Sage

Pollinator-friendly annual, herb or perrenial, perfect for hummingbirds.

Botanical Name: Salvia

Plant Care and Characteristics:

Sage is a large group of herbaceous plants, with different species native in many different areas. Annual varieties and tender perennial varieties offer showy blooms for most of the growing season. The more cold hardy varieties bloom primarily in the spring. Cultivars are available in various shades of red, pink, purple, blue, lavender and white. The long tubular flowers on many varieties attract butterflies and hummingbirds, while smaller flowered varieties are generally favored by bees.

Sage is a low-maintenance plant that prefers full sun to part shade and well-drained soil. Some exhibit drought-tolerance when established in the ground, but container grown Salvias need ample moisture. Sages work well in the middle of beds or borders; or use their bright blooms to provide an accent in a cottage or pollinator garden. The flowers can also add interest indoors if sage is added to a cutting garden. Compact selections are good for edging and in containers.