Contents
Description
Salvia Involucrata Boutin, also known as Boutin Sage, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Mint family (Lamiaceae). It is native to Mexico and Central America, but it is widely cultivated in other parts of the world due to its beautiful flowers and foliage.The plant can grow up to 2 meters in height and spread up to 1 meter in width. It has large, heart-shaped leaves that are dark green on top and purplish-red underneath. The flowers are tubular, pink or magenta, and appear in clusters at the ends of the stems from late summer to fall.Salvia Involucrata Boutin is a popular garden plant that attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It is also used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukarya |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Angiosperms |
| Class: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Salvia |
| Species: | Involucrata Boutin |
Appearance
Salvia Involucrata Boutin has large, heart-shaped leaves that are 10-20cm long and 8-15cm wide. The leaves are dark green on top and purplish-red underneath, which creates a beautiful contrast. The stems are square-shaped and hairy.The flowers are tubular, pink or magenta, and appear in clusters at the ends of the stems from late summer to fall. The calyx, which is the protective cover of the flower, is large and has purplish-red, leaf-like bracts that make the flowers look more attractive.
Care Guide
Salvia Involucrata Boutin is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. Here are some tips on how to keep it healthy:- Water: Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but make sure the soil is well-draining. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.- Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy growth and flowering.- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can also grow in sandy or clay soils, as long as they are well-draining.- Sunlight: Salvia Involucrata Boutin prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it may affect its flowering.- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 7-10. In colder climates, it can be grown as an annual or overwintered indoors.
Common Pests & Diseases
Salvia Involucrata Boutin is generally pest-free, but it can be affected by some diseases, such as powdery mildew or root rot, if the growing conditions are not optimal. Here are some tips on how to prevent and treat common pests and diseases:- Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves and stems of the plant, causing a white, powdery coating. To prevent it, make sure the plant has good air circulation and avoid overwatering. To treat it, remove the affected leaves and apply a fungicide.- Root rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing them to rot and die. To prevent it, make sure the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering. To treat it, remove the affected roots and apply a fungicide.
Habitat
Salvia Involucrata Boutin is native to Mexico and Central America, where it grows in mountainous regions and along streams and rivers. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. In cultivation, it can be grown in gardens, borders, or containers.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Salvia Involucrata Boutin a drought-tolerant plant?
A: Yes, the plant is drought-tolerant once established, but it still needs regular watering during the growing season.
Q: Can I propagate Salvia Involucrata Boutin from cuttings?
A: Yes, you can propagate the plant from stem cuttings taken in early summer or fall.
Q: How often should I fertilize Salvia Involucrata Boutin?
A: Apply a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Q: Can Salvia Involucrata Boutin grow in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as they have good drainage and are large enough to accommodate the plant’s size.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Salvia Involucrata Boutin:- Salvia Leucantha (Mexican Bush Sage)- Salvia Greggii (Autumn Sage)- Salvia Officinalis (Common Sage)- Salvia Nemorosa (Woodland Sage)- Salvia Coccinea (Scarlet Sage)
References
– https://www.gardenia.net/plant/salvia-involucrata-boutin- https://www.sarahraven.com/flowers/plants/salvia/salvia-involucrata-boutin.htm- https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/205595/i-salvia-involucrata-i-boutin/details
