for container-grown plants.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water thoroughly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water until it drains from the bottom; avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once per week during spring and summer; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter, allowing soil to dry between waterings.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; avoid heavy clay without amendments.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch or wilting in excessive heat; stunted growth or leaf drop in prolonged cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth and may cause leaf damage in temperatures below 20°F (-7°C); roots can be susceptible to frost.
Solution: Mulch heavily in winter; protect roots with frost cloth or burlap; avoid planting in low-lying frost pockets.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt or scorch in extreme heat; flowering may be reduced.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid late-season feeding; follow package instructions.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; reduce or stop fertilizing in late summer and fall.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicSalvia spathacea is not toxic to cats. The plant is considered safe for feline consumption in small quantities.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicSalvia spathacea is not toxic to dogs. The plant is generally safe for canine consumption in small amounts.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicSalvia spathacea, commonly known as hummingbird sage, is not considered toxic to humans. It is generally safe for consumption in moderate quantities.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Salvia spathacea attract hummingbirds?
A: Yes, it is highly attractive to hummingbirds, hence its common name.
Q: How much water does this plant need?
A: It is drought-tolerant and prefers well-drained soil; overwatering can cause root rot.
Q: Can Salvia spathacea be grown in partial shade?
A: Yes, it thrives in partial shade and can tolerate full shade, though flowering may be reduced.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
