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Description
Salvia Heterotricha, commonly known as the Sonoran sage, is a perennial herb native to the Sonoran Desert region of Arizona, California, and Mexico. It belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. The plant has a woody base and reaches up to 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide. The leaves are gray-green, lance-shaped, and hairy. The flowers are tubular and lavender to purple in color.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliophyta |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Salvia |
Appearance
Salvia Heterotricha has a striking appearance with its gray-green, hairy leaves and lavender to purple flowers. The plant has a woody base and can grow up to 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide. The leaves are lance-shaped and have a slightly serrated edge. The flowers are tubular and grow in clusters at the end of the stems. The plant blooms from late spring to early fall.
Care Guide
Salvia Heterotricha is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips to keep your plant healthy:
- Water: The plant prefers well-draining soil and likes to be watered deeply but infrequently. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Fertilization: Fertilize once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is slightly alkaline.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Salvia Heterotricha is hardy in zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Salvia Heterotricha is relatively pest and disease-free. However, here are some common pests and diseases to watch out for:
- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap out of the plant and cause it to wilt. Use insecticidal soap to get rid of them.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and stippling of the leaves. Use a miticide to get rid of them.
- Root rot: Overwatering or poorly draining soil can cause root rot. Make sure the soil is well-draining and only water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Habitat
Salvia Heterotricha is native to the Sonoran Desert region of Arizona, California, and Mexico. It grows in rocky or sandy soils in desert washes, canyons, and slopes. The plant is drought-tolerant and can survive in hot, dry climates.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Salvia Heterotricha edible?
A: No, Salvia Heterotricha is not edible.
Q: Can Salvia Heterotricha be grown indoors?
A: No, Salvia Heterotricha is an outdoor plant that requires full sun to thrive.
Q: Does Salvia Heterotricha attract bees and butterflies?
A: Yes, Salvia Heterotricha is a popular plant for bees and butterflies because of its attractive flowers.
Q: How often should Salvia Heterotricha be pruned?
A: Salvia Heterotricha can be pruned back to half its size in the fall after it has finished blooming.
Related Plants
- Salvia Apiana (White Sage)
- Salvia Farinacea (Mealy Cup Sage)
- Salvia Leucantha (Mexican Bush Sage)
- Salvia Officinalis (Common Sage)
References
- https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=SAHE2
- https://www.desertmuseum.org/programs/salvia_heterotricha.php
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/salvia/growing-sonoran-sage.htm
