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Salvia microphylla 'Flower Child'
Salvia microphylla 'Flower Child'
Salvia microphylla 'Flower Child'
Salvia microphylla 'Flower Child'

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Salvia microphylla 'Flower Child'

(Flower Child Mountain Sage) At 18 to 24 inches tall, this is the smallest Salvia microphylla that we grow. Its common name is based on the plant's lavender-to-pink flowers, which are so abundant that they sometimes seem to outnumber the leaves.
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. Flower Child Mountain 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. 7 - 9
Size (h/w/fh) The anticipated mature size of the plant: Height, Width & Flower Height. 18"/18"+"/24"
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. Yes
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. 1 to 2 feet
Mature spread The mature width of this plant in average conditions. 1 to 2 feet
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  • Salvia microphylla 'Flower Child'
  • Salvia microphylla 'Flower Child'
Degree of Difficulty
Easy
Degree of Difficulty
This plant is easy to grow in a variety of conditions.
Best of Class
Best of Class
We believe this to be the best small pink Mountain Sage.
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(Flower Child Mountain Sage) At 18 to 24 inches tall, this is the smallest Salvia microphylla that we grow. Its common name is based on the plant's lavender-to-pink flowers, which are so abundant that they sometimes seem to outnumber the leaves.

Mountain Sages are native to the American Southwest and Mexico and usually grow much larger than Flower Child. Many reach up to 4 feet tall.

This cultivar is part of the Turbulent Sixties Series from California's Monterey Bay Nursery where it was found as a single-branch sport on the famous 'Bezerkeley' clone. The brightness of the flowers is offset by dark bluish-black bracts. Bloom time is from spring to fall in USDA Zones 7 to 9, with production infrequent in summer.

Although it is drought resistant and does well in dry gardens, Flower Child prefers regular watering. It adapts to most soils as long as drainage is good. Grow it in full sun to partial shade as a container plant or part of a perennial border. Due to its height and tendency to grow suckers at its base, Flower Child forms dense clumps and makes an exceptional groundcover with heavily veined, aromatic leaves.

Butterflies, honeybees and hummingbirds all love the nectar of this long-blooming sage.