Salvia canariensis (Canary Island sage)

Salvia canariensis Photo/Illustration: Linda Wesley



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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Salvia canariensis Common Name: Canary Island sage Genus: Salvia
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 characteristics: Salvias are some of the showiest plants for containers, annual borders, and mixed borders. Butterflies and hummingbirds love them. 
Care: Provide moist, well-drained soil and good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
Propagation: Sow seed in spring; divide in spring; take cuttings in spring through autumn.
Problems: Powdery mildew, rust, stem rot, fungal leaf spots, whiteflies, aphids, mealybugs, spider mites.
Height 6 ft. to 10 ft.
Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Growth Habit Spreads
Growth Pace Moderate Grower
Light Full Sun Only
Moisture Dry to Medium
Maintenance Moderate
Tolerance Drought Tolerant
Characteristics Attracts Butterflies; Attracts Hummingbirds; Self Seeds; Showy Flowers
Bloom Time Early Fall; Early Summer; Fall; Late Summer; Summer
Flower Color Purple/ Lavender Flower; Red Flower
Uses Beds and Borders, Container, Cut Flower, Naturalizing, Suitable as Annual
Style Cottage Garden
Seasonal Interest Spring Interest, Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type Shrubs

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