Red Salvia for hummingbird gardens

Penstemons are the hummingbirds favorite plant, and worth considering in your desert landscaping. There are many penstemon species available, varying in both flower color, size, and bloom period. Some penstemons reach nearly 6 feet tall, so don’t assume they are a small plant since they are a perennial. Mexican Oregano is a delicious substitute for regular oregano, and does not become invasive or die out like the standard version. It is also a low water use plant, tolerating drought and heat, but does prefer afternoon or filtered shade. Planting under a native tree, such as our Velvet Mesquite, is a perfect spot. View the list »
Chocolate Flower is a must have native wildflower, especially if you love chocolate. Not only do the yellow, daisy-like flowers smell like chocolate, they taste chocolaty too. This is a perennial plant, but will also reseed itself profusely if conditions are right. The blooms last from spring into fall. Collect seeds to share with friends. 

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Red Salvia, Salvia greggii, also known as Autumn Sage, is a must have perennial for desert hummingbird gardens as it blooms profusely from spring through fall. Hardy in both Tucson and Green Valley down to zero degrees, Red Salvia appreciates some afternoon shade and moderate irrigation to perform its best. If planted in too much shade, it will flower much less.

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The tiny leaves are lush green, so even when not in bloom it is an attractive plant. The mature size is about 3 feet tall and wide. If it starts to look leggy or scraggly, shearing to the ground will cause it to regenerate and become fuller in appearance. This is a long-lived perennial, eventually needing replacement, however, if shearing does not help.

Use Red Salvia along with other perennials for a colorful garden. Try Mexican Oregano, Penstemon species, along with other plants that prefer some shade such as lavender and chocolate flower.

Reference: Mountain States Wholesale Nursery and Gregg Starr Nursery Plant Info Sheet, 1999.

View the list
  • Chocolate Flower is a must have native wildflower, especially if you love chocolate. Not only do the yellow, daisy-like flowers smell like chocolate, they taste chocolaty too. This is a perennial plant, but will also reseed itself profusely if conditions are right. The blooms last from spring into fall. Collect seeds to share with friends. 
  • Mexican Oregano is a delicious substitute for regular oregano, and does not become invasive or die out like the standard version. It is also a low water use plant, tolerating drought and heat, but does prefer afternoon or filtered shade. Planting under a native tree, such as our Velvet Mesquite, is a perfect spot. 
  • Penstemons are the hummingbirds favorite plant, and worth considering in your desert landscaping. There are many penstemon species available, varying in both flower color, size, and bloom period. Some penstemons reach nearly 6 feet tall, so don’t assume they are a small plant since they are a perennial. 
View the list

, Tucson Gardening Examiner

This author has lived in Arizona since 1972 and has been gardening for more than 28 years. A landscape architect and certified arborist, Linda teaches classes for everyone in desert plant care for Green Valley Recreation, and provides services in landscape design. Contact her at Linda...

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