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Salvia lemmonii 'Wild Pink'
Salvia lemmonii 'Wild Pink'
Salvia lemmonii 'Wild Pink'

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Salvia lemmonii 'Wild Pink'

(Wild Pink Lemmon's Sage) Botanists Sarah Allen Plummer Lemmon (1836-1923) and John Gill Lemmon (1832-1908) collected Salvia lemmonii in the sky islands of southeastern Arizona while honeymooning. A contemporary seed collector found this variety growing wild in New Mexico.
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. Wild Pink Lemmon'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. 6 - 10
Size (h/w/fh) The anticipated mature size of the plant: Height, Width & Flower Height. 36"/36"/48"
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. 2 to 3 feet
Mature spread The mature width of this plant in average conditions. 2 to 3 feet
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  • Salvia lemmonii 'Wild Pink'
Degree of Difficulty
Easy
Degree of Difficulty
This plant is easy to grow in a variety of conditions.
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(Wild Pink Lemmon's Sage) Botanists Sarah Allen Plummer Lemmon (1836-1923) and John Gill Lemmon (1832-1908) collected Salvia lemmonii in the sky islands of southeastern Arizona while honeymooning. A contemporary seed collector found this variety growing wild in New Mexico.

The flower colors of Lemmon's Sage vary from pink to red; this one is a vivid watermelon pink. Lemmon's Sage is closely related to the more common Mountain Sage (Salvia microphylla).

To the best of our knowledge, Lemmon's Sage is endemic to the Huachuca Mountains of Arizona. However, this aromatic and highly drought tolerant shrub can also be found growing wild in to the rocky canyons of New Mexico and Northern Mexico. It flowers abundantly in waves from spring to fall.

Some botanists say the proper name for this species is Salvia microphylla var. wislizenii, which is named after Friedrich Adolph Wislizenus, a botanist who persisted in studying Southwestern plants during the Mexican-American War of the mid-1840s despite being a prisoner of the Mexican government.

We consider Lemmon's Sage to be a distinct species featuring exceptional toughness that helps it to survive and flourish in minimally irrigated areas. It tolerates cold, heat and drought.

Honeybees and hummingbirds love Wild Pink Lemmon's Sage, which grows well in full sun to partial shade and is a good choice for shrubby borders or patio containers.