Hey there, fellow garden enthusiasts! Have you ever thought about adding a splash of color and a hint of whimsy to your sage garden? If you want to attract those delightful hummingbirds, I’ve got just the thing for you. Today, I’m sharing 20 perfect plant buddies (and some that won’t work) for your sage that these little feathered friends will absolutely adore. Let’s explore gardens’ hidden gems together!
1. Bee Balm (Monarda)
Imagine a garden where the air is filled with the scent of flowers and the buzz of life. That’s what happens when Bee Balm joins the party. This colorful beauty not only complements sage with its red hues but also calls out to hummingbirds like a siren song.
With its tubular flowers, Bee Balm is a hummingbird’s delight, offering nectar aplenty. And while it’s a feast for the eyes, it’s also a treat for those buzzing visitors. So, plant this alongside your sage and watch your garden become a lively oasis.
2. Salvia (Salvia spp.)
Colors that pop and blooms that sing, Salvia brings a touch of magic to any sage garden. Its tall, showy spikes are not just eye candy; they are a hummingbird’s culinary delight.
These birds love salvia almost as much as we love a hot cup of coffee on a cold morning. The vibrant purples and blues contrast beautifully with sage’s muted tones, creating a visual symphony.
So, sprinkle some salvia seeds, sit back, and enjoy the lively dance of hummingbirds visiting your garden sanctuary.
3. Catmint (Nepeta)
Who knew something meant for cats could be a bird magnet too? Enter Catmint, the versatile plant that pairs effortlessly with sage. Its soft lavender flowers offer a fragrance that’s irresistible, not just to felines but to hummingbirds as well.
The sight of hummingbirds flitting around these delicate blooms is enough to make any heart sing. So, why not let your garden become a melodious paradise by pairing sage with Catmint?
You’ll have a garden that hums with activity all season long.
4. Columbine (Aquilegia)
Picture the elegance of a flower that looks like it’s been crafted by a master artist. Columbine, with its intricate blooms, brings that level of sophistication to your sage garden.
It’s not just a stunner for human eyes; hummingbirds find its unique shape irresistible. As they hover, feeding on nectar, your garden turns into a stage for this avian ballet.
Add Columbine to your garden, and let nature’s theater unfold with sage as the backdrop. It’s a show you’ll never tire of watching.
5. Penstemon (Penstemon spp.)
Some plants are like that perfect dinner guest – charming, colorful, and full of life. Penstemon is one such delight, offering tubular flowers that hummingbirds find hard to resist.
Its shades of pink and purple provide a stunning contrast to the earthy tones of sage, creating a garden that’s both lively and elegant.
With Penstemon in your garden, expect a daily show as hummingbirds make frequent pit stops, ensuring your garden buzzes with activity. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.
6. Lavender (Lavandula)
Who doesn’t love the soothing scent of Lavender? It’s like a spa day for the senses, and when paired with sage, it creates a fragrant paradise.
Hummingbirds adore its purple blooms, drawn in by the sweet nectar hidden within. The contrast between lavender’s rich colors and sage’s subtle greens turns your garden into an eye-catching masterpiece.
Invite Lavender and its aromatic charm into your garden, and watch as it becomes a hummingbird haven, full of life and lavender-scented breezes.
7. Coral Bells (Heuchera)
Delightfully delicate, Coral Bells are the charismatic companions your sage plants have been waiting for. These lovely flowers, with their pink and red hues, are like candy for hummingbirds.
Plant them alongside your sage, and you’ll create a visual feast that both you and your feathered friends will enjoy.
The contrast between the coral bells’ vivid colors and the sage’s muted tones is a sight to behold. Plus, they’re easy to care for, making them a gardener’s dream come true.
8. Foxglove (Digitalis)
In the fairy tale realm of flowers, Foxglove stands as a regal beauty. With its tall spires and bell-shaped blossoms, it brings an air of elegance to the sage garden.
Hummingbirds are drawn to its allure, often seen darting from bloom to bloom in search of nectar. The dramatic height and colors of foxglove make it a perfect partner for the more grounded sage.
Add a touch of magic to your garden with Foxglove, and let hummingbirds bring it to life with their playful antics.
9. Hollyhock (Alcea)
Talk about a plant with personality! Hollyhock stands tall and proud, adding a splash of drama to your garden. Its towering blooms are like a beacon for hummingbirds, calling them to indulge in its nectar-rich flowers.
The mix of colors, from pinks to yellows, complements the sage perfectly, creating a garden that’s as lively as it is lovely.
With Hollyhock in your garden, expect it to become a buzzing hub of activity, where hummingbirds and blooms create a symphony of color and motion.
10. Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)
Who can resist a plant that practically shouts ‘look at me!’? Trumpet Vine does just that with its bold, fiery blooms. These tubular flowers are a hummingbird’s dream, offering nectar in abundance.
As they flock to your garden, you’ll witness a spectacle of color and movement, turning an ordinary day into something extraordinary.
Pair this vibrant vine with sage, and create a garden that’s not just a visual feast but a hummingbird haven. Let the show begin!
11. Fuchsia (Fuchsia spp.)
Dancing blooms that look like ballerinas? That’s Fuchsia for you! These whimsical flowers add a touch of grace to any sage garden, attracting hummingbirds with their vibrant colors and delicious nectar.
The contrast between the hanging blooms and sage’s upright growth creates a dynamic visual tapestry.
Plant Fuchsia, and you’ll have a garden that’s not just pretty but practically performs. Watch as hummingbirds flit in and out, turning your garden into a delightful theater of nature.
12. Butterfly Bush (Buddleja)
A plant named for butterflies but loved by hummingbirds—meet the Butterfly Bush. Its showy clusters of flowers invite these feathered friends to feast on its sweet nectar.
The contrast of its purple blooms with the green of sage creates a garden that’s both striking and serene.
With Butterfly Bush in your garden, it won’t just be butterflies stopping by. Expect hummingbirds to visit often, adding a lively flutter to your garden’s serene setting. It’s nature’s own little party spot.
13. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
Red as a cardinal and just as striking, the Cardinal Flower is a favorite for hummingbirds. Its vivid blooms stand out like jewels among the greenery, drawing in these birds with an irresistible allure.
The combination of red flowers with sage’s green tones creates a fiery yet harmonious garden palette.
Watch it become a hotspot for hummingbirds, adding a splash of color and a dash of excitement to your floral landscape.
14. Lantana (Lantana camara)
Feeling a bit tropical? Enter Lantana, with its clusters of bright, cheerful flowers. These blooms are like a buffet for hummingbirds, offering them a smorgasbord of nectar.
The kaleidoscope of colors complements sage’s earthy tones, turning your garden into a vivid masterpiece.
With Lantana, you’re not just planting flowers; you’re creating a hummingbird paradise. Watch as these energetic birds flit about, bringing life and movement to your colorful garden getaway.
15. Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)
Who says gardens can’t be fun? Zinnia brings a splash of joy with its rainbow of colors. These cheerful blooms are a magnet for hummingbirds, offering a delightful feast of nectar.
The bright Zinnia colors pop against sage’s soft greens, creating a joyful garden canvas.
Plant Zinnia, and you’ll have a garden that’s as lively as it is lovely. Watch as hummingbirds dance from bloom to bloom, turning your garden into a carnival of color and activity.
16. Agastache (Agastache spp.)
Looking for a plant with a little bit of everything? Agastache, with its aromatic leaves and colorful blooms, has got you covered.
Its tall spikes of flowers are a hummingbird’s delight, offering nectar that keeps them coming back for more. The mix of blues and pinks complements sage perfectly, creating a garden that’s as visually diverse as it is inviting.
With Agastache in your garden, you’re not just planting flowers; you’re cultivating a lively habitat that hummingbirds will love.
17. Cleome (Cleome hassleriana)
Cleome might look like it belongs in a wildflower meadow, but it fits right in with sage in your garden. Its tall, airy blooms add a touch of elegance, while its nectar-rich flowers attract hummingbirds.
The combination of pink and white flowers with sage’s muted tones creates a serene yet lively garden vibe.
Plant Cleome, and watch as your garden transforms into a hummingbird playground, full of motion and merriment. It’s a delightful dance you’ll never tire of watching.
18. Honeysuckle (Lonicera)
If there’s a plant that spells nostalgia, it’s Honeysuckle. Its sweet scent and tubular flowers are a hummingbird’s paradise.
The fragrant blooms add a touch of romance to your sage garden, creating an inviting space for birds and humans alike.
With Honeysuckle, your garden becomes a sensory delight, where the scent of flowers and the sight of hummingbirds create a captivating atmosphere. It’s like a mini vacation right in your backyard.
19. Verbena (Verbena spp.)
Need a plant that’s as tough as it is pretty? Verbena is your answer. Its clusters of purple flowers bring a touch of charm to any sage garden, attracting hummingbirds with their sweet nectar.
The combination of vibrant purples and sage’s subtle greens creates a garden that’s both peaceful and lively.
Plant Verbena, and you’ll have a garden that’s resilient and hummingbird-friendly. Watch as these birds visit again and again, turning your garden into a lively retreat.
20. Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.)
Sunshine on a stem, Coreopsis adds a burst of brightness to any garden. Its cheerful yellow flowers are a favorite for hummingbirds, offering them a sweet nectar treat.
The bright blossoms contrast beautifully with sage’s muted greens, creating a visually stunning garden.
With Coreopsis, you’re creating a hummingbird hotspot.
21. Marigold Isn’t A Good Match
While marigolds are great for repelling pests and attracting butterflies, their flowers don’t offer the nectar hummingbirds seek.
Their structure isn’t ideal for hummingbird feeding, making them an ineffective choice if your goal is to draw in these tiny birds.
22. Hostas Miss the Mark
Though hostas produce bell-shaped flowers, most varieties don’t provide enough nectar to make them a hummingbird favorite.
These plants are primarily grown for their lush foliage, so if you’re looking to attract hummingbirds, there are far better options.
23. Petunias Fall Short
Petunias can attract hummingbirds, but they aren’t the best option. While their trumpet-shaped flowers seem ideal, many modern varieties are bred more for appearance than nectar production.
Some petunias, especially heirloom or wild types, may provide some nectar, but overall, they don’t compete well with plants like salvia, bee balm, or fuchsia, which are true hummingbird favorites.
24. Dusty Miller Doesn’t Deliver
With its striking silver leaves, Dusty Miller adds contrast and texture to a garden, but it lacks the flowers or nectar to entice hummingbirds.
This plant is mainly used as an ornamental filler, not a hummingbird-friendly companion.
25. Shasta Daisy Disappoints
The bright, classic blooms of Shasta daisies are lovely, but their flat, open flowers don’t hold much nectar. They may attract bees and butterflies, but hummingbirds prefer deep, tubular blooms that offer a more substantial nectar source.