Re: Red flower recommendation?

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• To: M*@ucdavis.edu
• Subject: Re: Red flower recommendation?
• From: R* D* <s*@nr.infi.net>
• Date: Mon, 26 Jan 1998 14:04:24 -0500 (EST)

At 09:26 PM 1/25/98 -0700, you wrote:
>Can you all recommend a red-flowering perennial, low water but not
>necessarily drought tolerant, will grow in USDA zone 10b, 11 (sunset zone
>24), upright, from 12 inches to 2 or 3 feet tall?
>
>TIA
>
>Nan
______________________________________________________________________________

Nan:

There are a number of Salvia species that should fit the bill, especially S.
greggii Furman's Red for sunnier conditions, and S. blepharophylla for
shadier conditions.  

S. greggii was investigated by U. C. Riverside about 15 years ago for
roadside planting and found to be superior to even native California sages
for persistance and ability to get established with minimal watering.  

The second sage is a seepage plant, but can tolerate some drought, and makes
an excellent container and bedding plant, since it colonizes.  There are
four clones on the market now, the original form with no varietal name,
Diablo, Painted Ladies, and Dulces Nombres.

S. oresbia/darcyi/schaffneri (this clone needs more taxonomic work, another
story) is also a good choice, somewhat on the tall side, but within your
needs.  It is drought tolerant and forms good-sized colonies and can
tolerate humidity as well.  

There are even more Salvias to consider here, but this should do for now.

Rich Dufresne

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