Yvonne’s Giant salvia has a bright read bloom
I planted Yvonne’s Giant Salvia on the recommendation of Donald Mitchell, a speaker at the Rice County Horticulture Day in March. This annual salvia with prolific, bright red flowers is said to be a hummingbird magnet. The original plants seem to have been a natural variation on salvia and they often reach 5 feet tall. Mine have barely hit 3 feet so far this summer, but they are certainly living up to their reputation for attracting hummingbirds. I’ve very rarely seen hummingbirds in our yard, but this year, I’ve seen them several times, usually hoovering around the salvia. No luck getting a picture of the bird yet — but I’ll post one if I succeed.
Why are my plants so short? My guess–and that’s all it is–is that the plants do not receive enough sun. The spot they are in gets several hours a day, but most of it is in late afternoon. Since these seeds are not available through retailers, I plan to save a few and try again next year in a sunnier spot.
Other plants that attract hummingbirds are vines such as cardinal climber and honeysuckle. If you plant the right plants, hummingbirds will flock to your yard.
The bright red blooms in this border are Yvonne’s Giant Salvia
I planted giant salvia the last few years, and yes, they are huge hummingbird attractors. I tried to find them this year without success so purchased regular ones at, of all places, Fleet Farm. Will NEVER do that again! About half died and the others are just wimpy looking.
Is anyone out there who would allow me to purchase a few seeds of Yvonne’s giant red salvia? It is a MUST HAVE!!!! Thank you for your consideration.
Help, please! I’m transforming my back yard and canyon bank to a wildlife retreat and would love to receive/buy some Yvonne;s Giant Salvia seeds.
Amanda — Unfortunately, this is a “pass-along” seed. I’ve never seen it for sale in catalogs or as a plant. I saved seeds from it for many years, but no longer have any. Thanks for commenting!