![]() ![]() These features and their low-maintenance make them very valuable part of a sunny garden, including a xeric garden. They are also highly favored by hummingbirds and other pollinators. They are the type of long blooming plant that are good foils for the show stoppers that come and go such as lilies that are in bloom for a few weeks. Salvia greggii, Salvia microphylla and Salvia x jamensis can be counted on for nearly six months of bloom in a wide range of color. In the cooler times of spring and fall, the flowers are strongly bi-colored red and white. Blooming from spring until hard frost in fall, the flower color will vary seasonally. Gardeners from cold climates are often surprised to learn that some salvias are shrubs. Salvia microphylla 'Hot Lips' (Littleaf Sage) has distinctive, brilliantly colored flowers that make 'Hot Lips' Salvia a special selection. The woody perennial species are most often shrubs though there are some salvias that are trees. The perennial species can be either herbaceous or woody. The genus Salvia consists of about one thousand species. Extended dry spells in summer can decrease blooming as is typical in their native range of Texas and Mexico. They are often called "Autumn Sage" for their peak bloom is late summer into fall, though in the humid eastern US they tend to bloom continuously from spring into fall. They are also drought tolerant but also tolerate wet spells if provided with adequate drainage:not excessive drainage, just any soil where water doesn't pool after a rain. Salvia greggii, Salvia microphylla and Salvia x jamensis are sun lovers more sun the better. Excess plants can be dug out and replanted elsewhere if desired. But these are the exception to the rule in these normally stationary plants. The most vigorous individuals might occasionally need to reined in where they have spread too far if space is limited. The selections of Salvia greggii, Salvia microphylla and Salvia x jamensis vary in their vigor. This is the only routine maintenance that these salvias need. The health of the plant will not be compromised if it is not cleaned up but one will be viewing the current year's flowers amongst last year's dead flower stalks. Of course, any totally dead stems should also be removed. It is a method meant to allow quick clean up of these woody salvias. At this time the shrubs are cut back by a half to two thirds to remove the dead tops of the plant. They bloom for about six months but are not self-cleaning and the spent flower stalks are retained until a tidy minded gardener comes along and trims them off. Salvia greggii and its close cousin Salvia microphylla and hybrids between the two, Salvia x jamensis, are woody shrubs. ![]() ![]() This is also one of the most winter hardy of all the Salvia greggii varieties. As with all Salvia greggii, a dry, well-drained site is best. For us, the heaviest flowering is during spring and fall months, although it still puts on a good show during summer. The 2' tall x 3' wide, woody clump is topped with dark, vivid purplish red (RHS 57A) flowers highlighted by a nearly black floral calyx. Salvia greggii is known for its easy germination and vibrant blossoms, making it a popular choice among gardeners.Salvia 'Pink Preference', a superb selection of the durable, deer-resistant, hummingbird-attracting Salvia greggii, came to us from the late Logan Calhoun, after being grown for decades throughout central Texas. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into your garden or chosen location, where they will grow into the colorful and pollinator-attracting autumn sage plants, providing a long-lasting burst of color and wildlife activity in your landscape. Germination typically occurs within one to two weeks. Place the container in a sunny location or under grow lights, maintaining a temperature of around 70-75☏ (21-24☌). Water the soil thoroughly to maintain consistent moisture without overwatering. Sow the seeds on the surface of the soil and gently press them down for good seed-to-soil contact. Prepare a seed-starting tray or pots with a well-draining, sterile seed-starting mix. Germinating Salvia greggii seeds is a straightforward process. With its long blooming season, compact growth habit, and low-maintenance requirements, Salvia greggii is a beloved plant among gardeners, adding both aesthetic beauty and ecological value to outdoor spaces. This plant is a magnet for pollinators, particularly hummingbirds and butterflies, making it an ecologically valuable choice for wildlife-friendly landscaping. It thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, making it a resilient and drought-tolerant addition to gardens. Autumn sage typically grows to a height of 1 to 3 feet, making it an ideal choice for borders, rock gardens, and containers. The aromatic, lance-shaped leaves add to its ornamental appeal. This plant is admired for its profusion of small, tubular flowers that bloom in various shades, including red, pink, and coral, providing a delightful burst of color in gardens and landscapes. Salvia greggii, commonly known as autumn sage or cherry sage, is a compact and charming perennial shrub native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |