Re: Salvias
- To: M*@ucdavis.edu
- Subject: Re: Salvias
- From: R* F* D*
- Date: Fri, 1 Oct 1999 22:57:53 -0400 (EDT)
At 08:52 AM 10/1/1999 -0700, you wrote:
>Hello all,
>
>Does anyone have advice/experience growing Salvia sinaloensis? I
>purchased five small plants on impulse because I fell in love with the
>blue flowers but don't know much about them other than what I've read in
>Betsy Clebsch's book.
>
>However, I've had the experience where the plants I've purchased don't
>grow as described so I would be interested in hearing about people's
>experiences with S. sinaloensis (e.g. growth habit, conditions, garden
>placement/landscaping etc.)
>
>Thanks,
>Angela Lee
Angela:
This plant can be short-lived. It likes to be somewhat potbound: too much
soil for a root mass will cause it to rot. From this behaviour, I infer
that it will like excellent drainage. But established pots can die quickly
if watered or fed unevenly, and sucking insects can kill it if they get out
of control.
It is hardy in Charleston, SC. Coming from the mountains of Nayarit, on
Mexico's Pacific coast, it should do very well for you in LA.
It's a bit big for a rock garden, but is pretty compact for a Salvia. It is
worth growing for the tidy purplish foliage alone. The deep azure blue
flowers are very nicely set off by the foliage.
Richard F. Dufresne
313 Spur Road
Greensboro, NC 27406
336-674-3105
