These deep, tubular flowers, offer rich nectar rewards for long-tongued bees.

 

Native Regions

Throughout North America

 

Availability

Generally available and can be grown in most parts of the U.S., Mexico, and Canada

 

Duration

Perennial

 

Bloom Time

Spring, summer, fall

 

Average Height

2 to 5 feet, depending on species

 

Flower Color

Purple
Blue
White
Pink
Red
Orange

 

Exposure

Full sun to partial shade, depending on species

 

Water Requirements

Average to dry. Many Salvia species prefer well-drained soils and don’t thrive in dense clay.

 

Recommended Species

Salvia azurea (azure sage) is a grasslands perennial, native to the eastern and Midwest United States.

 

Salvia coccinea (blood sage) is native to the southern United States, and is also very attractive to hummingbirds.

 

Salvia mellifera (black sage) and Salvia clevlandii (Cleveland’s sage) are both native to California and commercially available.

 

Salvia gregii (autumn sage) is native to rocky slopes of Texas and Mexico, though numerous cultivars of this plant are widespread and common in garden settings. The same is true for Salvia microphylla (Graham’s sage), which is native to southeastern Arizona and Mexico.

In fact, many introduced Salvia species and cultivars exist that are commonly available in nurseries, most of which are attractive to bees.