California Hummingbird Sage (Salvia spathacea) is a stunning, native herb known for its vibrant magenta-red flowers and aromatic foliage. This perennial plant is particularly prized for attracting hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, making it an excellent choice for pollinator-friendly gardens. The soft, fuzzy leaves release a pleasant fragrance when crushed, adding both beauty and sensory appeal to your garden. With 10 seeds in this packet, you can grow your own California Hummingbird Sage and enjoy its colorful blooms and wildlife-friendly qualities.

Key Features:

• Vibrant Magenta-Red Flowers: California Hummingbird Sage produces beautiful spikes of magenta-red flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer, attracting a variety of pollinators.
• Pollinator Magnet: The plant is particularly attractive to hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, making it an essential addition to any pollinator or wildlife garden.
• Fragrant Foliage: The soft, aromatic leaves of this sage release a pleasant fragrance when touched or crushed, adding an extra sensory dimension to your garden.
• Native to California: As a native species, California Hummingbird Sage is well-suited to Mediterranean climates, requiring minimal care once established and providing a natural, drought-tolerant option for your garden.
• Drought-Tolerant: Once established, this sage is drought-tolerant and requires little maintenance, making it ideal for xeriscaping or low-water gardens.

Growing Information:

• Light: California Hummingbird Sage thrives in full sun to partial shade. For the best flowering and overall growth, plant it in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day.
• Soil: This sage prefers well-drained, slightly sandy or loamy soil. It can tolerate poor soil conditions and is well-suited for xeriscaping or drought-tolerant gardens.
• Planting Tips:
  • Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost, or sow directly outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
  • Lightly press the seeds into the soil without covering them, as they need light to germinate. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
  • Germination typically takes 14-30 days. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them outdoors, spacing them 12-18 inches apart.
• Watering: California Hummingbird Sage is drought-tolerant once established. Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish roots, but reduce watering once the plant is established. Avoid overwatering, as the plant prefers well-drained soil.

Benefits:

• Attracts Pollinators: Its vibrant magenta-red flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, providing nectar and supporting local wildlife populations.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, California Hummingbird Sage is a very low-maintenance plant that requires little care beyond occasional watering and pruning. It’s perfect for gardeners who prefer easy-to-grow, drought-tolerant plants.
• Fragrant Leaves: The aromatic foliage adds sensory appeal to your garden, providing a pleasant herbal fragrance when touched.
• Native Plant: As a California native, this sage is adapted to the local climate, making it a great choice for native plant gardens and xeriscaping.
• Versatile Garden Use: California Hummingbird Sage can be used in borders, mixed herb gardens, or wildflower meadows, adding vertical interest and color to your landscape.

Growing Zones:

• Suitable for USDA Zones 7-10. It thrives in Mediterranean climates, making it an excellent choice for gardeners in California and similar regions, but can be grown as an annual or brought indoors in colder zones.

How to Use in the Garden:

• Pollinator Gardens: Due to its ability to attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, California Hummingbird Sage is an ideal addition to any pollinator-friendly or wildlife garden.
• Herb Gardens: While primarily grown for its ornamental value, the leaves of California Hummingbird Sage can also be used for their aromatic qualities in herbal sachets or infusions.
• Xeriscaping: Its drought tolerance and low water requirements make it an excellent plant for xeriscaping or water-wise gardens, providing color and beauty with minimal upkeep.
• Mixed Borders: This sage’s upright growth habit and vibrant flowers make it a striking addition to mixed borders, where it can complement other native plants or flowering perennials.
• Wildflower Meadows: California Hummingbird Sage is a great addition to naturalized gardens or wildflower meadows, where it will attract pollinators and add vertical interest.

Conclusion: California Hummingbird Sage (Salvia spathacea) is a beautiful and functional addition to any garden, offering vibrant magenta-red flowers, fragrant foliage, and pollinator-friendly benefits. Whether you’re creating a low-maintenance xeriscape, a wildlife garden, or a pollinator haven, this native herb will thrive with minimal care, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies while providing year-round beauty. The 10 seeds in this packet give you the opportunity to grow your own California Hummingbird Sage and enjoy its vibrant blooms and delightful fragrance in your garden.