(Little Hummingbird Sage or Pitcher Sage) At one-fourth to one-half the size of our other Hummingbird Sages, this is the smallest variety of Salvia spathacea that we grow.
Common name This is the non-scientific name used for a plant. A plant may have several common names, depending on the gardener's location. To further confuse the matter, a common name may be shared by several completely different plants. At Flowers by the Sea, we rely on the scientific name to identify our plants and avoid confusion. | Little Hummingbird Sage or Pitcher Sage |
USDA Zones The U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones indicate the temperature zones where a plant is likely to thrive. It is determined by the average annual winter minimum temperature. Actual winter temperatures may be higher or lower than the average. | 8 - 11 |
Size (h/w/fh) The anticipated mature size of the plant: Height, Width & Flower Height. | 12"/24"/24" |
Exposure This is the average amount of sunlight that a plant needs to thrive. Generally, full sun exposure is 6 or more hours of direct sun daily while partial shade is less than 4 hours of sun or dappled shade all day. Plants may tolerate more sunlight in cooler climates and need afternoon shade in extremely hot climates. | Partial shade |
Soil type This is the kind of soil that a plant needs to thrive. Most plants require a well-drained soil that allows the water to soak into the soil without becoming soggy. Sandy and clay soils can be improved by digging in compost to improve drainage. | Well drained & rich |
Water needs Plants have specific water requirements. Water loving means the plant needs regular watering to keep the soil moist. Average generally indicates applying 1 inch of water per week, or watering when the soil is dry to a depth of 3 to 4 inches. One inch of water is equal to 5 gallons per square yard of soil surface. | Average |
Container plant? "Yes" indicates that this plant can be successfully grown as a container plant. | Yes |
Hummingbird plant? Hummingbirds have been observed regularly feeding from this plant's flowers. | Yes |
Mature height The mature height of this plant in average conditions. | 1 foot or less |
Mature spread The mature width of this plant in average conditions. | 1 foot or less |
(Little Hummingbird Sage or Pitcher Sage) At one-fourth to one-half the size of our other Hummingbird Sages, this is the smallest variety of Salvia spathacea that we grow.
Topped with deep pink flowers and lighter rosy bracts, this one is also a hummingbird favorite. Its short flower spikes are numerous. From winter into spring, they blossom abundantly in large clusters about 12 to 24 inches above the plant's sticky, sweetly fragrant, basal foliage.
Little Hummingbird Sage spreads slowly with underground runners. It is the most adaptable of the varieties we offer for less-than-perfect conditions, because it tolerates heat, clay soils and extreme drought.
This is a fine choice in USDA Zones 8 to 11 for use as a groundcover, edging or part of a perennial border. It fits well in woodland, native plant and cut-flower gardens. Although this sage likes average watering based on local climate and weather, it is also ideal for dry gardening.
We sell out in a heartbeat when we offer any kind of Salvia spathacea in bloom at our local farmers' markets. Also, no other sages we sell are as attractive to hummingbirds.