Monrovia : Learn

Evergreen, small, bushy shrub created by many erect branches. Soft green leaves topped most of the year with delicate magenta-red flowers. Open airy habit blends well with western natives and xeriscape plants. Very heat tolerant; requires good drainage. Attracts hummingbirds. Full sun. Fast-growing to 2 to 3 feet high and wider. Cutting grown.

Performance and Requirements

Light needs: Full sun

Watering Needs: Once established, needs only occasional watering.

Pruning Time: Early spring

Growth Rate: Fast Growing

Growth Habit: Bushy

Design Information

Companion Plants

GOLDSTURM BLACK EYED SUSAN
Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii 'Goldsturm'

JERUSALEM SAGE
Phlomis lanata

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Companion Plants (Description): Combine the magenta of the sage with the silver foliage and yellow blooms of Jerusalem Sage (Phlomis lanata) and the golden flowers of Goldsturm Black Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii `Goldsturm`). The blue flower clusters of Carmel Creeper California Lilac (Ceanothus griseus hortizontalis `Carmel Creeper`) makes a colorful hummingbrid garden.

Design Styles: An important subshrub for xeriscape gardens with any theme. Shares similar water requirements as many western natives making it perfect for wild gardens. Preference for good drainage makes an excellent bank and slope coverage. Excellent source of bright color in the Mediterranean landscape, but equally suited to tropical looks. Important staple of desert garden compositions. The quintessential dry climate hummingbird plant for wildlife focused gardens.

Care Information

Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Watering can be reduced after establishment. Feed with a general purpose fertilizer before new growth begins in spring.

Background Information

History: This genus is classified in the Labiateae or mint family, containing over 750 species of herbs and subshrubs native around the world. They are distinguished for their aromatic oils. The species S. greggii was classified by renowned botany professor of Harvard University, Asa Gray. He named it for Dr. Josiah Gregg in recognition of his exploration in Saltiollo, Mexico where the first specimen was collected. Plants are actually native to Texas and northern Mexico.

Lore: This species of Salvia and all its cultivars are the top hummingbird attracting flowers in dry climates.

Botanical Pronunciation: SAL-via gregg-EYE

Catalog Description: Evergreen, small, bushy shrub created by many erect branches. Soft green leaves topped most of the year with delicate magenta-red flowers. Open airy habit blends well with western natives and xeriscape plants. Very heat tolerant; requires good drainage. Attracts hummingbirds. Full sun. Fast-growing to 2 to 3 feet high and wider. Cutting grown.