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Salvia gesneriiflora 'Mole Poblano'

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Salvia gesneriiflora 'Mole Poblano'

(Mexican Chocolate Scarlet Sage) Although this is a sister of Salvia gesneriiflora ‘Tequila’, it is shorter, more floriferous and has a longer bloom time. Similar to Tequila, the Mole Poblano variety has bright red flowers and dark purple calyxes.
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. Mexican Chocolate Scarlet 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. 72"+/72"+/72"+
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. Full sun to 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
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.
Patent # This plant is patented, or a patent application has been filed and is pending and may not be propagated, under U.S. Federal Code, Title 35, Part II, Chapter 15 §161 without a license from the patent holder.
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. 6 feet plus
Mature spread The mature width of this plant in average conditions. 6 feet plus
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(Mexican Chocolate Scarlet Sage) Although this is a sister of Salvia gesneriiflora ‘Tequila’, it is shorter, more floriferous and has a longer bloom time from winter to spring. Similar to Tequila, Mole Poblano has bright red flowers and dark purple calyxes.

Botanists from Southern California’s Huntington Gardens were on a plant exploration trip to Mexico when they found Salvia gesneriiflora on the Volcan de Tequila in the Province of Jalisco.

One seedling that the researchers developed from the parent plant became the cultivar Tequila, which grows up to 10 feet tall and wide. They grew Mole Poblano – or Mexican Chocolate – from a second seedling. It reaches 6 feet tall and wide.

Mole Poblano is attractive as a screen or background planting. It works well in shrubby borders as well as dry gardens where honeybees and hummingbirds enjoy its rich nectar. It grows well in a variety of soil types as long as they drain well. Although it likes regular watering, it can get by on less.

Give this sage full sun in an area screened from wind. When heavily laden with blossoms, its woody branches break in heavy winds. By sheltering it, you also shelter hummingbirds that overwinter in your yard and need nectar.