Salvia
Indefatigable bloomer, Scarlet sage (Salvia splendens) is a tender perennial that is mostly grown for its dense, usually brilliant scarlet flowers although new selections include attractive shades of rich purple, pink, blue, lavender, salmon, white and bicolor.
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Planting Difficulty | ★ |
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Planting Season | spring; flowering from March to September |
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Soil Requirements | Loose and fertile sandy soil rich in humus and well-drained |
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Watering | Keep wet but no water accumulation |
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Lighting |
Full sunlight
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Propagation | Cutting |
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Pruning | Slight trim after blooming |
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Fertilization |
Topdressing 1-2 times a month during the growing season, and thin fertilizer
mainly containing phosphorus should be applied 1-2 times before flowering. |
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Pest and Disease Control | Corner spot, red spiders, powdery mildew, scallops, rust |
Interesting Facts Nabat
- Prized by gardeners for its ornamental blossoms, it has an outstanding effect in beds, borders, containers from late spring to frost!. A valuable addition to cottage gardens, cutting gardens and effective for edging too! Best in mass plantings with other annuals.
- Easy to grow, fairly pest and disease free, it requires little deadheading, attracts butterflies and blends nicely with any other annuals or perennials for the best effect!
- Typically grows in clumps up to 12-18 in. tall (30-45 cm) and 12 in. wide (30 cm) in a wonderful display of very eye-catching, long-tubed, brightly-colored flowers rising in thick, erect spikes above the dark green foliage.
- May be grown from seeds, starting indoors 6-8 weeks prior to the last spring frost date.
- Thrives in full sun in light, humus-rich, moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soils.
- Perennial in zones 10 – 11, it may be grown as an annual in cooler areas.