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Salvia dolomitica

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Salvia dolomitica

(Pilgram's Rest Pink Sage) Spring into summer, this heat-tolerant sage from South Africa produces lilac and white blossoms with profuse, fragrant, gray foliage. It's the burgundy calyxes, which turn a rusty pink after the flowers blossom, that give this sage part of its common 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. Pilgrim's Rest Pink 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. 24"/24"/24"
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
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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(Pilgrim's Rest Pink Sage) Spring into summer, this heat-tolerant sage from South Africa produces lilac and white blossoms with profuse, fragrant, gray foliage. It's the burgundy calyxes, which turn a rusty pink after the flowers blossom, that give this sage part of its common name.

"Pilgrim's Rest" refers to the Pilgrim's Rest River, village and surrounding area in Mpumalanga Province (formerly the Eastern Transvaal) of East-Central South Africa. It is a national historic area named for its gold-mining "pilgrims" during the country's 1873 gold rush.

The scientific name of this heat-tolerant sage is related to its frequent habitat on soils heavy with dolomitic rock. This sage is native to Mpumalanga and, to the north, Limpopo Province. Winters are mild there. In America, it grows well in USDA Zones 9 to 11. We find that its average mature size is 24 inches tall and wide. However, Plantz Africa notes that it can reach up to 6 feet tall in its native lands.

Give Salvia dolomitica full sun and well-drained soil. Although it is drought resistant and works well in dry gardens, it flourishes with summer watering that is average based on your local conditions. This species makes a lovely container plant, groundcover, shrub border or edging.

Plantz Africa notes that this is primarily a bee-pollinated species in South Africa. Give it time, and your local honeybees will likely keep it buzzing. Deer, however, don't like the taste of most sages, so they likely will pass it by.