Hummingbirds strongly prefer Salvia; plants in this genus are among the most visited flowers in the Americas. Salvia, commonly known as sage, is an enormous genus of flowering plants that has co-evolved with hummingbirds over millennia. This mutually beneficial relationship is driven by the plant’s specific floral structure and the substantial energy reward offered to the birds. Hummingbirds rely heavily on these plants for the high-octane fuel necessary to sustain their incredibly fast metabolisms.
Why Hummingbirds Prefer Tubular Flowers
The preference hummingbirds show for Salvia is rooted in the flower’s physical structure, known as floral morphology. Salvia species that attract these birds typically feature a long, narrow corolla, a fused ring of petals that forms a tube. This tubular shape perfectly accommodates the hummingbird’s long bill and tongue, allowing them to reach nectar deep inside the flower.
This structure acts as a physical barrier, excluding most generalist insect pollinators, such as bees. By limiting access, the plant ensures the high-energy nectar is reserved almost exclusively for the hummingbird, guaranteeing efficient pollination. The nectar is high in sucrose, a sugar molecule hummingbirds metabolize quickly, providing the immediate energy boost required for hovering flight. The deep red and orange colors found in many hummingbird-pollinated Salvia species are visually attractive to the birds and discourage bees, which see poorly in the red spectrum.
Recommended Salvia Varieties for Nectar Feeding
Gardeners seeking to attract hummingbirds should focus on varieties that consistently produce high nectar volumes and have a suitable growth habit.
- Salvia guaranitica (often ‘Black and Blue’) features striking cobalt-blue flowers with contrasting black calyxes. This variety is a tender perennial in warm regions but is frequently grown as a heat-tolerant annual in cooler climates, reaching heights of three to five feet.
- Salvia coccinea (Scarlet Sage) includes cultivars like ‘Summer Jewel Red.’ This fast-growing annual produces a continuous flush of true red, tubular blooms throughout the summer season. Its compact size, usually under two feet tall, makes it suitable for containers and smaller garden spaces.
- Salvia greggii (Autumn Sage) is a perennial for warmer regions, providing a reliable source of nectar with colors ranging from deep red to pink and coral. This shrubby sage is drought-tolerant once established and provides blooms from spring until the first frost.
- Salvia elegans (Pineapple Sage) is valued for its bright red flowers that appear later in the season, often coinciding with the fall migration period, and it is frequently grown as an annual.
Enhancing Your Garden to Attract Hummingbirds
Planting Salvia in large, dense groups, known as mass planting, increases the visibility of the flowers to passing hummingbirds. A concentrated block of color signals a substantial food source. Placing these plants in full sun exposure is beneficial, as sunlight promotes higher rates of nectar production within the flowers.
Hummingbirds require nearby shelter for perching, resting, and safety from predators. Positioning Salvia plantings near trees, tall shrubs, or fences provides the necessary vertical structure for them to survey the area. Gardeners should avoid the use of chemical pesticides on all flowering plants, as these can harm the birds and the insects they consume for protein.
A reliable source of water, such as a fine misting device or a very shallow bird bath, will further encourage frequent visits. While they do not typically drink from standing water, hummingbirds use mist or shallow water to bathe, an activity they often perform multiple times a day. Creating a diverse and safe environment around the Salvia beds ensures the garden remains a consistent and appealing food stop.