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Salvia x 'Gayle Nielson'

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Salvia x 'Gayle Nielson'

(Gayle Nielson Hybrid Sage) Whorl-like clusters of violet-blue flowers on slender stems as well as its height and width indicate that Gayle Nielson Hybrid Sage is related to some form of Salvia clevelandii.

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. Gayle Nielson Hybrid 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 - 9
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
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. No
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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(Gayle Nielson Hybrid Sage) Whorl-like clusters of violet-blue flowers on slender stems as well as its height and width indicate that Gayle Nielson Hybrid Sage is related to some form of Salvia clevelandii.

However, the rest of this graceful plant’s parentage is uncertain. It was collected in the Tucson, Arizona, garden of Carl and Gayle Nielson where a number of California native sages were growing. Other possible parent species include Salvia dorrii and Salvia mohavensis. To increase the sense of mystery surrounding this tough plant, it is sometimes referred to as either Carl Nielson Hybrid Sage or Salvia x 'Trident'.

Reddish-purple bracts support the delicate-looking flowers, which bloom winter into spring. The fragrant, olive-green leaves are larger than those of Salvia clevelandii.

Similar to most California native sages, this shrub is heat and drought tolerant. It grows well in USDA Zones 8 to 9 and, despite its desert connections, is adaptable to cooler coastal life. Whereas honeybees and hummingbirds enjoy its nectar, deer leave it alone.

Gayle Nielson Hybrid Sage likes full sun and needs little summer watering after becoming established. Plant it in soil with excellent drainage. Although this is a full-sun plant, it appreciates a bit of partial shade. In dry or native landscapes, it works well as a screen, shrub border or tall groundcover.