The bright pink flowers of Salvia spathacea form on stems that rise about 12 to 18 inches above the large fragrant leaves in late spring to early summer. This Salvia prefers a little shade in inland gardens; it creates a wonderful groundcover in the dappled light of an oak woodland; or use it to weave together a mixed hedgerow planting.

Hummingbird Sage needs no water in the summer, but will look a bit shabby in the intense dry heat of late summer. It is not fussy about soil and appreciates mulch, which helps facilitate the spread of its underground stems. The highly scented, sticky leaves are so reviled by deer that this groundcover can be planted as a barrier around more desirable deer browse.

The flowers of Hummingbird Sage are a magnet for hummingbirds. ‘Avis Keedy’ has lemon yellow flowers