This short-lived, tender perennial shrub native to the Canary Islands off the African coast sends up 6-foot white-furred stems cloaked with long, felted, arrow-shaped leaves and topped, summer to frost, with plumes of purplish violet flowers clasped by red-tipped calyxes. It grows up to 4 feet wide.
Noteworthy CharacteristicsSalvias are some of the showiest plants for containers, annual borders, and mixed borders. Butterflies and hummingbirds love them.
CareProvide moist, well-drained soil and good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
PropagationSow seed in spring; divide in spring; take cuttings in spring through autumn.
ProblemsPowdery mildew, rust, stem rot, fungal leaf spots, whiteflies, aphids, mealybugs, spider mites.
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- Genus : Salvia
- Plant Width : 1 to 3 feet
- Zones : 10, 9
- Plant Height : 6 to 10 feet
- Characteristics : Attracts Hummingbirds, Self Seeds
- Uses : Containers
- Tolerance : Drought Tolerant
- Moisture : Dry to Medium
- Bloom Time : Early Fall, Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Summer
- Light : Full Sun
- Maintenance : Moderate
- Growth Rate : Moderate
- Flower Color : Red
- Plant Type : Shrubs
- Plant Seasonal Interest : Spring Interest
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