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Salvia puberula 'Nuevo Leon'

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Salvia puberula 'Nuevo Leon'

(Nuevo Leon Downy Sage) From the high mountains of Nuevo Leon, Mexico. This unusual variety has very large flowers in loose clusters.  Early to bloom and more cold tolerant than other Downy Sage varieties, it is ideal for gardens on the edge of it's climatic adaptability.

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. El Butano Downy 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 - 11
Size (h/w/fh) The anticipated mature size of the plant: Height, Width & Flower Height. 48"/48"/60"+
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
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. 4 to 5 feet
Mature spread The mature width of this plant in average conditions. 4 to 5 feet
Degree of Difficulty
Easy
Degree of Difficulty
This plant is easy to grow in a variety of conditions.
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(Nuevo Leon Downy Sage) From the high mountains of Nuevo Leon, Mexico. This unusual variety has very large flowers in loose clusters. Early to bloom and more cold tolerant than other Downy Sage varieties, it is ideal for gardens on the edge of it's climatic adaptability.

The "puberula" part of the species' scientific name refers to the velvety hairs of its light green leaves.

This is a large, open branched shrub reaching up to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide. Its deep magenta flowers are also big, growing almost 4 inches long in clusters atop tall spikes that look pretty in floral displays.

If you live in an area with mild winter temperatures, you can expect intense color from late summer into winter. Where we live on the Northern California coast, our established plants continue to bloom most years until early spring, even following snow, hail and multiple days of cold rain. Also, we've found that a hard pinch back during late spring makes for a more compact plant at bloom time. 

Nuevo Leon Downy Sage grows well in full sun to partial shade and in USDA Zones 7 to 11. It likes well-drained soil that is neither poor nor rich and requires average watering based on local conditions. Grow it as a screen, background planting or part of a shrub border.