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Salvia eigii

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Salvia eigii

(Eig's Sage)Bicolor ruby and pale pink flowers bloom winter to spring on this small sage that is native to Northern Israel. Salvia eigii is at home in the silty, gravelly loam of low fallow fields near rivers. So it does best in rich soil aerated with plenty of humus.

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. Eig's 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"/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 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. Drought resistant
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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Blue Tag Plant
This plant is sensitive to overwatering and wet soils.
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Bicolor mulberry and pale pink flowers bloom winter to spring on this small sage that is native to Northern Israel. Salvia eigii is at home in the silty, gravelly loam of low fallow fields near rivers. So it does best in rich soil aerated with plenty of humus.

Eig's Sage blooms winter to spring. Its name is a tribute to botanist Alexander Eig (1894 to 1938), who was one of Israel's first plant researchers. He was head of the botany department at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and designed the Jerusalem Botanical Gardens based on his country's native plants.

The fragrant foliage of Eig's Sage is mint green, ruffly and shaped like Elephant Ear leaves. Heat tolerant and drought resistant, the plant does well in dry gardens with full sun. It thrives in USDA Zones 8 to 11.

Betsy Clebsch, author of the New Book of Garden Salvias, likes to plant this eye-catching perennial as part of a cottage garden with Hollyhock, Foxglove, Larkspur and Delphinium. It's also a good choice for perennial borders and groundcover.

Honeybees and Israel's native bees love Eig's Sage, so expect some buzzing if you plant it. Deer aren't attracted, but watch out for snails and slugs.