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Salvia x 'Penny's Smile'
Salvia x 'Penny's Smile'
Salvia x 'Penny's Smile'

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Salvia x 'Penny's Smile'

(Penny's Smile Hybrid Sage) British Salvia aficionado Robin Middleton, of the indispensable Robin’s Salvias website, developed this lovely and hardy hybrid from a chance seedling he found near the Salvia ‘Silke’s Dream’ in his garden. Heavily textured and hot pink, the 1-inch-long flowers are bright as lipstick.
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. Penny's Smile 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. 7 - 9
Size (h/w/fh) The anticipated mature size of the plant: Height, Width & Flower Height. 48"+/36"/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 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. 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. 3 to 4 feet
Mature spread The mature width of this plant in average conditions. 3 to 4 feet
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  • Salvia x 'Penny's Smile'
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We believe this to be the best tall growing pink shrubby sage.
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(Penny's Smile Hybrid Sage) British Salvia aficionado Robin Middleton, of the indispensable Robin’s Salvias website, developed this lovely and hardy hybrid from a chance seedling he found near Salvia 'Silke’s Dream’ in his garden. Heavily textured and hot salmon-pink, the 1-inch-long flowers are bright as lipstick.

Middleton thinks the other parent of this floriferous sage may have been one of several Autumn Sage (Salvia greggii) or Mountain Sage (Salvia microphylla) plants nearby. However, Penny’s Smile likely gains its tall height from Silke’s Dream.

This subshrub has a combination of woody stems and soft herbaceous growth. Its glossy green, wrinkly leaves grow on strong, upright stems unlike the more lax posture of Silke’s Sage. Penny’s Smile is a fine container, border or background plant that hummingbirds love.

Gardeners in USDA Zone 6 may want to experiment with Penny's Smile due to the ability it has demonstrated to survive harsh winters in Britain. Just remember to winter mulch it to insulate the roots against cold. Then remove the mulch in spring.

Penny’s Smile thrives in full sun to partial shade and is long blooming.