I should probably stop using this blog to confess my deep, dark garden lusts. I think I have mentioned my college friend, Bunny (yes, that is what she preferred to be called) who, whenever a song played at a party, shouted "that's my favorite song!" I know I am very much like Bunny (and weirdly, my family nickname is Duckie) in that I have many "favorite" plants. This salvia, however, is a real charmer among a group of charming plants. It is hardy, blooms reliably in the late summer and fall, and is a good food source for hummingbirds during their autumnal migration. The flower, though small, is brightly colored, a hot,deep pink, it pumps them out more and more as the weather cools and is a good accent in floral arrangements. It produces color in the flower garden when little is is still blooming. It is somewhat evergreen, though is not at its best in deep winter. The plant has been really easy for me to grow and I keep its sprawling habit in check by pruning and staking. It has some natural dieback in cold winters and I just prune the dead branches off. It can get a little woody and you might want to replace it every 10 years or so if a hard cutting back does not refresh it.
Happy Gardening!
1 comment:
This appears to be a plant that would liven up any home garden. I see why you like it so much.
I was at Ginter yesterday with Girl#1 who had a photography project to complete. I have got to get there more often!
Duckie, huh? Cute. Makes me want quack when I hear it. :) Does anyone still call you Duckie?
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