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Description
Salvia Microphylla, commonly known as Black Sage or Graham’s Sage, is a shrub that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It is native to Mexico and is widely cultivated in the United States as an ornamental plant. It is a compact and bushy plant that can grow up to 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide. The plant has an upright growth habit and produces small, tubular flowers that are arranged in clusters at the top of the stem. The flowers come in different colors, including red, pink, purple, and white. The leaves are small, about 1-2 inches long and 0.5-1 inch wide, and are dark green with a slightly hairy texture.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Salvia |
Appearance
Salvia Microphylla is a stunning plant with a compact and bushy growth habit. The plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide and produces small, tubular flowers that are arranged in clusters at the top of the stem. The flowers come in different colors, including red, pink, purple, and white. The leaves are small, about 1-2 inches long and 0.5-1 inch wide, and are dark green with a slightly hairy texture. The plant has an upright growth habit and is perfect for borders, rock gardens, and containers.
Care Guide
Salvia Microphylla is an easy plant to care for and requires minimal maintenance. Here are some care tips:
- Water: Water the plant regularly, especially during hot and dry weather. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Plant Salvia Microphylla in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: Salvia Microphylla prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Salvia Microphylla is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Salvia Microphylla is generally a healthy plant that is not prone to many pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. To prevent these pests from infesting your plant, keep it well-watered and fertilized. If you notice any signs of infestation, treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant can also be affected by root rot, which is caused by overwatering. To prevent root rot, make sure the soil is well-draining and do not overwater the plant.
Habitat
Salvia Microphylla is native to Mexico and is widely cultivated in the United States as an ornamental plant. It grows in a variety of habitats, including rocky slopes, woodlands, and chaparral. The plant prefers well-draining soil and full sun but can tolerate some shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Salvia Microphylla be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Salvia Microphylla can be grown in containers. Make sure the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s roots and use well-draining soil.
Q: Is Salvia Microphylla a perennial or an annual?
A: Salvia Microphylla is a perennial plant that can live for several years with proper care.
Q: How often should I fertilize Salvia Microphylla?
A: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Can Salvia Microphylla tolerate drought?
A: Salvia Microphylla can tolerate some drought but prefers to be watered regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.
Related Plants
- Salvia Farinacea
- Salvia Officinalis
- Salvia Greggii
- Salvia Leucantha
References
- “Salvia Microphylla.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277874.
- “Salvia Microphylla.” Plant Care Today, 6 Nov. 2020, plantcaretoday.com/salvia-microphylla.
- “Salvia Microphylla.” Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/databases/codes/plantcode.php?id=128.
