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| Mountain Sage, Royal Sage Salvia regla Labiatae In its native habitat mountain sage prefers the rocky soils of Central and South Texas, and the Chisos Mountains of West Texas. It also grows in Mexico. It is a shrublet having many basal stems and shield-shaped medium green leaves with tiny orange glands on the lower surface. But it is its very conspicuous floral exhibit in early summer and again in fall which make it especially garden worthy. Its 1-inch plus flowers have been variously described as "bright red", "flame red" and "vermillion red", and are extremely attractive to migrating hummingbirds. In a garden, afternoon shade with good morning sun suits it best, or bright filtered light all day. Individual plants live 4 or 5 years on rich organic soils, but are easily propagated from stem cuttings. For bushier growth, it may be cut back in late winter. The cultivar 'Mt. Emory' was developed by Benny Simpson, and is desirable for its greater cold tolerance; it is root hardy to 0 degrees F. Plant Habit or Use: small shrub Exposure: partial sun Flower Color: scarlet red
Blooming Period: summer Fruit Characteristics: nutlets Height: 2 to 6 feet Width: 3 feet Plant Character: deciduous Heat Tolerance: high Water Requirements:
Soil Requirements: alkaline USDA Hardiness Zone: 7 9 Additional Comments:
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