Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Lamiaceae

Genus:

Salvia

Species:

Salvia spathacea

USDA Symbol:

SASP3

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

90 cm

Light Requirements:

Part Shade

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

mar,apr,may,jun

Bloom Colors:

magenta, pink, red

Ground Cover:

Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Caterpillars:

★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Hummingbirds:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented hummingbird visits (GBIF)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Reported Fauna Sightings

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

hummingbirds, bees, butterflies

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fragrant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts vigorously from rhizomes following fire; adapted to California's fire-prone chaparral and woodland ecosystems.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to coastal sage scrub and chaparral

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Seeds germinate readily without pretreatment. Light may improve germination rates.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI