Saturday, October 23, 2010

He's my favorite

Salvia, that is. Salvia splendens 'Van Houteii' (Van Houteii sage, Scarlet sage, Scarlet salvia). There are many cultivars being created these days, some purple, orange, etc. My favorite is the scarlet.

Found some this last summer and bought 5 one gallon pots. Still have 4. Been torturing the poor babies through the move, heat and now no rain since August. Somehow he is happy enough right now to be giving me a fabulous show right out the back door.

The flowers start as this group of colorful bracts. (Sorry this is blurry. Need a camera with a better macro function.)

This photo shows a bit more orange shade. I really want to get him planted with the crinum (with the scarlet leaves) sitting behind him. Van Houtteii salvia is a tender perennial (USDA zone 5-9) unless established so I will be hauling him into my greenhouse this winter.

4 comments:

Lemon Verbena Lady said...

Just gorgeous, TG! Salvias are favorites of mine as well!

Kate/High Altitude Gardening said...

Wow. Love the color. Lucky you. I really wish I had a greenhouse. That would certainly make my long winters more palatable. :)

creekside rummager said...

Hi - checking your blog and beautiful flowers. I didn't remember that you have a greenhouse. I'd been interested in your use of it. Also, I left you a pretty long post on my blog re what I observed about how the birdbath was made. I'm thinking that you will figure out how to make one that is similar.

lifeshighway said...

The salvia is beautiful and I am quite impressed with how many plants you managed to transplant from one house to another. Not only that but they are living!