Salvia Carduacea

Description

Salvia Carduacea, commonly known as thistle sage or Cardoza sage, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It is native to California and is known for its ornamental value and medicinal properties. The plant produces beautiful purple flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer, which attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Salvia Carduacea is an easy-to-grow plant that can reach a height of up to 3 feet.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

The leaves of Salvia Carduacea are dark green and hairy, with deeply lobed margins. The flowers are tubular and have two lips, with the upper lip being two-lobed and the lower lip being three-lobed. They grow in verticillasters, which are groups of flowers arranged in a circle around the stem. The flowers are purple-blue, about an inch long, and bloom from April to July. The plant produces a hard, brown, and spiny fruit that contains four seeds.

Care Guide

Salvia Carduacea is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips on how to take care of this plant:

• Water: Water the plant regularly during the growing season. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
• Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
• Soil: Salvia Carduacea prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should be between 6.5 and 7.5.
• Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
• Hardiness Zones: Salvia Carduacea is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 10.

Common Pests & Diseases

Salvia Carduacea is generally pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases like powdery mildew and rust. Aphids and spider mites may also attack the plant.

Habitat

Salvia Carduacea is native to California and can be found in grasslands, chaparral, and oak woodlands. It prefers well-drained soils and can grow in full sun to partial shade.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Salvia Carduacea a good plant for pollinators?
A: Yes, Salvia Carduacea produces beautiful flowers that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Q: What is the best time to plant Salvia Carduacea?
A: The best time to plant Salvia Carduacea is in the spring when the soil has warmed up.

Q: Can Salvia Carduacea be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Salvia Carduacea can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate its root system.

Q: Is Salvia Carduacea deer-resistant?
A: Yes, Salvia Carduacea is deer-resistant.

Related Plants

• Salvia apiana
• Salvia clevelandii
• Salvia leucophylla
• Salvia mellifera

References

• “Salvia carduacea.” Calflora. https://www.calflora.org/app/taxon?crumb-trail=Salvia+carduacea&taxon=SALVIACEAE%20%28Mint%20Family%29 Accessed 15 June 2021.
• “Salvia Carduacea.” Las Pilitas Nursery. https://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/309–salvia-carduacea Accessed 15 June 2021.
• “Salvia Carduacea.” San Marcos Growers. https://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=3920 Accessed 15 June 2021.