I never thought I’d be gushing over a spiky shrub, but here we are! Meet the plant that’s made my garden a hummingbird hotspot — and yes, those prickly spikes are part of the charm!
I mean, who knew that something so tough could be so appealing to these tiny, delicate creatures? But the hummingbirds couldn’t care less about the thorns. They’re drawn to the bright, tubular flowers and the shelter the shrub provides.
Now, every time I step outside, I’m greeted by little buzzing visitors flitting around, sipping nectar, and making my garden feel alive in the best way. It’s honestly become one of my favorite parts of the yard!
So, if you want to add a little edge (literally and figuratively) to your garden, this spiky shrub is definitely worth considering.
Introducing Cleveland Sage, A Shrub That’s More Than Just Pretty
When I first saw Cleveland sage, I have to admit, I wasn’t sure what to think. The plant has these rugged, almost “edgy” features, like little rounded teeth on the edges of its leaves. Don’t be fooled – those spikes are just for show!
The leaves are surprisingly soft and velvety to the touch, like nature’s version of a comfy sweater. But the real magic happens when the plant blooms.
Tall, elegant flower spikes shoot up from the center of the foliage, producing bursts of lavender or dark purple flowers. They look like something straight out of a botanical fairy tale. And trust me, hummingbirds love them.
I like to think of Cleveland sage as the cool, slightly mysterious plant of my garden. It might look tough, but it’s got a heart of gold (or, you know, nectar).
Why Hummingbirds Can’t Resist This Beautiful Shrub
I’m sure you’ve noticed it by now – Cleveland sage isn’t just a looker; it’s also a magnet for hummingbirds.
These tiny, energetic birds are drawn to the sweet nectar nestled in the flowers. They practically divebomb the plant, hovering with their wings in rapid motion like little flying jewels.
Now, I’ve tried adding glass feeders to my garden in the past, but there’s something so much more enchanting about seeing hummingbirds naturally drawn to the plants you’ve grown.
If you’re as enchanted by these little creatures as I am, Cleveland sage is a must-have. It makes the perfect snack stop for hummers, especially in late spring when the flowers are in full bloom.
Cleveland Sage Is Also The Easiest Plant You’ll Ever Grow
It’s time to talk about how easy (and delightful) it is to grow this beauty. If you’ve got a black thumb like me, this plant is a dream. It’s low-maintenance, tough as nails, and almost impossible to destroy.
Cleveland sage thrives in sunny spots, but it can handle a little shade too (which is great if you don’t have that perfect south-facing garden).
The best part? It’s drought-tolerant. Seriously, I’ve forgotten to water it a few times (oops), and it didn’t bat an eyelash. It can grow in a variety of well-draining soils, and once it’s settled in, it just keeps going.
This shrub is also a fast grower – though I’ve noticed it really kicks into high gear during the cooler months, when it’s just eager to spread its roots and show off. Pair it with this purple flowering shrub and you’ll have a garden filled with hummingbirds in no time!
And here’s a little gardening bonus: Cleveland sage is known to self-seed, so you might find baby sages popping up around your garden, saving you the trouble of planting them again.
Plus, It Has A Fragrance You Definitely Won’t Be Able To Forget
When I first planted Cleveland sage, I didn’t realize it came with a little extra bonus: the leaves smell amazing.
They have this sweet, almost citrusy fragrance that fills the air every time I walk past. The scent is subtle but delightful, making the garden feel fresh and inviting.
Plus, the smell acts like a natural insect repellent, keeping pests away without me having to spray a bunch of chemicals everywhere.
It’s like Cleveland sage is a triple threat: beautiful, hummingbird-approved, and practical!
So, if you’re looking for a plant that offers beauty, functionality, and a way to literally attract more wildlife to your garden, Cleveland sage might just be your new best friend.