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Salvia aff. S. sagittata 'Elk Giant Form'
Salvia aff. S. sagittata 'Elk Giant Form'
Salvia aff. S. sagittata 'Elk Giant Form'
Salvia aff. S. sagittata 'Elk Giant Form'

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Salvia aff. S. sagittata 'Elk Giant Form'

(Elk Giant Arrow-leaf Sage) Large clusters of true blue flowers adorn this giant sage. It's true scientific name is as of yet unknown, but it strongly resembles Salvia sagittata - hence the use of the term affnis in the name.
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 Giant Arrow-leaf 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. 96"/60"/96"
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. Any 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. 6 feet plus
Mature spread The mature width of this plant in average conditions. 5 to 6 feet
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  • Salvia aff. S. sagittata 'Elk Giant Form'
  • Salvia aff. S. sagittata 'Elk Giant Form'
Degree of Difficulty
Easy
Degree of Difficulty
This plant is easy to grow in a variety of conditions.
Details
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(Elk Giant Arrow-leaf Sage) Large clusters of true blue flowers adorn this giant sage. It's true scientific name is as of yet unknown, but it strongly resembles Salvia sagittata - hence the use of the term affnis in the name.

Here are the similarities and differences between this plant and the "standard" Salvia sagittata:

"standard" Salvia sagittata Salvia aff. S. sagittata 'Elk Giant Form'
Leaf 3 to 4 inches long by 2 inches wide, light green, lightly textured and thin 6 to 8 inches long by 1.5 inches wide, deep green above and furry white beneath, heavily textured and thick
Size 2 to 3 feet tall and across 6 to 8 feet tall and 6 feet across
Habit A branched typical shrub-like structure The initial growth is strong, woody, very upright with little branching. Later season growth is via procumbent spreading lower branches that root as they touch the ground
Flowers Individual flowers are .75 inches long, medium true blue, in densely branched, compact panicles Individual flowers are 1 inch plus long, deep true blue, in large open panicles that can reach 2 feet in length


This is a truly magnificent new Salvia that stands out in the garden or in a large container. Although it spreads we have not noted it as invasive, as with regular pruning it is easy to keep in bounds and under control. Hummingbirds flock to the nectar rich flowers which begin to open in mid to late summer and continue till hard frost.

This is a most unusual variety, a second generation selection from seed of a "novel Salvia sagittata" we received from a horticultural friend. Disruptions surrounding the COVID pandemic have prevented us from securing a positive identification from the botanic community. We hope to be able to provide more information late in 2022.