True blue flowers on mid-sized plants that love heat, don't
mind humidity and will bloom non-stop for months. A good sized plant, but not
too large. It is right-sized for containers and good for use in landscapes as
well.
Award Winner
Continuous Bloom or Rebloomer
Long Blooming
Fall Interest
Heat Tolerant
Deadheading Not Necessary
Drought Tolerant
Attracts:
Bees
Butterflies
Hummingbirds
Resists:
Deer
CHARACTERISTICS
Plant Type:
Annual
Height Category:
Medium
Garden Height:
14 - 24 Inches 36cm - 61cm
Spacing:
10 - 14 Inches 25cm - 36cm
Spread:
12 - 16 Inches 30cm - 41cm
Flower Colors:
Blue
Flower Shade:
True Blue
Foliage Colors:
Green
Foliage Shade:
Silvery Green
Habit:
Upright
Container Role:
Thriller
PLANt
NEEDS
Light Requirement:
Part Sun to Sun
The optimum amount of sun or shade each plant needs to
thrive: Full Sun (6+ hours), Part Sun (4-6 hours), Full Shade (up to 4 hours).
Maintenance Category:
Easy
Bloom Time:
Planting To Hard Frost
Hardiness Zones:
8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
Water Category:
Average
Soil Fertility Requirement:
Average Soil
Poor Soil
Uses:
Border Plant
Container
Landscape
Mass Planting
Uses Notes:
A great plant for attracting pollinators. It works
equally well in landscapes and containers and blooms for weeks on end.
Maintenance Notes:
This is a wonderful annual Salvia (except in frost free
zones), compact and richly colored, it is easy and trouble free. It will just
bloom, and bloom and bloom all season without stopping.
You can easily trim to keep the shape or size where you
want it, and it will branch out and become even thicker and more full of
flowers. Although that should not be necessary.
Regular watering and fertilizing will keep the plant at
maximum color and growth but it is amazingly tough and once established in a
pot or the garden will tolerate lower levels of food and water. However, severe
drought will cause lower leaves to drop and if this happens give it a quick
haircut removing the upper 1/3 of growth and once it back to normal watering it
will fill back in.
It is a big attractor of bees! They love the sweet nectar
in the flowers, so place it accordingly; a bit farther from seating areas if
bees are a concern. It is always great to have a plant that will support our
native bees!!
Unplugged®So Blue™Salviafarinacea 'G14251' USPP
32,695, Can 6,537
SALVIAS, A Nectar Haven for Pollinators in NE Florida!
Salvias: Nature's Paintbrush
Salvias, often known as sages, come in an extraordinary variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. They're popular for many gardeners for their aesthetic appeal, easy-care nature, and reputation as pollinator magnets. They are prolific bloomers and rich in nectar, making them an irresistible treat for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Salvia Varieties Thriving in Zone 9
Salvia leucantha (Mexican Bush Sage)
A perennial salvia, its velvety purple and white flowers bloom from late summer to frost, providing a much-needed nectar source when many other plants are past their prime.
Salvia 'Amistad' (Friendship Sage)
This variety sports deep purple flowers, a true spectacle that blooms from late spring until the first frost. Its large, two-foot spikes are a pollinator delight.
Salvia guaranitica'Black and Blue'
Standing out with its striking blue flowers, it blooms from mid-summer to fall. This plant attracts hummingbirds like no other!
Salvia microphylla
'Hot Lips'
A unique bicolor salvia with red and white flowers that bloom from early summer to frost. Its bright colors and long flowering period make it a favorite of bees and butterflies.
Salvia coccinea
(Scarlet Sage)
A Florida native, this salvia variety sports bright red flowers and is a favorite of hummingbirds. It is also highly drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for those looking to conserve water.
Salvia 'Mystic Spires' This is a compact version of another favorite, 'Indigo Spires'. It flaunts rich, deep blue flowers from spring until the first frost and requires very little care once established.
Salvia 'Sallyfun
Blue Emotion' Showcasing stunning
sky-blue flowers, this variety blooms from late spring until frost and is a perfect pick for attracting bees and butterflies.
Salvia 'Saucy Wine': True to its name, this Salvia presents dark
wine-red flowers that bloom from spring to frost, acting as a beacon for hummingbirds.
Salvia 'Summer Jewel'
This series, available in red, white, and pink, is a favorite for its compact growth and early bloom time. Blooming from late spring through fall, it provides a long-lasting buffet for pollinators.
Why Salvias are Beneficial
A buzzing and vibrant garden isn't just an aesthetic delight; it's an indicator of a healthy ecosystem. By planting salvias, you're contributing to biodiversity, as they attract and support a multitude of pollinators. In the absence of these plants, many species of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds would struggle to find adequate food sources. Additionally, the benefits of pollinators extend to us humans too, as they play a crucial role in the pollination of many of the fruits, vegetables, and nuts we consume.
Planting and Care
Salvias are generally low-maintenance plants. They prefer well-draining soil and a spot in the garden that receives full sun to partial shade. Most varieties are drought-tolerant once established, making them an excellent choice for xeriscaping.
In conclusion, salvias are an excellent choice for gardeners in NE, Florida if you're looking to add a pop of color to your garden, attract pollinators, or simply cultivate an easy-to-care-for plant. Stay tuned for our next "Plant of the Week" feature!
Specifications
Genus: Salvia
Height: Range from 6" to 4'
Width: Range from 12" to 4'
Maintenance: Very Low
Light: Full Sun - Part Sun
Growing Zone: 4-10
Flower Color: Pink/White/Purple/Red/Blue
Fun Facts
1. At 900 species, Salvia or sage is the largest genus of plants belonging to the mint family.
2. Sage comes from the Mediterranean region, but -as a well-adapted plant- it has spread worldwide.
3. Salvia plants are known for their antioxidant effects and enhancing ‘ brain’ function
