Hummingbird sage4/19/2023 ![]() ![]() oxyphora grows to 3.3 to 4.9 feet high, with lanceolate to ovate leaves that are 2.8 to 8.7 inches long and 1.2 to 2.8 inches wide. For that reason, the wild populations of the plant are vulnerable, though many nurseries carry the plant as of 2012. Observed plants, both herbarium specimens and wild plants, apparently do not have seeds, possibly due to loss of its native pollinator. ![]() In spite of its wide distribution, distinct populations tend to be very small, typically only one to ten plants. The plant apparently needs disturbed ground to become established, as it is not found growing in undisturbed areas. It is widespread from the Peruvian border, in the Andean cordillera, to the Santa Cruz area. It is found growing in disturbed rocky slopes above streams in moist subtropical forest at 980 to 7,200 feet elevation. "Salvia oxyphora is a herbaceous perennial that is endemic to the foothills and lower eastern slopes of the Andes in Bolivia. Other: Natural pollinator unknown and possibly no longer extant. The rhizomatus roots assist the plant by spreading underground, forming a mat and sending up new shoots. ![]() Other: Vegetative propagation by cuttings, taken in spring and autumn, is required. Other info: The species has a reputation for not setting seed, but has been shown to be possible when manually pollinated. We will incorporate comments that we receive from others and welcome to hear from anyone who may have additional information, particularly if they can share with us any cultural information that would aid others in growing it.General Plant Information ( Edit) Plant Habit: We also note those observations we have made of it as it grows in the nursery's garden and in other gardens, as well how crops have performed out in our nursery fields. The Information displayed on this page about Salvia spathacea is is based on the research conducted about this plant in our library and from reliable online resources. Our plants originally from plants growing on private property along Camino Cielo in the Santa Ynez Mountains above Santa Barbara. The specific epithet comes from the Latin work 'spatha' (from the Greek spáthe) means a spath and the suffix 'aceous" meaning "composed of" or "having" so meaning "with a spathe" in reference to large spath-like colored bracts that enclose the flower cluster. The name Salvia comes from the name used by Pliny for a plant in the genus and comes from the Latin word 'salvere' meaning "to save" in reference to the long-believed healing properties of several sage species. Hummingbird Sage is native to shady or open grassy slopes in the lower elevations along the California coastal ranges from Solano County south to Orange County and perhaps into north San Diego County as well. The flowers are attractive to hummingbirds, hence the typical common name but it is also commonly called Crimson Pitcher Sage. It is quite useful in dry light shade such as under the dripline area of a coast live oak. This is an extremely tough plant that can go dormant in summer but can be kept evergreen with an occasional irrigation and can remain evergreen through winter in gardens where temperatures remain in the 20's. Dead head the inflorescences to their base after flowering is over to keep plant low and tidy and dig unwanted spreading rhizomes for replanting elsewhere in late fall or early winter. Evergreen in temperatures in the mid 20's but root hardy to at least down to 0 ° F and suitable for USDA Zones 8 to 11. Plant in full sun to partial shade and give little to occasional irrigation but also tolerates more regular watering. The deep rose-pink flowers grow in large pagoda-like whorls on 30 inch tall flower stalks from late winter into summer. The plant is slightly sticky to the touch with pleasingly aromatic arrow-shaped light green leaves that can grow to 6 inches long and are wrinkled on top and hairy beneath. ![]() Salvia spathacea (Hummingbird Sage) - A low growing semi-evergreen herbaceous perennial sage with a ground-cover mounding habit 1 to 2 feet tall and spreading slowly by underground rhizomes to 4 feet or more wide. ![]()
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