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Salvia mexicana 'Russell's Form'
Salvia mexicana 'Russell's Form'
Salvia mexicana 'Russell's Form'

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Salvia mexicana 'Russell's Form'

(Russell's Mexican Sage) Expect rapid, tall growth from this Salvia Mexicana . In the ground, Russell’s Mexican Sage can reach up to 10 feet tall and 5 feet wide, providing an effective screen of dark green, heart-shaped foliage. By late autumn it’s bursting with flowers.

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. Russell's Mexican 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. 108"+/60"+/120"+
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 & rich
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. 5 to 6 feet
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Expect rapid, tall growth from this Salvia Mexicana . In the ground, Russell’s Mexican Sage can reach up to 10 feet tall and 5 feet wide, providing an effective screen of dark green, heart-shaped foliage. By late autumn it’s bursting with flowers.

Floriferous panicles of clear blue blossoms with green calyxes are a major attraction of this heat-tolerant sage. It does well in full sun to partial shade in USDA Zones 8 to 11. In cooler parts of its winter range, it may be best to grow this lush beauty in a large container beneficially positioned for protection from wind and cold. It freezes to ground when temperatures drop to 20 degrees F or a little bit higher and then returns the following spring. However, it generally grows to a shorter height in containers.

Similar to Salvia involucrata and Salvia madrensis , Russell’s Mexican Sage is one of the Jack and the Beanstalk giants of the Salvia world. Occasional trimming controls growth and helps maintain the fullness of its symmetrical, bushy form.

Give this perennial rich soils; it does well in mineral-rich clays as long as they drain well. In its native habitat of Central Mexico, it grows near the edge of forests and in open woods, which indicates a preference for partial shade. Although it only needs regular watering, it tolerates planting in areas that are steadily moist.

Use it to back other plantings or to provide autumn spectacle in a perennial border or cut flower garden. And grow it to provide a bounteous meal for butterflies, honeybees and hummingbirds at a season when other flowering plants are fading.