You are here    Flowers by the Sea / Salvias A to Z / Salvia canariensis 'Lancelot'
Salvia canariensis 'Lancelot'
Salvia canariensis 'Lancelot'
Salvia canariensis 'Lancelot'
Salvia canariensis 'Lancelot'

How to prune this plant

Dealing with Deer?

Salvia canariensis 'Lancelot'

(Lancelot Wooly Canary Island Sage) Salvia canariensis ‘Lancelot’ has lavender flowers shaped like parrot beaks that are surrounded by deep rosy-lavender bracts.

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. Lancelot Canary Island 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 - 11
Size (h/w/fh) The anticipated mature size of the plant: Height, Width & Flower Height. 36"/30"/48"
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
Mature height The mature height of this plant in average conditions. 3 to 4 feet
Mature spread The mature width of this plant in average conditions. 2 to 3 feet
High Resolution Images
  • Salvia canariensis 'Lancelot'
  • Salvia canariensis 'Lancelot'
Degree of Difficulty
Easy
Degree of Difficulty
This plant is easy to grow in a variety of conditions.
Details
Send to friend
Cultural Icons

(Lancelot Wooly Canary Island Sage) Salvia canariensis 'Lancelot' has lavender flowers shaped like parrot beaks that are surrounded by deep rosy-lavender bracts. Its fragrant foliage is silvery green and has dense, velvety white hairs called trichomes that cover the underside of its leaves. Trichomes help drought-resistant plants conserve moisture.

Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus (1707 - 1778) published details of Salvia canariensis in his Species Plantarum in May 1753. The species is native to the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Morocco. Lancelot is one of its smaller varieties.

This sun-loving sage tolerates heat and survives on little rainfall (maybe 10 inches annually) yet appreciates some supplemental watering based on local conditions. But be careful, because Salvia canariensis 'Lancelot' is one of our blue tag xeric plants that are sensitive to overwatering.

Although a shrub at the warmer end of its USDA cold hardiness range, Lancelot is an herbaceous perennial in its cooler zones. Either way, it is long blooming, which is great for some of its smallest fans -butterflies and honeybees.  

Due to its dramatic good looks and rapid growth, Lancelot is a good choice for middle of border or center stage in a sunny Salvia garden. Deadhead its spent blossoms for repeat flowering,