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Description
Salvia Regla, also known as Mountain Sage or Mexican Sage, is a perennial shrub native to Mexico. It is a member of the Lamiaceae family and is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant for its attractive foliage and showy flowers. The plant can grow up to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide, and it has a woody stem with many branches. The leaves are green and lance-shaped, and the flowers are tubular-shaped and come in shades of red, orange, or pink. Salvia Regla blooms from late summer to early fall and produces nectar that attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Salvia |
Appearance
Salvia Regla has an attractive appearance with its green lance-shaped leaves and showy flowers that bloom in late summer to early fall. The plant can grow up to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide, and it has a woody stem with many branches. The flowers are tubular-shaped and come in shades of red, orange, or pink. The plant’s foliage is fragrant when crushed and is known for its medicinal properties.
Care Guide
To take care of Salvia Regla, you need to provide it with the right growing conditions. Here are some tips on how to take care of this plant:- Water: Salvia Regla prefers well-drained soil and needs regular watering during the growing season. However, it is drought-tolerant and can survive with less water.- Fertilization: Fertilize Salvia Regla with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to promote healthy growth.- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. If the soil is too acidic, add lime to raise the pH level.- Sunlight: Salvia Regla prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it may not bloom as well.- Hardiness Zones: Salvia Regla is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Salvia Regla is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can still be affected by some problems. Here are some common pests and diseases that can affect this plant:- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the plant’s leaves and stems, causing them to wilt and die. Use insecticidal soap to control aphids.- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and discoloration of the leaves. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control spider mites.- Root rot: Overwatering or poorly-drained soil can cause root rot, which can lead to the plant’s death. To prevent root rot, make sure the soil is well-drained and water the plant only when the top inch of soil is dry.
Habitat
Salvia Regla is native to Mexico and grows in the mountainous regions of that country. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate drought, making it well-suited to dry, arid climates. The plant is often found growing in rocky soils on hillsides and in canyons.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Salvia Regla deer-resistant?
A: Yes, Salvia Regla is deer-resistant.
Q: Can Salvia Regla be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Salvia Regla can be grown in containers, but it may not grow as large as it would in the ground.
Q: How often should I prune Salvia Regla?
A: You should prune Salvia Regla in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead or damaged branches and shape the plant as desired.
Q: Can I propagate Salvia Regla from cuttings?
A: Yes, Salvia Regla can be propagated from cuttings taken in the summer. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in well-drained soil. Keep the soil moist until roots develop.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Salvia Regla:- Salvia Coccinea- Salvia Leucantha- Salvia Officinalis- Salvia Microphylla
References
– “Salvia regla.” Missouri Botanical Garden. www.missouribotanicalgarden.org- “Salvia regla.” Texas A&M Agrilife Extension. agrilifeextension.tamu.edu- “Mountain Sage (Salvia regla).” Gardening Know How. www.gardeningknowhow.com
