Vermilion Bluffs Mexican Sage is a large-sized flowering perennial that is a real attention-grabber. I have found this plant to be an excellent choice for dry, southern exposures and Xeriscapes. It is fairly easy to grow, and produces bright-red flowers throughout the summer. Hummingbirds love this plant- it is not uncommon to see 4 or 5 of them at a time on a single plant.
PLANT STATS
Scientific Name: Salvia darcyi ‘Pscarl’
Plant Type: Perennial
Mature Height: 36-48″
Mature Spread: 30-42″
Water Requirement: Low
Exposure: Full Sun to partial shade- best in full sun.
Best Features: Intense cardinal red flowers that hummingbirds love.
Flowers: Bright cardinal red tubular flowers from July through October.
Winter Interest: Minimal
Disadvantages: Does not perform well in poorly drained soils. Late to emerge in spring.
Availability and Sizes: This plant was introduced in 2007, but is already available through most retail and wholesale nurseries. Commonly available in 1 gallon size, or in flats of smaller pots. I would recommend the 1 gallon size.
Maintenance Tip: Mulch heavily over the winter to protect from hard freezes.
Other: Leaves and stems are very aromatic. Salvia darcyi was originally collected in the Sierra Madre Oriental in Mexico. Named to Plant Select in 2007.
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UPDATE- Spring of 2010:
The winter of 2009-2010 had some unusually cold periods in Colorado. The Western Slope’s thriving wine industry was even hit hard with dieback to grape vines.
I had a few plants in my garden suffer, and the Vermilion Bluffs Mexican Sage was one. I have 3 of these in my garden, and two of the three look OK, but were very late to emerge in spring and are still pretty small as of June 2nd.
The 3rd plant may have completely winter killed- But, now there is a little seedling emerging about 12″ from the base of the old plant! I think it grew from seed, but there is a chance it emerged from the old root. In any case, I suspect they will grow and return to their previous glory once the heat of July and August get here.