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Salvia rubescens subsp. dolichothrix
Salvia rubescens subsp. dolichothrix
Salvia rubescens subsp. dolichothrix
Salvia rubescens subsp. dolichothrix

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Salvia rubescens subsp. dolichothrix

(Tall Red Colombian Sage) Salvia rubescens subsp. dolichothrix may tower over your head when in full bloom with its creamy red trumpet blossoms and dark calyxes. Its leaves are large and attractively textured.

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. Tall Red Colombian 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. 9 - 11
Size (h/w/fh) The anticipated mature size of the plant: Height, Width & Flower Height. 72"/48"/84"+
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. 5 to 6 feet
Mature spread The mature width of this plant in average conditions. 5 to 6 feet
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  • Salvia rubescens subsp. dolichothrix
  • Salvia rubescens subsp. dolichothrix
Degree of Difficulty
Easy
Degree of Difficulty
This plant is easy to grow in a variety of conditions.
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(Tall Red Colombian Sage) Salvia rubescens subsp. dolichothrix may tower over your head when in full bloom with its creamy red trumpet blossoms and dark calyxes. Its leaves are large and attractively textured.

Tall Red Colombian Sage is native to the mountains of Columbia and Venezuela. In the U.S., this long blooming shrub grows well as an annual. Give it full sun to partial shade and rich soil that is well drained. Although water-loving, it grows well with average supplemental watering based on local conditions.

This native of Venezuela and Colombia was first described by German botanist Karl Sigismund Paul Kunth (1788-1850) in 1818. Rubescens refers to the reddish color of the flowers.

Plant explorer John R.I. Wood of Oxford University collected the subspecies in Colombia and, in 1989, authored its scientific name with Raymond M. Harley of Kew Royal Botanical Gardens.

We are thankful to University of Buenos Aires agronomy professor and plant explorer Rolando Uria, who collected the seed for our plants in the wild.