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Salvia x 'Calamity Jane'

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Salvia x 'Calamity Jane'

(Calamity Jane Sage) A super tough shrub with white to pale lavender flowers, this sage is named for Martha Jane Canary (1852-1903), better known as the sharpshooting frontierswoman Calamity Jane of Missouri.
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. Calamity Jane 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. 36"/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. Any 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
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
Easy
Degree of Difficulty
This plant is easy to grow in a variety of conditions.
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Blue Tag Plant
This plant is sensitive to overwatering and wet soils.
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(Calamity Jane Sage) A super tough shrub with white to pale lavender flowers, this sage is named for Martha Jane Canary (1852-1903), better known as the sharpshooting frontierswoman Calamity Jane of Missouri.

However, this Calamity Jane hails from California's coastal scrublands. A hybrid of two dry garden favorites -- Salvia mellifera (Black Sage) and S. leucophylla (California Purple Sage or California Gray Sage) -- Calamity Jane inherited their superb heat and drought tolerance.

The dense, mounding form of this shrub works well as a groundcover. Its fuzzy, gray-green leaves have an attractive oblong shape similar to those of S. leucophylla.

Calamity Jane is heavenly for hellstrip gardens -- those areas with weak soil and poor access to garden hoses -- as well as slopes at risk for erosion. In full sun, it can grow about chest high in many kinds of soil. Once well established, it needs supplemental watering only occasionally.

Deer aren't fond of Calamity Jane, but butterflies, honeybees and hummingbirds are frequent visitors. Add it to your wildlife garden as a groundcover or a background planting for more dramatic Salvias.