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Botanical name: Salvia coccinea ‘Coral Nymph’
A graceful variety producing multiple spikes of bi-color coral and white blooms all season; a beautiful addition to borders or containers with its dense and bushy form.
Other names: Tropical Sage, Ornamental Sage, Hummingbird Sage
| Hardiness zone | 8a |
|---|---|
| Flower color | coral |
| Foliage type | deciduous * |
| Plant form | upright spreading |
| Mature height | 24 inches (3 feet with the flowers) |
| Spread | 18 inches |
| Light requirements | full sun |
| Moisture requirements | dry to moist |
| Plant origin | Texas Native |
* deciduous = loses leaves in winter
Coral Nymph Tropical Sage has masses of beautiful spikes of coral-pink tubular flowers with white overtones rising above the foliage from late spring to early fall, which are most effective when planted in groupings. The flowers are excellent for cutting. Its attractive fragrant pointy leaves remain green in color throughout the season. The fruit is not ornamentally significant.
Coral Nymph Tropical Sage is an herbaceous perennial with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage.
This is a relatively low maintenance plant. Trim off the flower heads after they fade and die to encourage more blooms late into the season. It is a good choice for attracting bees, 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.
Coral Nymph Tropical Sage is recommended for the following landscape applications;
Mass Planting, Border Edging, General Garden Use, Container Planting
Coral Nymph Tropical Sage will grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity extending to 3 feet 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 15 inches apart. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 5 years.
This plant should only be grown in full sunlight. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations and should do just fine under typical garden conditions. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This is a selection of a species native to parts of our region.
Coral Nymph Tropical Sage is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. With its upright habit of growth, it is best suited for use as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants and those that spill over the edges. It is even sizeable enough that it can be grown alone in a suitable container. 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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