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Salvia microphylla 'Killer Cranberry'
Salvia microphylla 'Killer Cranberry'
Salvia microphylla 'Killer Cranberry'

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Salvia microphylla 'Killer Cranberry'

(Killer Cranberry Mountain Sage) Masses of magenta flowers on tall spikes lure honeybees and hummingbirds to the rich nectar of Salvia microphylla 'Killer Cranberry'. Its prolific flowers are a killer attraction for people too.

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. Killer Cranberry 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. 36"/36"/36"
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
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. 2 to 3 feet
Mature spread The mature width of this plant in average conditions. 2 to 3 feet
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  • Salvia microphylla 'Killer Cranberry'
Degree of Difficulty
Easy
Degree of Difficulty
This plant is easy to grow in a variety of conditions.
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(Killer Cranberry Mountain Sage) Masses of magenta flowers on tall spikes lure honeybees and hummingbirds to the rich nectar of Salvia microphylla 'Killer Cranberry'. Its prolific flowers are a killer attraction for people too.

This is a long-blooming, drought-resistant plant with dense, fragrant foliage. Its small, glossy green leaves are veined and have finely serrated edges. Killer Cranberry is a lush choice for dry gardens, but likes average watering based on local conditions.

Mountain Sages are fragrant, heat tolerant and drought resistant. Sometimes they're confused with their close relative Autumn Sage (Salvia greggii). Although they look similar from a distance, up close you can see that S. greggii has tiny, completely smooth leaves.

Whereas Salvia greggii is native to Texas and northern Mexico, Salvia microphylla is native to the American Southwest and a number of Mexican states. In the U.S., it grows best in areas with mild winter temperatures.

California's Monterey Bay Nursery (MBN), which introduced Killer Cranberry, has a killer style when it comes to creating popular names for Salvias. It's the birthplace of the popular Berkeley series of Mountain Sages, all of which MBN developed from the 'Berzerkely' clone. These include the Berkeley Barb, Flower Child, People's Park and Telegraph Avenue cultivars.

At FBTS, we pride ourselves on obtaining the best new Salvias on the market and that includes Killer Cranberry, which is a compact subshrub -- meaning that it's a shrub in warmer climates and an herbaceous perennial that dies to ground in chilly winter areas.

Give it full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Salvia microphylla 'Killer Cranberry' is an ideal groundcover, because it spreads easily without being invasive. You can also use it as a border or container plant.

Mountain Sages are the focus of research for their potential use in insecticides as well as medicines. Their plant chemicals contain antioxidant qualities and decrease gastrointestinal absorption of fats. We particularly appreciate them for being easy-to-grow, pretty plants that appeal to tiny wildlife but not to deer.