Why Hummingbirds Can't Resist This Fast-Growing Flower

If you've noticed that the hummingbirds in your yard or garden can't stay away from any salvia you may have planted and are curious as to why, you've landed on the right page. While salvia may be beautiful to look at and often emits a lovely fragrance, it can also help maintain the balance of a garden ecosystem, which includes hummingbirds. That said, there are several reasons why hummingbirds are strongly attracted to these trumpet-shaped flowers.

"When I walk through a salvia planting in summer, it's common to see hummingbirds making repeated visits throughout the day because the flowers provide such a reliable food source," says Tabar Gifford, partnership Cultivator and master gardener at American Meadows and High Country Gardens.

In addition to Gifford, we interviewed gardening, horticulture and wildlife experts to learn more about why hummingbirds can't resist salvia. We also asked them for some best practices you can follow when growing this mint-family plant in the future.

1. Shape

Salvia's tubular shape is one of its main attraction points for hummingbirds. "[Their] tubular flower shape matches hummingbird anatomy," says Dr. Corey Callaghan, a global wildlife ecologist at UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center. "Hummingbirds can hover while feeding and efficiently extract nectar deep within the flower."

If you're wondering how this flower's shape is conducive to the feeding of hummingbirds, "[they] are perfectly suited to a hummingbird's long bill and tongue, making nectar easy to access," adds Sonya Anderson, manager of horticulture at Denver Botanic Gardens. As if that wasn't enough, Jean-Guy Gobeil, head gardener at Fairmont Empress, notes that their spikes help serve as a place for these birds to land.

2. Nectar

While this might seem obvious, hummingbirds love to feed on the nectar found in salvia. "Hummingbirds have extremely fast metabolisms [and] they need to feed frequently throughout the day," explains Dr. Kimberly Moore, associate center director and professor of environmental horticulture at the University of Florida, IFAS, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center. "Salvia flowers produce plentiful nectar with relatively high sugar content, which makes them an efficient energy source."

Since hummingbirds often engage in activities that require a lot of energy, they often seek out salvia to help them get it. "Hummingbirds require enormous amounts of energy because their wings may beat dozens of times per second and many species migrate long distances," adds Callaghan.

3. Bright Colors

Unlike some other flowers, which can offer more muted colors, Callaghan explains that salvia often displays bright colors, including magenta, orange and red, to name a few. That said, Gobeil notes that this flower's vibrant colors often make it easier for hummingbirds to spot.

4. Fast Growing

While it may not seem as though the rate at which salvia grows would have an impact on its appeal to hummingbirds, it does. "Floral abundance plays a part in attracting hummingbirds, and a salvia plant is effective as it produces numerous flowers simultaneously," says ​​Angelica Elliott, assistant director of public horticulture at the Desert Botanical Garden.

Mary Phillips, head of native plant habitat strategy at the National Wildlife Federation, adds that their growth and blooming (which generally occurs for a few months as opposed to a few weeks) strongly appeals to the birds, too.

Best Practices for Growing Salvia

One of the main reasons why many people enjoy growing salvia is that it's easy to grow. That said, knowing how to grow this plant most efficiently and effectively is key. Aaron Steil, a consumer horticulture extension specialist at Iowa State University, notes that it is important to keep your salvia in locations where they receive full sun for at least six to eight hours each day.

In addition to providing ample sunlight, you should do your best to avoid overwatering salvia and ensure your flowers are in soil that supports drainage.

If you're specifically looking to attract more hummingbirds to your garden, Elliott advises growing those native to your area, as hummingbirds are more easily recognizable to the birds. If you're anticipating any cold or freezing temperatures, Beth R. Bolles, a horticulture educator at UF IFAS Extension Escambia County, advises moving your salvia to covered areas, especially if you're growing them in containers.

Related: Build the Ultimate Pollinator Garden With These 20 Flowers

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This story was originally published June 9, 2026 at 8:30 AM.