This native of the American Southwest and Mexico forms an evergreen shrub or shrubby perennial with dark, glossy leaves that are small (but slightly larger than most microphyllas) and softly toothed. It blooms off and on all summer, and again, more vigorously, in late summer and autumn, in blossoms of cherry-red. Its attractive foliage cloaks the plant to the ground, so it is well suited to the front of the border. It can grow to 4 feet tall and twice as wide.
Noteworthy CharacteristicsSalvia are some of the showiest plants for containers and mixed borders. Butterflies and hummingbirds love them.
CareProvide moist but well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade.
PropagationSow seed, or divide plants, in spring. Take cuttings spring through fall.
ProblemsPowdery mildew, rust, stem rot, fungal leaf spots, whiteflies, aphids, mealybugs, spider mites.
- Genus : Salvia
- Zones : 10, 11, 8, 9
- Plant Height : 3 to 6 feet
- Plant Width : 6 to 10 feet
- Characteristics : Attracts Hummingbirds, Showy Foliage
- Uses : Containers, Ground Covers
- Tolerance : Drought Tolerant
- Moisture : Dry to Medium
- Bloom Time : Early Fall, Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Summer
- Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
- Maintenance : Low
- Growth Rate : Moderate
- Plant Type : Perennials
- Flower Color : Red
- Plant Seasonal Interest : Summer Interest
Plant Characteristics are only available to Fine Gardening members
Sign up for a free trial and get instant access to our complete plant guide as well as our entire collection of articles and videos.