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Salvia interrupta
Salvia interrupta
Salvia interrupta

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Salvia interrupta

(Atlas Mountain Sage) Tawny looking from a distance, the Atlas Mountains of northern Africa are home to an abundance of greenery, including the lovely Salvia interrupta. So the mountains contrast sharply with the Sahara Desert, which they border.

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. Atlas Mountain 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. 18"/12"/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
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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(Atlas Mountain Sage) Tawny looking from a distance, the Atlas Mountains of northern Africa are home to an abundance of greenery, including the lovely Salvia interrupta. The mountains contrast sharply with the extreme aridity of the Sahara Desert, which they border.

Atlas Mountain Sage has deep violet flowers marked with white throats as well as apple-green foliage. Fragrant, triple-lobed basal leaves form rosettes at the base of red and green striped square stems, which round as they mature. The intermittence of the whorling blossoms gives this petite sage its scientific name.

Although drought tolerant, Atlas Mountain Sage thrives with average watering based on local conditions. It is native to the lightly shaded forests and limestone slopes of Morocco's portion of the mountain range. Although it can handle a bit of shade, this sage prefers full sun. It is heat tolerant and also withstands the winter chill of USDA Zone 7.

Early 20th century Irish journalist and gardener William Robinson, who championed more naturalistic landscapes, called Atlas Mountain Sage one of the most beautiful border plants. It also works well as a groundcover, pathway edging or container plant. Honeybees love it.