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Salvia mexicana 'Lolly'
Salvia mexicana 'Lolly'
Salvia mexicana 'Lolly'

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Salvia mexicana 'Lolly'

(Lolly's Mexican Sage) Our variety of Salvia mexicana 'Lolly' is the tall kind growing up to about shoulder height. A shorter form is often called "Lollie Jackson" or "Lolly Jackson." Who or what the mysterious Lolly is remains unclear.

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. Lolly's Mexican 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. 60"/60"/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 & 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. 5 to 6 feet
Mature spread The mature width of this plant in average conditions. 5 to 6 feet
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  • Salvia mexicana 'Lolly'
Degree of Difficulty
Easy
Degree of Difficulty
This plant is easy to grow in a variety of conditions.
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(Lolly's Mexican Sage) Our variety of Salvia mexicana 'Lolly' is the tall kind growing up to about shoulder height. A shorter form is often called "Lollie Jackson" or "Lolly Jackson." Who or what the mysterious Lolly is remains unclear.

According to Professor Rolando Uria of the University of Buenos Aires, the tall Lolly form is a cross of two types of S. mexicana. However, the varieties remain a mystery.

Aside from its height, our Lolly is notable for long, violet-blue flowers similar to those of its relative Limelight Mexican Sage (S. mexicana 'Limelight'). Green-to-purple calyxes protect the flowers, which usually bloom late in the growing season.

Lolly has heavily textured, leathery, dark green foliage. Flatten one of its thick, twisting leaves and you'll discover that it is longer than those of any other S. mexicana.

This hummingbird sage does well in full sun to partial shade and requires rich, well-drained soil. It requires only average watering based on local conditions. Lolly is a subshrub -- a Salvia that has both woody and soft, herbaceous growth.

As with so many sages, this isn't a plant that deer like to lick or chew.