Salvia plants produce stunningly beautiful blooms each season that attract hummingbirds in search of nectar. For gardeners, salvia provides spectacular color in the garden all season. Red Salvia plants are especially effective at attracting hummingbirds, as hummingbirds are naturally attracted to the color red.
Salvia plants are a nectar source for hummingbirds, who extract nectar from the long tubular flowers using their long tongues. The red varieties of salvia attract hummingbirds, as hummingbirds are naturally attracted to red flowers and feeders. Salvia plants are versatile and adapt to most gardens, providing a food source for hummingbirds all season.
The below selection of beautiful nectar-producing Salvia plants includes key plant details to help you design your dream hummingbird garden.
As with any new addition to your garden, make sure to research the local laws and regulations when adding a new species to the local ecosystem.
Some plants below are classified as invasive in some states and countries but not in others. Always check with your local governing body first.
Cover image details: Ruby-throated Hummingbird feeding on red Sage_Salvia coccinea_Texas sage, blood sage_© Daniel Russell Ripplinger/123rf.com
| Salvia Blepharophylla | |
| Name: | Eyelash-leaved sage |
| Binomial Name: | Salvia blepharophylla |
| Life Cycle: | Perennial |
| Sun Needs: | Full sun, partial sun |
| Soil Needs: | Well-draining nutrient-rich soil, also thrives in sandy / rocky soil |
| Water Needs: | Maintain moist soil |
| Bloom Time: | Blooms Spring through Fall |
| USDA Hardiness: | 8-11 |
| Size: | Can grow over 24 inches tall (60 cm) |
| Hummingbird Benefits: | Provides nectar to hummingbirds |
| Facts: | These plants can grow tall enough to require staking or other support. |
| Commonly found in Mexico. |
| Salvia Buchananii | |
| Name: | Buchanan’s sage, Fuchsia sage |
| Binomial Name: | Salvia buchananii |
| Life Cycle: | Perennial |
| Sun Needs: | Full sun, partial sun |
| Soil Needs: | Well-draining nutrient-rich soil, also thrives in sandy / rocky soil |
| Water Needs: | Maintain moist soil |
| Bloom Time: | Blooms Spring through Fall |
| USDA Hardiness: | 9-11 |
| Size: | Can grow 24 inches tall and 24 inches wide (60 cm by 60 cm) |
| Hummingbird Benefits: | Provides nectar to hummingbirds |
| Facts: | Native to Mexico |
| Salvia Coccinea | |
| Name: | Texas sage, blood sage |
| Binomial Name: | Salvia coccinea |
| Life Cycle: | Annual |
| Sun Needs: | Full sun, part sun |
| Soil Needs: | Well-draining nutrient-rich soil, also thrives in sandy / rocky soil |
| Water Needs: | Maintain moist soil / also thrives in drier soils |
| Bloom Time: | Blooms Summer through Fall |
| USDA Hardiness: | 8-10 |
| Size: | Can grow to over 48 inches tall and 24 inches wide (121 cm by 60 cm) |
| Hummingbird Benefits: | Provides nectar for hummingbirds |
| Salvia Elegans | |
| Name: | Pineapple sage |
| Binomial Name: | Salvia elegans |
| Life Cycle: | Perennial shrub |
| Sun Needs: | Full sun |
| Soil Needs: | Well-draining nutrient-rich soil, also thrives in sandy / rocky soil |
| Water Needs: | Maintain moist soil / also thrives in drier soils |
| Bloom Time: | Blooms late Summer through Fall |
| USDA Hardiness: | 8-10 |
| Size: | Can grow over 36 inches tall and wide (91 cm) |
| Hummingbird Benefits: | Provides nectar for hummingbirds, also this shrub could provide hummingbirds a safe space to nest. |
| Facts: | Native to Mexico and Guatemala |
| Salvia Gesneriiflora | |
| Name: | Scarlet sage |
| Binomial Name: | Salvia gesneriiflora |
| Life Cycle: | Perennial shrub |
| Sun Needs: | Full sun, partial sun |
| Soil Needs: | Well-draining nutrient-rich soil, also thrives in sandy / rocky soil |
| Water Needs: | Maintain moist soil / also thrives in drier soils |
| Bloom Time: | Blooms Summer through Fall |
| USDA Hardiness: | 9-11 |
| Size: | Can grow taller than 5 feet tall and 4 feet wide (1.52 meters by 1.21 meters) |
| Hummingbird Benefits: | Provides nectar for hummingbirds, also this shrub could provide hummingbirds a safe space to nest. |
| Facts: | Native to Mexico |
Click Below To Continue The Journey On The Next Page!
Next Read, Salvia Hummingbird Garden!
Click the image below to read our article on 50 Best Salvias for Hummingbirds!
In this article, we provide 50 beautiful images of stunning salvia flowers to attract and support hummingbirds in your garden. There are plants for nearly every growing region and garden size. Click the image below to see the 50 most beautiful salvia flowers that will attract these beautiful hummingbirds to your yard!
Please note: While we have worked to provide the most accurate information, climate and growing location will impact the size, height, bloom-time, annual/perennial status, and may impact color. We have gathered this data from personal experience, with online resources used for additional clarification. Additional references include google and usda.gov
