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. | Sally Greenwood 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. | 30"/36"/36" |
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. | 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. | 1 to 2 feet |
Mature spread The mature width of this plant in average conditions. | 1 to 2 feet |
(Sally Greenwood Sage) Sally Greenwood's small gray-green leaves are a striking backdrop for the complicated, velvety royal purple of its abundant flowers overlaid with a blue sheen. It's an unusual sage both in color and its tight, mounding habit.
This beauty isn't a plant diva. Although it does look best when it receives some irrigation, this is a tough, drought resistant sage. It's prettier when water and soil amendments are lean. However, a gentle shearing after blooming keeps it tidy and tight.
Sally Greenwood is an effective groundcover, but also looks pretty in patio containers. It's a mystery hybrid that may be a cross of Coahuila Sage ( Salvia coahuilensis ) or Royal Purple Autumn Sage (S. muelleri) with Germander Sage ( S. chamaedryoides).
Even Sally Greenwood's developer, Mike Thiede of Chico, California, is uncertain about its exact parentage. But that doesn't matter to the butterflies, honeybees, hummingbirds and gardeners that love it.
Completely hardy in Zone 8, and a good survivor in Zone 7 with appropriate winter preperation and mulching.
Highly recommended!