Hummingbird sage (Salvia spathacea) is an evergreen subshrub that is native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. It is a member of the mint family and has a long history of use by Native Americans for a variety of purposes. Today, hummingbird sage is still revered for its many benefits.
Benefits of Hummingbird Sage
Some of the most notable benefits of hummingbird sage include:
- Reducing inflammation
- Stimulating digestion
- Relieving anxiety and stress
- Aiding in weight loss
- Boosting the immune system
- Protecting against free radicals
Consequently, hummingbird sage is an incredibly versatile herb that can be used to treat a wide range of issues.
If you are looking for a natural way to improve your health, consider adding hummingbird sage to your diet.
Best planting time for Hummingbird Sage
The best time to plant hummingbird sage is in the spring or fall. Plant the sage in an area that gets full sun to partial shade and has well-drained soil.
Space the plants 18 to 24 inches apart. When planting, dig a hole that is twice as wide as the pot the plant is in. Place the plant in the hole so that the top of the root ball is even with the soil surface. Fill in around the plant with soil and water well.
The sage will need to be watered weekly during its first growing season. Once established, the plant will be drought tolerant. Fertilize the sage in early spring with a slow-release fertilizer. deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
Apply a thin layer of mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture.
Hummingbird sage is not winter-hardy and will need to be brought indoors or covered with a frost blanket when temperatures drop below freezing.
Planting time, sun and water requirements, spacing, and care tips for Hummingbird Sage.
Planting Time: Plant hummingbird sage in spring or fall, spacing plants 18 to 24 inches apart. Full sun to partial shade is best for this plant. The best time to plant this species is usually mid-April through late May, depending on your region’s climate (USDA Hardiness Zone).
Try to select a planting site that receives full sun for at least six hours each day; provide partial shade during hot afternoon hours if needed.
Soil: Plant hummingbird sage in light, well-drained soils amended with compost prior to planting; sandy soils are ideal but these fertilized flower beds must be located where drainage is good following heavy rains so roots don’t sit in wet conditions that can lead to rot.
Plant at the proper time of year – Spring or Fall Planting
The best time of year to transplant or direct sow your new Hummingbird Sage seeds is during late spring after all danger of frost has passed, or early fall before first frost hits central North America.
If you live in an area with very mild winters you can even sow your seeds outdoors during winter under protection such as row covers cold frames since they require vernalization (a period of cool temperatures) before they will germinate.
Flowers appear on new growth, so if you prune them back too far you won’t get any blooms that year!
Also consider amending your planting bed with some organic matter such as compost prior to planting time for extra insurance against dehydration and help hold vital nutrients in place where roots can absorb them more effectively.
Caring for Hummingbird Sage
Hummingbird sage is a beautiful, evergreen perennial native to California. With its deep pink flowers and glossy green leaves, it’s no wonder this plant is a favorite of hummingbirds!
Here are some tips on how to care for your hummingbird sage:
- Plant in full sun or partial shade.
- Water regularly, especially during hot, dry periods. Allow the soil to dry out somewhat between waterings.
- Feed monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
- Prune annually after flowering to keep the plant compact and encourage new growth.
- Divide every 3-4 years to rejuvenate the plant.
Companion plants for Hummingbird Sage
Companion plants are those that improve the growth or health of another plant when they are planted close together. When selecting companion plants for hummingbird sage, look for plants that share similar water and sun requirements.
Good choices include other sages, irises, and daylilies. Companion plants can provide support for each other, help repel pests, or attract beneficial insects.
By choosing the right companions for your hummingbird sage, you can create a healthy and beautiful garden.
Flowering in Hummingbird Sage
Flowers are the reproductive structures of angiosperms, the largest group of land plants. Flowers are usually hermaphrodites, meaning that each individual flower contains both male and female reproductive organs.
This arrangement allows flowers to self-fertilize, which is necessary for many plant species to reproduce. Flowers typically have four main parts: petals, sepals, stamens, and pistils. The petals and sepals are collectively known as the calyx, while the stamens and pistils are known as the corolla.
The calyx and corolla are often brightly colored and contain nectar-producing structures that attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. The stamens are the male reproductive organs, while the pistils are the female reproductive organs.
Flowers use a variety of strategies to ensure that they are pollinated by the right type of pollinator. For example, some flowers produce large amounts of nectar to attract bees, while other flowers produce pollen that is high in protein to attract hummingbirds.
Fruiting of Hummingbird Sage
Fruiting of hummingbird sage ( Salvia spathacea) is a process that occurs after the plant flowers. Fruiting is when the plant produces seed-bearing fruits. The fruits of hummingbird sage are small, dry, and brown. Each fruit contains one seed.
Fruiting usually occurs during the summer or fall. Fruiting is important because it allows the plant to reproduce. Fruiting also provides food for animals. Animals spread the seeds of hummingbird sage in their droppings.
This helps to ensure that the plant will continue to grow in new areas. Fruiting is a vital part of the life cycle of hummingbird sage. without it, the plant would eventually die out.
Growing Hummingbird Sage in containers and pots
🌻 container size – Any container that is at least 12 inches deep and has drainage holes will work. Avoid using plastic pots, as they can retain too much heat.
🌻 soil mix – Use a light, well-draining potting mix. One part peat moss, one part perlite, and one part vermiculite is a good ratio.
🌻 amount of water – Water the sage immediately after planting, then water only when the soil is dry to the touch. During the summer months, plants will likely need to be watered once a week. In the winter, when growth slows down, plants will need less water. Allow the top layer of soil to dry out before watering again.
How long to grow Hummingbird Sage
Hummingbird sage (Salvia spathacea) is an evergreen perennial that originates in California. It grows two to three feet tall and wide, with large, dark green leaves and dense clusters of two-lipped, deep crimson flowers.
It blooms from mid-spring to early summer, and its flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Hummingbird sage is relatively easy to grow and care for. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Once established, it is drought tolerant. It is also reasonably resistant to deer and rabbits.
Time to mature from seed: 10 weeks from sow date. Time to mature from plug: plug plants are young plants that have been started indoors in a controlled environment; they typically take about 4–6 weeks to flower after transplanting outdoors.
Time from planting out plug plants: 8–10 weeks until flowering. Time from divisions or cuttings: 8–10 weeks until flowering.flowering. When grown as an annual, it will self-seed readily if the spent flower heads are not removed.
how to propagate Hummingbird sage
propagate Hummingbird sage through stem cuttings taken from new growth in spring or summer. Cut a 6-inch stem just below a leaf node, remove the bottom leaves, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder.
Stick the cutting in moist perlite or sand, and cover with a plastic bag to create a humid environment. Place the cutting in bright indirect light, and wait for new growth to appear, which indicates that the plant has rooted successfully.
Once Hummingbird sage is established, propagate it by division in spring. Dig up the entire plant, carefully tease it apart into smaller sections, and replant each section in well-drained soil. Water thoroughly to help the plants settle in.
Benefits of Hummingbird sage
Hummingbird sage (Salvia spathacea) is a perennial herb that is commonly used in gardens and landscaping. The plant is native to the western United States, and it is commonly found in California.
Hummingbird sage is known for its vibrant purple flowers, which bloom from midsummer to early fall. The flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds and bees, and they are also popular with humans.
The leaves of the plant are used in cooking, and the dried leaves can be made into tea. Hummingbird sage has numerous benefits, both for humans and for the environment. Some of the most commonly known benefits of hummingbird sage include:
🌻The plant is drought tolerant and does not require a lot of water to thrive.
🌻The plant attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which helps to pollinate other plants in the area.
🌻The plant is deer resistant.
🌻The leaves can be used in cooking or made into tea.
🌻The dried flowers can be used in crafts or potpourri.
Are Hummingbird sage edible
Hummingbird sage (Salvia spathacea) is a perennial herb in the mint family (Lamiaceae), native to California. The leaves are opposite, ovate-lanceolate, 3–10 cm (1.2–3.9 in) long and 1.5–6 cm (0.59–2.36 in) wide, with a toothed margin and a two-lobed tip.
The flowers are borne in whorls on spikes 5–10 cm (2.0–3.9 in) long, each flower 2–3 cm (0.79–1.18 in) long and wide, with a two-lipped calyx and four stamens sticking out from the mouth of the corolla tube. Hummingbird sage is edible and can be used in salads or as a garnish.
The leaves have a spicy, sage-like flavor and can also be used to make tea. Hummingbird sage is also a good source of nectar for hummingbirds and other pollinators.
Are Hummingbird sage invasive
Hummingbird sage (Salvia spathacea) is a species of sage that is native to California. It is a perennial herb that grows to a height of 3 feet and has blue-violet flowers that attract hummingbirds. Hummingbird sage is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens, but it can become invasive if not properly managed.
The plant can spread rapidly by seed, and the seeds can be dispersed by birds and other animals. Hummingbird sage can also spread by vegetative reproduction, making it difficult to control once it has become established.
In order to prevent the spread of this plant, it is important to deadhead the flowers before they go to seed and to remove any volunteer plants that come up in the garden.
With proper management, hummingbird sage can be a beautiful addition to the landscape without becoming a nuisance.
Hummingbird sage poisonous
Hummingbird sage (Salvia spathacea) is a species of sage that is native to California. The plant is toxic to humans and animals if ingested. Symptoms of toxicity include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you suspect that your pet has ingested hummingbird sage, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Hummingbird sage seeds
The seeds of Hummingbird sage are small and round. They are dark brown in color with a black strip running down the center. The seeds have a slightly bitter taste and a earthy smell.
They can be eaten whole or ground into a powder. Hummingbird sage seeds can be found in health food stores and online.
Where can I buy Hummingbird sage plants or seeds?
Hummingbird sage (Salvia spathacea) is a plant that grows in the western United States. It is a member of the mint family and has a strong fragrance.
The plant is used in landscaping and as an ornamental plant. The leaves are dark green and the flowers are pink, purple, or white.
Hummingbird sage can be purchased at stores such as Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Walmart. It can also be purchased at online stores such as Amazon.com and ebay.com.
The seeds can be purchased from companies that specialize in selling native plant seeds, such as Native Seeds/SEARCH and High Country Gardens.
Plant nurseries in western states might also sell hummingbird sage plants or seeds. Finally, cuttings can be taken from existing plants and propagated to create new hummingbird sage plants.
Hummingbird sage zone
Hummingbird sage is a beautiful and delicate plant that is native to the western United States. Although it can be grown in other regions, it is best suited to a Mediterranean climate.
In general, hummingbird sage prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is also drought-tolerant and does not require much fertilizer. The ideal zone for growing hummingbird sage is 9-10.
However, it can also be grown in zone 8 with some protection from the winter cold. When planting hummingbird sage, it is important to space the plants 18-24 inches apart.
This will give them enough room to spread out and grow. Hummingbird sage can bloom from early summer to fall.
The flowers are a favorite of bees, butterflies, and of course, hummingbirds.
Irritation to pets to Hummingbird Sage
Hummingbird sage (Salvia spathacea) is a beautiful, native California plant that attracts hummingbirds and other pollinators. However, it is toxic to pets. If ingested, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and an imbalance in the electrolytes in the body.
Symptoms typically resolve within 24 hours, but more severe cases may require hospitalization. If you suspect your pet has eaten hummingbird sage, contact your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline immediately.
Treatment is typically supportive care, such as administering IV fluids to prevent dehydration. In rare cases, seizures or tremors may occur and require additional treatment.
Pests and diseases in Hummingbird Sage
Hummingbird sage is susceptible to a number of common diseases, including powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot. These diseases can be difficult to control, and they can quickly kill the plant.
As such, it is important to take steps to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Common pests that attack hummingbird sage include aphids, mealybugs, and whiteflies. These pests can weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to disease.
If you notice any signs of pests or disease, it is important to take action immediately. Otherwise, your plant may not recover.
Planting and spacing for Hummingbird Sage
Hummingbird sage is a beautiful, fragrant plant that attracts hummingbirds and other pollinators. It is a member of the mint family, and it grows best in full sun or partial shade. When planting hummingbird sage, be sure to space the plants at least 18 inches apart.
This will give them room to spread out and develop a strong root system. The plants can also be propagated by division in early spring. When dividing the plants, be sure to replant them at the same depth that they were originally growing.
Propagation of Hummingbird Sage
Growing Hummingbird Sage from seed is the easiest way to propagate this beautiful plant. Seeds can be sown indoors or outdoors and will germinate in 10-21 days with bottom heat. You can also direct sow the seeds in early spring, after the last frost.
If you are starting your seeds indoors, use a seed starting mix and plant the seeds ¼ inch deep. Once they have germinated, transplant them into individual pots filled with a well-draining potting mix. Harden off the plants before transplanting them outdoors.
The other way to propagate Hummingbird Sage is by taking stem cuttings in late spring or early summer. Cut 4-6 inch stems from the tips of new growth, and remove the lower leaves.
Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone, then plant it in a 4-inch pot filled with a well-draining propagation mix.
Place the pot in indirect light and keep the soil moist but not wet. New roots should form within 4-6 weeks.
Once the roots are established, transplant the cuttings into individual pots and care for them as you would mature plants.
Soil composition and ph levels for Hummingbird Sage
Hummingbird sage is a perennial herb in the mint family that is native to California. It is a popular landscaping plant that is known for its showy crimson flowers which attract hummingbirds.
The soil composition for hummingbird sage should be a well-draining soil mix with a soil pH of 6.0-7.0. The soil mix should contain equal parts of loam, sand, and organic matter.
The organic matter can be compost, peat moss, or coco coir. Hummingbird sage does not tolerate salty or alkaline soils.
It is drought tolerant but will benefit from supplemental watering during extended periods of dry weather. It prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade. Plants that are grown in too much shade will be leggy and produce fewer flowers.
Hummingbird sage is an easy-to-care-for plant that makes an excellent addition to any garden.
Varieties of Hummingbird Sage
There are several types of hummingbird sage, each with its own unique flowers and leaves. The most common types are the red-flowering sage, the orange-flowering sage, and the yellow-flowering sage.
All of these types have tubular-shaped flowers that are rich in nectar, which attracts hummingbirds. The leaves of the hummingbird sage are also unique, being large and silver-green in color.
The flowers and leaves of the hummingbird sage make it a popular choice for gardens and landscaping.
Watering Hummingbird Sage
Watering your hummingbird sage is crucial to its growth and blooming. The amount and frequency of watering will vary depending on the climate you live in, but there are some general guidelines you can follow.
During the spring and summer, when the plant is actively growing, water it once or twice a week. Make sure the soil is moist but not soggy, and avoid getting water on the leaves to prevent fungal diseases.
In the fall, reduce watering to once a week or less, and in winter, you can allow the soil to dry out completely between watering.
Hummingbird sage is a tough plant that can tolerate periods of drought, but it will bloom best if it receives consistent moisture.
