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Salvia pinguifolia

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Salvia pinguifolia

(Rock Sage) The lavender-to- purple flowered Salvia pinguifolia thrives in full sun to partial shade. Rare in the horticultural trade, this Southwestern sage now is available through FBTS.
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. Rock 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. 48"/48"/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. Drought resistant
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. 3 to 4 feet
Mature spread The mature width of this plant in average conditions. 3 to 4 feet
Degree of Difficulty
Challenging
Degree of Difficulty
This plant is can be challenging to grow in conditions outside those in which it is found in the wild.
Blue Tag Xeric
Blue Tag Plant
This plant is sensitive to overwatering and wet soils.
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(Rock Sage) The lavender-to- purple flowered Salvia pinguifolia is an extremely drought-tolerant sage that thrives in full sun to partial shade. Rare in the horticultural trade, this Southwestern plant now is available through FBTS.

Its common name, Rock Sage, is due to its home in the rocky limestone walls of canyons in Arizona, New Mexico and West Texas.

Botanist Merritt Lyndon Fernald (1873-1950) gave the plant its scientific name in 1913.Pinguis means "fat" and in Latin and folia refers to its foliage. Consequently, this medium-height plant sometimes is called Greaseleaf Sage due to the almost oily feel of its viscous, aromatic leaves, which are deep green and round with scalloped edges.

In its warmest USDA plant hardiness zones, Salvia pinguifolia is a shrub that may remain leafy throughout winter. However, in colder parts of its range, it's a subshrub, which means it combines soft herbaceous and woody growth and loses its foliage in winter.

Rock Sage is challenging to grow outside of its semi-arid home environment. Success depends on planting it in soil amended with fine gravel to provide excellent drainage. Also, you need to be vigilant about avoiding overwatering, because this is one of our blue-tag xeric plants.

Honeybees and butterflies love this plant, but deer resist its charms.