Salvia plants are a favorite for hummingbirds and gardeners as salvia provides nectar for the birds, and stunningly beautiful blooming flowers the gardener can enjoy all season long.
Salvia plants are an abundant source of nectar for hummingbirds who use their long tongues to extract nectar from the long tubular flowers of the salvia plant. There are many varieties of salvia that all thrive in different soil types, water conditions, and bloom throughout the season, making salvia one of the most versatile plants for a hummingbird garden.
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 Black and Blue Salvia_© Daniel Russell Ripplinger/123rf.com
| Salvia Arizonica | |
| Name: | Arizona Sage |
| Binomial Name: | Salvia arizonica |
| Life Cycle: | Perennial |
| Sun Needs: | Partial sun, shade |
| Soil Needs: | Well-draining nutrient-rich soil, can also thrive in sandy / rocky soil |
| Water Needs: | Maintain moist soil, also thrives in drier soils |
| Bloom Time: | Summer |
| USDA Hardiness: | 5-9 |
| Size: | Can grow over 24 inches tall (60 cm) |
| Hummingbird Benefits: | Provides nectar to hummingbirds |
| Facts: | Deep Blue |
| Salvia Azurea | |
| Name: | Azure sage |
| Binomial Name: | Salvia azurea |
| Life Cycle: | Perennial |
| Sun Needs: | Partial sun, shade |
| 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: | Fall |
| USDA Hardiness: | 5-9 |
| Size: | Can grow over 36 inches tall (91 cm) |
| Hummingbird Benefits: | Provides nectar to hummingbirds |
| Facts: | Native to North America |
| 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 Cacaliifolia | |
| Name: | Guatemalan sage |
| Binomial Name: | Salvia cacaliifolia |
| 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 Summer through Fall |
| USDA Hardiness: | 8-11 |
| Size: | Over 36 inches tall and 18 inches wide (91 cm by 45 cm) |
| Hummingbird Benefits: | Provides nectar to hummingbirds |
| Facts: | Native to Guatemala, Mexico, and Honduras |
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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
