(Elk Buttercup Jame Sage) Red flower buds unfurl into the surprisingly buttery yellow blossoms of Elk Buttercup. Subtly bicolored, the flowers have touches of light pink including fine hairs on the upper lip.
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. | Elk Buttercup Jame 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. | 24"/24"/30" |
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 |
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. | PPAF |
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 |
(Elk Buttercup Jame Sage) Red flower buds unfurl into the surprisingly buttery yellow blossoms of Elk Buttercup. Subtly bicolored, the flowers have touches of light pink including fine hairs on the upper lip.
Ethereal pastel flowers and dramatic calyxes are characteristic of many but not all Jame Sages. We selected Elk Buttercup, in part, due to the contrast between its blossoms and reddish-green calyxes. It is part of our Elk Rainbow Series.
Native to Mexico and the American Southwest, Jame Sages occur in areas where the closely related species of Autumn Sage ( Salvia greggii) and Mountain Sage (Salvia microphylla) meet, such as near the Village of Jame in Mexico's Sierra Madre mountains or in the test gardens of our Northern California farm. This hybrid parentage may include other species of sages as well, which is why Jame Sages come in a broad range of sizes.
The foliage of these hybrids can favor any of their parent plants. Elk Buttercup has the glossy, veined leaves of a Mountain Sage. It is heat tolerant and loves full sun, but -- similar to other Mountain Sages -- thrives with a bit of partial shade during severe heat. It is drought-tolerant but appreciates average watering based on local conditions. Don't forget to give it well-drained soil.
Elk Buttercup is upright and taller than many Jame Sages. Its growth habit is vigorous. As a sub-shrub with a combination of woody and herbaceous growth, it works well in either a perennial or shrub border whether in a native-plant or cottage-style garden.
A Rainbow of Quality
At Flowers by the Sea, we regularly develop new cultivars such as our hybrid series of Elk Rainbow Sages™, which are varieties of Jame Sage Hybrids (Salvia x jamensis) in a broad array of solids and bicolors ranging from pastels to brights. Attractive to hummingbirds and honeybees, they are lovely yet tough crosses that include Autumn Sage (Salvia greggii) and Mountain Sage (Salvia microphylla). The word Elk in the scientific and common names of the Elk Rainbow choices indicates that you are getting a sturdy, colorful, reliable repeat performer.