How to Grow Mexican Bush Sage for Migrating Hummingbirds
August marks a crucial moment for hummingbirds, as they prepare to migrate south for winter. In doing so, they seek respite in the backyards filled with food and shelter, especially invaluable at a time where lots of nectar sources are fading. But, there’s one perennial that never fails to support these charming birds all the way until frost – Mexican bush sage.
While not at the top of the list of flowers for hummingbirds, Mexican bush sage (Salvia leucantha) has long, arching flower spikes in magenta, purple, and white that emerge around August and last through fall in warmer climes, ideal for supporting hummingbirds as they move south. The flowers are tubular in shape, perfect for the specialized slender bills of these birds.
The best part is you don’t need loads of room to grow Mexican bush sage for hummingbirds. You can simply pick up a Mexican bush sage starter plant (available at Amazon) and grow it in a pot on your porch or balcony. With velvety blooms and fragrant foliage, it’s guaranteed to brighten up your planting for the incoming fall season, while supporting the hummingbird migration.
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Why Hummingbirds Love Mexican Bush Sage
(Image credit: Getty Images/Sieboldianus)
Mexican bush sage is a type of salvia with a bushy habit reaching 2-4ft in height and spread. The reason it makes such a great plant to attract hummingbirds and support them during the migration period is because unlike other summer perennials, Mexican bush sage can put on a display right up until frost.
There is one caveat to note, however. Mexican bush sage (which you can also grow with these Mexican bush sage seeds from Amazon) is hardy across USDA zones 8-10. You can grow it as an annual in zones 7 and lower, but it’s the warmer climes (where hummingbirds are heading to) that this salvia will put on its longest display for wildlife.
It fills a ‘nectar gap’ for hummingbirds where other food sources are sparse, providing crucial energy these birds need during this tiring time. That’s why having it in your fall garden for the hummingbirds that pass through is beneficial.
From an aesthetic point of view, Mexican bush sage blooms profusely in fall, covering the entire bush in vibrant flowers. The blooms are fuzzy and soft which make them rabbit and deer-resistant, too. This is also because Mexican bush sage’s foliage is aromatic, deterring a wide range of pests.
Like other tubular blooms, Mexican bush sage’s flower shape also allows for hummingbirds’ specialized bills to access the nectar with ease. Plus, its a color hummingbirds love: pinks and purples. This is especially effective when paired with red flowers for hummingbirds, like this native cardinal flower from Plant Addicts.
In fact, this bright purple hue also attracts butterflies and other pollinators seeking nectar as summer winds down.
How to Grow Mexican Bush Sage
(Image credit: magicflute002 via Getty Images)
If you’re planning to add Mexican bush sage to your garden now for migrating hummingbirds, it’s best to opt for an established flowering Mexican bush sage starter plant from Walmart rather than opting for seeds (which should be planted in spring).
Below are some key tips for growing Mexican bush sage in your yard.
- Position: Natively, you’ll find Mexican bush sage growing in Mexico and Central America in tropical and subtropical forests. There, it enjoys full sun to partial shade beneath tree canopies. In your yard, look for a spot that gets at least six hours of direct sun a day. In milder regions, take care to position it somewhere sheltered, out of wind. Up against a warm wall is a good spot, especially as we transition into fall.
- Soil: It’s important for Mexican bush sage to have a well-draining soil type, as waterlogged, soggy conditions can easily rot its roots and cause premature witling. If growing it in a pot, consider adding horticultural grit (from Amazon) for drainage. It doesn’t need a particularly fertile soil, however, and can put on a bright display even in poor soil.
- Water: When you first plant Mexican bush sage, make sure to water well to help its roots establish, especially after such a dry summer. In following years, this plant becomes quite drought-tolerant and just needs occasional deep watering during dry spells, though you can allow the soil to dry entirely between watering. Use this soil moisture meter from Amazon to monitor moisture levels.
- Pruning: When planning to grow Mexican bush sage for migrating hummingbirds in particular, it’s really important to avoid cutting back too early. You want to leave the flower spikes for the birds (and other pollinators) to use for as long as possible. Once the flowers have naturally fully faded, leave them to protect the crown of the plant during wet winters. Using sharp and clean pruning shears (these Felco F2 pruning shears from Lowe’s are a top choice), you can then cut back old woody growth in early spring to encourage new shoots.
- Winter care: As mentioned, Mexican bush sage is hardy across USDA zones 8-10. In these climes, you can use mulch and wrap pots in burlap (which is available from Walmart) to insulate roots. In colder climes, you can either treat Mexican bush sage as an annual and allow it to dieback in winter, or lift it and move containers to a frost-free position, such as a greenhouse or a conservatory. During winter, keep watering to a minimum as it can put roots at risk of freezing.
Shop Our Hummingbird Edit
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As well as growing Mexican bush sage for migrating hummingbirds, there are plenty of things you can do to help hummingbirds in August. This includes keeping feeders clean and topped up. This hummingbird cleaning brush kit from Amazon has everything you need to maintain your feeder this summer and fall.
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