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Description
Salvia Ember’s Wish, also known as Salvia microphylla ‘Ember’s Wish,’ is a stunning plant that features bright red flowers with a white throat. It is a hybrid of two other plants, Salvia microphylla and Salvia greggii, and was developed in Australia by plant breeder John Fisher. The plant has a compact growth habit, reaching a height and width of up to 2-3 feet. It is a popular choice for gardeners due to its vibrant color and long blooming period, which typically lasts from spring to fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Salvia |
| Species | Salvia microphylla |
| Cultivar | ‘Ember’s Wish’ |
Appearance
Salvia Ember’s Wish has small, dark green leaves that are slightly aromatic when crushed. The plant produces spikes of bright red flowers with a white throat. The flowers are tubular in shape and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The plant has a compact growth habit and typically reaches a height and width of 2-3 feet. It blooms from spring to fall, making it a popular choice for adding color to garden beds and borders.
Care Guide
Salvia Ember’s Wish is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips to keep it healthy and thriving:- Water: Salvia Ember’s Wish prefers well-drained soil and does not like to be overwatered. Water deeply once a week, or more frequently during hot, dry weather.- Fertilization: Fertilize Salvia Ember’s Wish once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. If the soil in your garden is heavy, consider adding compost or perlite to improve drainage.- Sunlight: Salvia Ember’s Wish prefers full sun to partial shade. It will tolerate some shade, but may not bloom as profusely.- Hardiness Zones: Salvia Ember’s Wish is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Salvia Ember’s Wish is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may occasionally be affected by spider mites, aphids, or whiteflies. If you notice these pests, you can remove them by spraying the plant with a strong stream of water or by using insecticidal soap. The plant may also be susceptible to root rot if it is overwatered, so be sure to provide good drainage.
Habitat
Salvia Ember’s Wish is native to Mexico and Central America. It prefers warm temperatures and well-drained soil. The plant is often grown as an ornamental in gardens and borders.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Salvia Ember’s Wish be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Salvia Ember’s Wish can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: How often should Salvia Ember’s Wish be pruned?
A: Salvia Ember’s Wish can be pruned back by one-third in fall or early spring to encourage bushier growth and more flowers.
Q: Is Salvia Ember’s Wish deer-resistant?
A: Yes, Salvia Ember’s Wish is deer-resistant due to its aromatic foliage.
Q: Can Salvia Ember’s Wish be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, Salvia Ember’s Wish can be propagated from softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer.
Related Plants
Here are some other Salvia plants that are related to Salvia Ember’s Wish:- Salvia microphylla ‘Hot Lips’- Salvia greggii ‘Furman’s Red’- Salvia elegans ‘Golden Delicious’- Salvia guaranitica ‘Black and Blue’- Salvia leucantha ‘Santa Barbara’
References
– “Salvia microphylla Ember’s Wish – Southern Living Plants.” Southern Living Plants, https://www.southernlivingplants.com/plant/salvia-microphylla-embers-wish/.- “Salvia microphylla ‘Ember’s Wish’.” Missouri Botanical Garden, http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b996.
