The Compact Flower With Dark Purple Blooms That Is Irresistible To Hummingbirds & Bees

You don't need an elaborate plan or dozens of flowers to turn your garden into a space attractive to important pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. One pretty, compact species makes it simpler for those with limited space to add pollinator-friendly features. To attract these delightful friends to your garden, try adding 'Amistad' salvia (Salvia 'Amistad') to your flower beds. A semi-woody sage species, 'Amistad' salvia is used in various types of plantings, both for its delightful color and its useful nectar. Its compact nature also makes it a top salvia type for a stunning container garden, where its nectar will attract beneficial hummingbirds and bees to your patio or deck area.

Although its origins are a mystery, 'Amistad' salvia has some combined traits of different species, likely making it a naturally-occurring hybrid. This cross results in a flower with addicting nectar that bees and hummingbirds love, plus a rich, deep purple color. Uniquely, you can identify 'Amistad' salvia from its dark, almost black, calyx (the outer whorl distinct from the petals). Originally identified in South America, it is not considered problematic to grow in the U.S. and can be found at local stores.

When grown in warmer zones, from USDA Hardiness Zone 8 to 10, 'Amistad' salvia does well as a perennial. For those living in colder zones, you can still grow this nonhardy salvia as an annual. A member of the mint family, 'Amistad' salvia can grow very quickly, so it is possible to grow it for one season to take advantage of its abundant nectar reserves. While this type of salvia has a long bloom time, you should also learn how to prune salvia for endless blooms all summer. Deadhead blooms regularly and try cutting back the plant in mid-summer to renew its vigor. This way, the deep purple flowers will bloom from spring through fall.

Whether you add this salvia cultivar to a container garden or grow it in a border area, it plays nicely with other pollinator favorites. For example, consider growing coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), a stunning perennial that pairs perfectly with salvia, to double your garden's attractiveness to pollinators. 'Amistad' salvia and most coneflowers thrive in full sun. Some varieties to consider include 'Kim's Knee High', which is a dwarf option that won't shade out your salvia or 'Purity', which features white blooms to offset the deep purple of 'Amistad' salvia.