Salvia

Salvia splendens

Salvia, or sage, has tall spikes of colorful flowers that dance in the breeze. They are great for attracting hummingbirds!

Habitat: Gardens and sunny spots

Appearance

The Salvia has vibrant, fiery red tubular flowers clustered tightly on tall, upright spikes, rising above deep green, slightly wrinkled leaves. Its brilliant color and distinctive upright form make it easily recognizable in gardens.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderLamialesFamilyLamiaceaeGenusSalvia

Salvia

Interesting facts

Salvia flowers come in almost every rainbow color, not just red, purple, and blue!

Salvia seeds can be sticky, hitching rides on animals to spread far and wide!

Some Salvia leaves have tiny hairs that protect them from strong sun and thirsty bugs.

The name "Salvia" comes from Latin, meaning 'to heal' or 'to save'!

Special abilities

Salvia's long, brightly colored, tubular flowers are perfectly shaped to attract hummingbirds for pollination.

Some Salvia species can grow in dry conditions by storing water in their leaves and roots to survive hot days.

Many Salvia species release strong scents from their leaves, which can help deter hungry animals from nibbling.

Measurements & details

Height: 30-90 cm
Spread: 30-60 cm
Flower Size: 2-4 cm
Bloom Season: Summer
Is Edible: No
Toxicity: None
Lifecycle: Annual
Pollination Method: Bird

Ecological connections

pollinates

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

sips nectar while carrying pollen between flowers

pollinates

European Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

collects nectar and pollen, aiding reproduction

pollinates

Monarch Butterfly

Danaus plexippus

visits flowers for nectar, spreading pollen around

eaten by

Cotton Aphid

Aphis gossypii

sucks sap from leaves, potentially harming the plant

Traits

Perennial

These strong plants come back year after year, bringing joy to gardens with their enduring presence and beautiful blossoms season after season.

Flowering

These are the plants that produce beautiful blossoms, attracting pollinators and adding splashes of color to our world. Each flower is a tiny marvel!

Tube Flower

Discover unique flowers shaped like long, slender tubes, often attracting special pollinators like hummingbirds with their sweet nectar.

Fragrant Flower

Discover flowers that release delightful scents into the air, enchanting our senses and attracting helpful insects. Take a moment to enjoy their sweet perfume!

Pollinator Magnet

Discover plants that are irresistible to our pollinator friends! These beauties are super attractive to bees, butterflies, and other helpful creatures, creating a buzzing hub of activity.