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Salvia deserta
Salvia deserta
Salvia deserta

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Salvia deserta

(xin jiang shu wei cao) Long, branched spikes of blue-purple flowers with distinctive purple-red bracts makes this a showy garden plant. It is also well known as a medicinal sage in its Asian homelands.
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. xin jiang shu wei cao
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. 6 - 9
Size (h/w/fh) The anticipated mature size of the plant: Height, Width & Flower Height. 12"/18"/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. 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 to ample
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. 1 to 2 feet
Mature spread The mature width of this plant in average conditions. 1 to 2 feet
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  • Salvia deserta
Degree of Difficulty
Easy
Degree of Difficulty
This plant is easy to grow in a variety of conditions.
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(xin jiang shu wei cao) Long, branched spikes of blue-purple flowers with distinctive purple-red bracts makes this a showy garden plant. It is also well known as a medicinal sage in its Asian homelands. 

Native to China’s Xinjiang province as well as the neighboring countries of Kazakhstan and Krygyzstan, this sage has a long history of use as an additive to the Chinese herbal remedy Danshen, which is often used to treat cardiovascular problems. Current medical research is focusing on the possibility that substances in the roots of this plant may aid in preventing eye and nerve damage caused by diabetes.

It is an adaptable plant that can handle many kinds of soil as long as they drain well. It grows in wastelands, sandy grasslands and along forest streams in its homelands, usually at elevations from about 1,000 to 6,000 feet. Its flowers bloom from May through July amid bright green foliage with oval to lance-shaped leaves. Give it full sun, partial shade or settings with morning sun and afternoon shade.

Also adaptable about irrigation, it needs regular watering and can handle heavy downpours. It acclimates well to persistently damp areas as long as drainage is good. Use this mid-height sage to edge a path or include it in a perennial border or woodland garden. Expect visits from honeybees and butterflies, which appreciate its nectar.