Salvia coccinea 'Coral Nymph'

TROPICAL SAGE, HUMMINGBIRD SAGE
Family: Lamiaceae
Pronounced: SAL-vee-uh kok-SIN-ee-uh

Quick Jumps

Growing Guide
Rainy Side Notes

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GROWING GUIDE

Origin:
Garden.
Plant Group:
Tender perennial grown as an annual.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: All zones (as an annual), 12-24, H1, H2 (perennial).
USDA zones:: All (as an annual), 8-10 (perennial).
Mature size:
Height: 16 -24 inches (40-60 cm).
Width 18 inches (45 cm).
Flowering period:
Summer to fall.
Flowering attributes:
White with coral lower lip.
Leaf attributes:
Heart-shaped, hairy leaves.
Growth habit:
Clump former.
Light:
Full sun.
Soil:
Fertile, humus rich, well-drained soil.
Feeding:
Add a complete organic fertilizer when planting and monthly through July.
Propagation Methods:
Sow seed at 60-64°F (16-18°C) in mid spring.
Semi-ripe cuttings in late summer.
Divisions in spring.
Pruning Methods:
If wintered over in the greenhouse, cut stems back to 4-6 inches when new growth begins. Discard after second year, as stems will be woody. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.

 

Rainy Side Notes

What a beautiful coral color this salvia flower has! Unfortunately, our cool climate and wet winters are not conducive for over wintering this tender perennial in the garden. Sometimes I wish for more heat units so this darling would be less tender. Then I think more heat would mean the Pacific Northwest would be less desirable for many other plants we grow, that love our cool maritime climate and detest the heat in other parts of the country. However, we can grow the little nymph as an annual, or winter it over in greenhouses. Two years of growing these plants is optimum as stems become woody by the third year. It is best to discard the plant after the second year and start fresh with new plants. I am sure the nurseries will love you for it, as they love me when I give that kind of advice. I like to start my seed in late winter to early spring to get good growth before transplanting to its last container. If you do not have a greenhouse, this Salvia is worth the effort to grow from seed on a yearly basis.

S. 'Coral Nymph' attracts hummingbirds, butterflies and bees and makes an excellant container grown plant.

Debbie Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.