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Salvia patens 'Chilcombe'
Salvia patens 'Chilcombe'
Salvia patens 'Chilcombe'

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Salvia patens 'Chilcombe'

(Dorset Lavender Gentian Sage) Large, deep lavender flowers shaped like parrot beaks make Salvia patens 'Chilcombe' distinctive in the Gentian Sage group, which is dominated by true blues.

Common name This is the non-scientific name used for a plant. A plant may have several common names, depending on the gardener's location. To further confuse the matter, a common name may be shared by several completely different plants. At Flowers by the Sea, we rely on the scientific name to identify our plants and avoid confusion. Dorset Lavender Gentian Sage
USDA Zones The U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones indicate the temperature zones where a plant is likely to thrive. It is determined by the average annual winter minimum temperature. Actual winter temperatures may be higher or lower than the average. 8 - 11
Size (h/w/fh) The anticipated mature size of the plant: Height, Width & Flower Height. 18"/18"/18"
Exposure This is the average amount of sunlight that a plant needs to thrive. Generally, full sun exposure is 6 or more hours of direct sun daily while partial shade is less than 4 hours of sun or dappled shade all day. Plants may tolerate more sunlight in cooler climates and need afternoon shade in extremely hot climates. Partial shade
Soil type This is the kind of soil that a plant needs to thrive. Most plants require a well-drained soil that allows the water to soak into the soil without becoming soggy. Sandy and clay soils can be improved by digging in compost to improve drainage. Well drained & rich
Water needs Plants have specific water requirements. Water loving means the plant needs regular watering to keep the soil moist. Average generally indicates applying 1 inch of water per week, or watering when the soil is dry to a depth of 3 to 4 inches. One inch of water is equal to 5 gallons per square yard of soil surface. Average
Container plant? "Yes" indicates that this plant can be successfully grown as a container plant. Yes
Hummingbird plant? Hummingbirds have been observed regularly feeding from this plant's flowers. Yes
Mature height The mature height of this plant in average conditions. 1 to 2 feet
Mature spread The mature width of this plant in average conditions. 1 to 2 feet
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  • Salvia patens 'Chilcombe'
Degree of Difficulty
Easy
Degree of Difficulty
This plant is easy to grow in a variety of conditions.
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(Dorset Lavender Gentian Sage) Large, deep lavender flowers shaped like parrot beaks make Salvia patens 'Chilcombe' distinctive in the Gentian Sage group, which is dominated by true blues.

This is a petite border perennial that also grows well in containers. It's almost identical to Salvia patens 'Lavender Lady'.

Also known as Dorset Lavender Gentian Sage, its common and scientific names honor the famous Chilcombe estate gardens of Dorsetshire, or Dorset County, in southwestern England. Patens is Latin for "spreading." Similar to Dahlias, Gentian Sages have tuberous roots that can be overwintered for replanting.

As with other Gentian varieties, this plant thrives in partial shade but can handle some full sun. Not all are as water loving as Dorset Lavender, which can also thrive on an average amount of supplemental watering based on local rainfall. Regarding in-ground planting, give it fertile loam that drains well. Container planting requires standard soilless mix.

Gentian Sages began captivating the UK in the mid 19th century following their discovery in Mexico around 1836 by plant explorer Karl Theodor Hartweg. Being New World natives, they appeal to hummingbirds, which are limited to the Western Hemisphere. As to deer, they leave most sages alone, including the Gentian group.

By 1867, the then-familiar, blue flowered Salvia patens was considered not only "moderate in price" but also a plant with which few ornamentals could "vie" for "colour." That was the opinion of George W. Johnson and Robert Hogg in their book The Journal of Horticulture Cottage Gardener and County Gentleman .

We think that the intensely saturated color of Dorset Lavender Gentian Sage is similarly hard to beat.