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Salvia karwinskii 'Ted's 18 footer'
Salvia karwinskii 'Ted's 18 footer'
Salvia karwinskii 'Ted's 18 footer'

How to prune this plant

Attracting Hummingbird Tips

Dealing with Deer?

Salvia karwinskii 'Ted's 18 footer'

(Giant Karwinski's Sage) San Francisco arborist and gardener extraordinaire Ted Kipping developed this tower of creamy pinkalicious power that hummingbirds love. It's lush with bright green leaves that are large, pebbly and hairy on the underside.

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. Giant Karwinski'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. 18'/6'/18'
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. 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. 6 feet plus
Mature spread The mature width of this plant in average conditions. 6 feet plus
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(Giant Karwinski's Sage) San Francisco arborist and gardener extraordinaire Ted Kipping developed this tower of creamy pinkalicious power that hummingbirds love. It's lush with bright green leaves that are large, pebbly and hairy on the underside.

Salvia karwinskii 'Ted's 18 Footer' reaches heights almost double those of our other tallest varieties of this tough shrub. It's long bloom season includes winter, during which it can withstand short periods of freezing weather as low as 20 degrees F and still keep blooming.

Due to its generous size, Ted's 18 Footer should be planted where protected against winds. A south-facing wall is ideal for winter warmth. Although this sage will thrive with average watering based on local conditions, it loves moisture. As to soil, it isn't picky but needs good drainage.

Ted's 18 Footer is deer resistant and is an excellent choice as a dramatic accent, screen or background plant.

To encourage upright, compact growth, periodically remove some of the flowering branches. Or you can prune the plant down to a few active growth nodes once a year at the end of its winter flowering season when it appears there will be no more frost.

The parent species of Giant Karwinski's Sage comes from moist mountain areas in Mexico and Central America. In the wild, it's found in oak or pine forests at altitudes of 4,000 to 8,000 feet. Both the scientific and common names honor German botanist Baron Wilhelm Friedrich Karwinsky von Karvin (1780-1855) who explored Mexico in the early 19th century.