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Salvia 'Paula Flynn'
Salvia 'Paula Flynn'
Salvia 'Paula Flynn'

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Salvia 'Paula Flynn'

(Paula Flynn Sage) Floral spikes with whorls of bluish-purple flowers rise up amid the slightly relaxed, upright foliage of the mystery plant Salvia ‘Paula Flynn’. It features pebbly, deep green leaves with white, fuzzy undersides.

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. Salvia Paula Flynn
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. 9 -11
Size (h/w/fh) The anticipated mature size of the plant: Height, Width & Flower Height. 30"/24"/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
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
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 'Paula Flynn'
Degree of Difficulty
Easy
Degree of Difficulty
This plant is easy to grow in a variety of conditions.
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Origin
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(Paula Flynn Sage) Floral spikes with whorls of bluish-purple flowers rise up amid the slightly relaxed, upright foliage of Salvia ‘Paula Flynn’. It features pebbly textured, deep green leaves with white, fuzzy undersides. The parentage of Paula Flynn Sage is a mystery but may be related to South American plants.

Although it blooms late in the growing season, this mid-sized plant has such attractive foliage that it is a lovely addition to borders and containers. Salvia ‘Paula Flynn’ is a perennial where winters are moderate, and a fine annual elsewhere. Give it a location with full sun to partial shade, average watering, and well drained soil. It’s a toughie that was originally discovered growing as a volunteer in the gravel under a nursery table.

At Flowers by the Sea, we love a beautiful mystery. Paula Flynn Sargent of Oakland, California, shared seed of this one with us in summer 2020. Sargent notes that she received the plant in the 1990s from the owner of a Santa Barbara specialty nursery who had collected many kinds of Salvia while traveling “mostly in South America.”

Despite major advances in DNA testing, identifying the heritage of a mystery plant remains extremely expensive. So, Sargent has shared her sage with various nurseries in hopes that it can “continue on.” Our best guess as of autumn 2020 is that Salvia ‘Paula Flynn’ may be related to the Ecuadorian native Salvia scordifolia.

Hummingbirds enjoy Paula Flynn Sage and so do we.