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PITCHER SAGE OR PRAIRIE SAGE (Salvia pitcheri, or azurea)
Native to N. American prairies
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Wildlife: Hummingbird nectar; Deer resistant
Habit: Tall growing (4-6’) in the wild, but can
be kept much tidier & fuller (3’ X 3’) by pruning often,
especially after long bloom period. Prefers full sun, will tolerate some
partial shade.
Bloom: Starts blooming in early-mid summer until frost.
Bloom color is a brilliant periwinkle blue that blends well with many
other colors in the perennial border. We often use this salvia w/ coral
s. greggii & yellow bells or other yellow blooms.
Foliage: Narrow gray-green leaves
BI COLOR SAGE (Salvia sinaleoensis)
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Wildlife: Hummingbird nectar; Deer resistant
Habit: Low growing (1’x1’); spreads by running
rootstock, but not invasively; prune after heavy bloom, to shape &
after frost. Prefers some afternoon shade, will tolerate full sun.
Bloom: Brilliant blue flower spikes
Foliage: in full sun foliage darkens, in shade it is
greener – thus the name “bi color”.
Comments: Good for containers, excellent border plant
mixed w/ Pink Scullcap
INDIGO SPIRES (Salvia ‘indigo spires’)
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Wildlife: Butterfly nectar (esp. for fall Monarch migration);
Deer resistant
Habit: Large perennial to 4’X3-4’; Prefers
full sun, will tolerate some part shade; prune after heavy bloom and to
maintain full shape; cut to 3-4” after frost.
Bloom: Indigo blue spikes begin in early summer &
persist till frost.
Foliage: Large leaf is lush looking.
Comments: Nice alone as an accent or especially lovely
mixed w/ antique roses ‘Duchesse De Brabandt &/or Cramoisi Superieur.
MOUNTAIN SAGE (Salvia regala)
Plant type: Deciduous shrub
Wildlife: Very important hummingbird food source for
the fall migration into Mexico through the Chisos Mtns. Fairly deer resistant
in most cases.
Habit: This plant can reach 6’ in the wild, but
more likely to be only 4’ or so in the garden & easily pruned
to a more manageable size throughout the growing season since bloom will
not be until late summer. Pruning also keeps branches stronger for the
weight of blooms to come.
Bloom: Rather large orangey-red blooms late summer –
frost. Blooms remain close to the branch instead of long spikes of most
salvias.
Foliage: Small, glossy heart shaped leaves.
MAJESTIC SAGE (Saliva guaranitica)
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Wildlife: Hummingbird nectar; Deer resistant
Habit: Lush looking salvia due to large full leaf; will
take full sun to part shade – very adaptable. Can reach 5’
high, but will be fuller and bloom more if kept pruned to 3’ or
so. Spreads by a running rootstock and can reach 4-5’ wide if allowed.
Bloom: Beautiful large flowers on long spikes. Colors
range from pale blue ‘Argentine skies’ to deep blue and even
purple.
Foliage: Large heart-shaped leaves make for a very lush
looking plant. Very fragrant
Comments: Variety ‘Black & Blue’ makes
a wonderful accent w/ black calyx – very striking and unusual.
BOG SAGE (Salvia uliginosa)
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Wildlife: hummingbird nectar; deer resistant.
Habit: Wide range, but as name says, will tolerate very
boggy conditions as well as drier. Prefers afternoon shade, at least part,
but will tolerate full sun. Will reach 3-6’H X 3-4’ W. Spreads
by running rootstock. Keep in check by pruning after heavy bloom.
Bloom: sky blue & white blooms from early summer
–frost.
Foliage: Thin arrow shaped leaves, very aromatic.
Comments: Bright color for afternoon shade; very graceful
when blowing in the wind.
SALVIA DARCYI
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Wildlife: Hummingbird nectar
Habit: Mounding growth to 3X3. Prefers full sun, will
tolerate part shade; trim after heavy bloom and to keep shape. Prune to
3-4” after frost.
Bloom: Lone spikes of coral-red flowers from summer til
frost. This color red will blend with which ever red group it is planted
with (ie; oranges or magentas)
Foliage: Deltoid shaped, very fragrant; feels sticky
due to small hairs.
Comments: Nice shape looks soft in the perennial bed.
FUSHCIA SAGE (Salvia iodantha)
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Wildlife: Hummingbird nectar
Habitat: 3X4 in garden, possibly larger. Sun to partial
shade.
Bloom: Magenta flowers in late fall.
Foliage: Mainly grown for foliage with deep purple undertones.
BIG RED SAGE (Salvia penstemonoides)
TX native, blooms tall spikes, wine color; hummingbird; some pm shade
BELIZE SAGE (S. miniata)
Plant type: Tender tropical
Wildlife: Hummingbird nectar
Habit: Due to tenderness best kept in containers; prefers
pm shade & plenty of moisture; native to Belize, Mexico
Bloom: deep red flower spikes
Foliage: large glossy leaves
Comments: Can be planted in the garden, but should be
lifted in winter, or cuttings made for the next year.
Containers do well in pm shade w/ other blooming perennials.
See our book list for more
information about gardening in Central Texas.
For more information about
upcoming community gardening events go to our events page.
If you have questions or suggestions for Central Texas Gardener,
please contact:
Linda Lehmusvirta
KLRU-TV
P.O. Box 7158
Austin, Texas 78713
(512) 475-9046
Fax: (512) 475-9090
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