Contents
Description
Salvia Tomentosa is a beautiful flowering plant that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It is native to Mexico and Central America and is commonly known as Velvet Sage. It is a hardy perennial herb that can grow up to 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide. This plant blooms in late summer to early fall with spikes of lavender-pink flowers that attract bees and hummingbirds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Salvia |
Appearance
The leaves of Salvia Tomentosa are soft and velvety with a green-gray color. The flowers are tubular and the calyx is covered in fine hairs, giving it a fuzzy appearance. The inflorescence is made up of several spikes that can reach up to 6 inches long. The flowers are usually pink or lavender, but can also be white or purple. This plant has a bushy habit and can spread to form a clump.
Care Guide
Water: Salvia Tomentosa prefers well-draining soil that is kept consistently moist. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering in winter.
Fertilization: Fertilize Salvia Tomentosa with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Soil: This plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A pH range of 6.5 to 7.5 is ideal.
Sunlight: Salvia Tomentosa prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but will produce fewer flowers.
Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in zones 7 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Salvia Tomentosa is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to spider mites and root rot. Spider mites can be controlled with a strong spray of water or insecticidal soap. Root rot can be prevented by ensuring that the soil is well-draining and not overwatering.
Habitat
Salvia Tomentosa is native to Mexico and Central America, where it grows in rocky areas, hillsides, and open woodlands. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate heat and drought.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Salvia Tomentosa deer-resistant?
A: Yes, this plant is deer-resistant.
Q: Can Salvia Tomentosa be grown in containers?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in containers as long as the container has good drainage and the soil is well-draining.
Q: Can Salvia Tomentosa be propagated by cuttings?
A: Yes, this plant can be propagated by softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer.
Q: How often should Salvia Tomentosa be pruned?
A: This plant can be pruned in early spring to remove any dead or damaged growth. It can also be lightly pruned after blooming to encourage bushier growth.
Related Plants
- Salvia guaranitica
- Salvia leucantha
- Salvia coccinea
- Salvia elegans
References
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/salvia-plant/salvia-tomentosa-care.htm
- https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d974
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/salvia-tomentosa-mexican-bush-sage
