Forsythia Sage Salvia madrensis
- Phonetic Spelling
- SAL-vee-uh ma-DREN-sis
- Description
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Forsythia sage is a perennial plant native to Mexico in the Lamiaceae (mint) family. Its species name madrensis is derived from the location where it grows in its native habitat, the high mountains of Mexico.
Unlike typical salvia, Madrenses has four sided stems with ridges on the edges. It blooms in the garden at a time when most flowers have finished for the season. In the right climate, fall and winter blooms are abundant. In locations where frost is possible, protect the plant, or the bloom season will be shortened. Deadheading will encourage additional blooms. In frost free climates, it can bloom up until spring.
Spreading from underground shoots, it may be necessary to remove shoots to control its spread. In tropical areas, its rapid growth rate may require multiple pruning during the year.
Grows well in full sun, however, some afternoon shade in extreme heat would be appreciated. If grown in an area receiving shade for a majority of the day, it will tend to have fewer blooms and its form may become lankier.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious issues or concerns.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- 'Red Neck Girl'
Red-violet flowers and maroon stems.
- 'Red Neck Girl'
- 'Red Neck Girl'
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Red Neck Girl'
Red-violet flowers and maroon stems.
- 'Red Neck Girl'
- 'Red Neck Girl'
- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Salvia
- Species:
- madrensis
- Family:
- Lamiaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Root Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Northwestern Mexico
- Wildlife Value:
- Hummingbirds, bees and butterflies are attracted to the flowers.
- Play Value:
- Attractive Flowers
- Attracts Pollinators
- Colorful
- Screening
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Perennial
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Semi-evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Clumping
- Spreading
- Growth Rate:
- Rapid
- Maintenance:
- Medium
- Texture:
- Coarse
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Alkaline (>8.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- 3 feet-6 feet
- 6-feet-12 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Type:
- Schizocarp
- Fruit Description:
- Schizocarp has 4 chambers with 1 nutlet each
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Spike
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Good Cut
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Fall
- Winter
- Flower Shape:
- Tubular
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- The whorls of flowers lay along 12" spikes. The yellow flowers, that may have a sticky feel, are unusual for a salvia. The calyces are the same color as the flower.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Semi-evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Gray/Silver
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Velvety
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Opposite
- Leaf Shape:
- Cordate
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- < 1 inch
- Leaf Description:
- Gray-green heart shaped leaves.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Cross Section:
- Square
- Stem Form:
- Straight
- Stem Description:
- Thick, rigid stems.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Meadow
- Patio
- Pool/Hardscape
- Slope/Bank
- Walkways
- Landscape Theme:
- Butterfly Garden
- Cutting Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Winter Garden
- Design Feature:
- Barrier
- Border
- Hedge
- Mass Planting
- Screen/Privacy
- Small groups
- Specimen
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Butterflies
- Hummingbirds
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Heat