August marks a crucial moment for hummingbirds, as they prepare to migrate south for winter. In doing so, they seek respite in the backyards filled with food and shelter, especially invaluable at a time where lots of nectar sources are fading. But, there's one perennial that never fails to support these charming birds all the way until frost – Mexican bush sage.
While not at the top of the list of flowers for hummingbirds, Mexican bush sage (Salvia leucantha) has long, arching flower spikes in magenta, purple, and white that emerge around August and last through fall in warmer climes, ideal for supporting hummingbirds as they move south. The flowers are tubular in shape, perfect for the specialized slender bills of these birds.
