Amethyst Lips Salvia is a popular garden plant, known for its striking appearance and extended blooming period. Its unique bi-colored flowers add vibrant hues, and its ease of care appeals to all gardeners.
Understanding Amethyst Lips Salvia
Botanically known as Salvia microphylla ‘Amethyst Lips’, this shrub-like perennial features distinctive floral displays. Its two-lipped tubular flowers are typically bright white at the base, transitioning to a broad band of amethyst (violet to purple) at the tips. These flowers may appear solid amethyst in cooler, dreary weather, reverting to two-toned splendor with ample sunshine. The plant exhibits a bushy, upright growth habit, reaching an average mature height and spread of 2 to 3 feet. ‘Amethyst Lips’ attracts various pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Its long blooming season, from late spring or early summer until fall, and aromatic foliage make it desirable for home landscapes.
Planting Amethyst Lips Salvia
Optimal planting times are typically spring or early summer, especially in regions with hard freezes, to ensure winter survival. In warmer zones, planting can occur almost any time of year. This salvia thrives in full sun, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and flowering. It requires well-draining soil, preferring moist, fertile conditions. Amending heavy or clay soils with organic matter, such as compost, can improve drainage and enrich the soil.
When planting, dig a hole approximately twice the width of the plant’s root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface. Gently remove the plant from its container, loosen the roots, and position it in the hole before backfilling with soil. Water the plant thoroughly after placement to settle the soil around the roots. For multiple plants, space them approximately 1 to 1.5 feet (30-45 cm) apart to allow for adequate air circulation and growth.
Caring for Amethyst Lips Salvia
Once established, Amethyst Lips Salvia is drought tolerant, but consistent moisture supports best performance. Water deeply when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. A general-purpose fertilizer in spring can promote growth and extended blooming. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen-rich feeds, as this can lead to leggy growth rather than more flowers. Pruning maintains shape and encourages continuous blooms. Deadhead spent flower spikes regularly to prolong flowering. Light shearing in mid to late summer encourages new growth and flowers. In late winter or early spring, a more substantial cutback to about 6-12 inches high can rejuvenate and stimulate fresh growth.
Common Issues and Solutions
Aphids, sap-sucking insects, can cause leaf curling and yellowing. Spider mites may also infest plants, leading to yellow or brown spots and webbing. Whiteflies are another pest, causing yellow spots and leaving behind sticky honeydew. For aphid and whitefly infestations, spraying with insecticidal soap or a diluted dish soap solution is effective, ensuring coverage on leaf undersides. Pruning severely infested stems helps prevent spread.
Fungal diseases like powdery mildew, appearing as a grayish coating on leaves, can occur in humid conditions or with poor air circulation. Ensuring proper plant spacing and avoiding overhead irrigation can help prevent this issue. If present, fungicides may be necessary for widespread cases.
Lack of blooming is often due to insufficient sunlight or over-fertilization, which encourages foliage growth at the expense of flowers. Leggy growth can also result from inadequate light or inconsistent watering; moving the plant to a sunnier spot or adjusting watering habits can rectify this.
Winterizing Amethyst Lips Salvia
Amethyst Lips Salvia is winter hardy in USDA zones 7b through 10b, acting as a die-back perennial where temperatures drop below 30°F. In colder regions (zones 7 and below), winter protection is beneficial. Applying a generous layer of mulch, such as straw or well-rotted compost, around the plant’s base in late fall shields roots from frost. For container-grown salvias in colder areas, moving them to a sheltered spot like a cold greenhouse or conservatory prevents root freezing.
Winter pruning varies; some cut back stems in late fall, while others wait until early spring for winter interest or protection. In very harsh winter climates, the plant may regrow from lower down or from the roots in spring.