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Salvia x 'Elk Smokey Grape'
Salvia x 'Elk Smokey Grape'
Salvia x 'Elk Smokey Grape'

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Elk Rainbow Sage

Salvia x 'Elk Smokey Grape'

(Elk Smokey Grape Jame Sage) We think the dusky lavender flowers of Salvia x ‘Elk Smokey Grape’ look like the dusty, pale reddish-blue of Malbec grapes. This is a floriferous beauty. 

 

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 Smokey Grape 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 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. 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. 2 to 3 feet
Mature spread The mature width of this plant in average conditions. 2 to 3 feet
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  • Salvia x 'Elk Smokey Grape'
Degree of Difficulty
Easy
Degree of Difficulty
This plant is easy to grow in a variety of conditions.
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(Elk Smokey Grape Jame Sage) We think the dusky lavender flowers of Salvia x 'Elk Smokey Grape' look like the dusty, pale reddish-blue of Malbec grapes. This floriferous beauty has flowers and leaves larger than the typical Jame Sage.

Smokey Grape Jame Sage is a short subshrub - a perennial that's also a bit woody - with fragrant foliage. It's a long blooming hybrid that is a product of the FBTS plant development program.

Like most other Jame Sages, Elk Smokey Grape is a heat-tolerant sun lover that appreciates a bit of partial shade during severe heat. Despite being drought tolerant, it thrives with average watering based on local rainfall. Don't forget to give it well-drained soil, something that almost all Salvias need.

Elk Smokey Grape is ideal for mixed patio containers or sunny walkways. Pair it with other short, pastel Southwestern sages or increase the visual heat with low-water sages in shades of orange, deep purple, and red. You can expect lots of buzz from butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds but few nibbles from deer, which generally stay away from sages. This is most likely due to the aromatic essential oils of sage foliage.

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 parentage may include other species of sages as well, so these hybrids come in a broad range of sizes. The foliage of Jame Sages can favor any of their parent plants. Elk Smokey Grape has glossy, veined leaves like those of Mountain Sage.

Elk Rainbow Sage
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.