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Botanical name: Salvia farinacea ‘Evolution’
This variety produces rich, violet-blue blooms, densely covering each sturdy stalk; a compact plant with better branching, good weather resistance, and a long season of bloom.
Other names: Mealycup Sage
| Hardiness zone | 7b |
|---|---|
| Flower color | violet |
| Foliage type | deciduous * |
| Plant form | upright spreading |
| Mature height | 12 inches (18 inches with the flowers) |
| Spread | 18 inches |
| Light requirements | full sun |
| Moisture requirements | dry to average |
| Plant origin | North American native |
* deciduous = loses leaves in winter
Evolution Salvia has masses of beautiful spikes of violet flowers with blue overtones rising above the foliage from late spring to mid fall, which are most effective when planted in groupings. The flowers are excellent for cutting. Its fragrant narrow leaves remain green in color throughout the season. The fruit is not ornamentally significant.
Evolution Salvia is an herbaceous perennial with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its medium texture blends into the garden, but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition.
This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should be cut back in late fall in preparation for winter. It is a good choice for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.
Evolution Salvia is recommended for the following landscape applications;
Mass Planting, Border Edging, General Garden Use, Container Planting
Evolution Salvia will grow to be about 12 inches tall at maturity extending to 18 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 18 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 14 inches apart. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 5 years.
This plant should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil, and will often die in standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selection of a native North American species. It can be propagated by cuttings; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.
Evolution Salvia is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. It is often used as a 'filler' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination, providing a mass of flowers against which the larger thriller plants stand out. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.
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