Common Name: sage
Type: Broadleaf evergreen
Family: Lamiaceae
Zone: 9 to 11
Height: 2.00 to 4.00 feet
Spread: 2.00 to 4.00 feet
Bloom Time: May to September
Bloom Description: Magenta pink
Sun: Full sun
Water: Dry to medium
Maintenance: Low
Suggested Use: Annual
Flower: Showy, Good Cut
Attracts: Hummingbirds, Butterflies
Tolerate: Deer, Drought
Culture
Best grown in evenly moist to dry, well-draining soil in full sun. Tolerant of occasional drought once established. Pinch stems early in the season to create a bushier plant. Deadhead to encourage more blooms. Cut back severely in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges to maintain its compact habit. Hardy in Zones 9-11. This cultivar is not known to set seed and will not naturalize or spread by seed in the garden.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Salvia is a genus of over 900 species of annuals, biennials, herbaceous and evergreen perennials and shrubs. They are found worldwide except for hot, tropical areas.
The genus name Salvia comes from the Latin word salveo meaning "to save or heal", in reference to the purported medically curative properties attributed to some plants in the genus.
'Wendy's Wish' is a compact, upright to mounding, hybrid salvia cultivar that features bright, magenta pink, tubular flowers. Mature specimens will reach up to 4' tall with a similar spread. The dark green, ovate foliage can reach up to 3.5" long and 2" wide. The flowers are held in terminal, spike-like racemes that can reach 10" tall and have dark pink stems. The long bloom period begins in late spring and continues to early fall. Highly attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, and other insect pollinators. The blooms can be used in fresh cut arrangements. Plant patent number PP21889 applies to this cultivar.
Problems
Some susceptibility to powdery mildew, leaf spot and rust. White fly and scale are occasional insect pests. Deer tend to avoid the scented leaves of most salvias.
Uses
Perennial borders, cottage gardens, butterfly or bird gardens. Suitable for use in containers.