Big red sage
Salvia pentstemonoides
Last reviewed: July 2026
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
24"–36" H × 12"–18" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
TX
Pollinators
hummingbirds, bees
Browse plants for this ecoregion
An upright, short-lived herbaceous perennial with soft green leaves and spikes of large, vivid red tubular flowers from late spring through summer. Prefers moist, well-drained soil and part shade, and may self-seed to persist in a bed.
In an HOA neighborhood
Big red sage is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, mid zone, backyard only.
- short-lived perennial that may need division or reseeding to persist
Wildlife value
Large red tubular flowers are a strong hummingbird attractant and also draw bees.
Common questions
- How much sun does Big red sage need?
- Big red sage grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Big red sage bloom?
- Big red sage blooms in May, June, July, and August.
- Where is Big red sage native?
- Big red sage (Salvia pentstemonoides) is native to TX, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Big red sage attract?
- Big red sage draws hummingbirds and bees.
- Is Big red sage HOA-friendly?
- Big red sage is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Big red sage fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.