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Salvia chiapensis 'Elk Giant'
Salvia chiapensis 'Elk Giant'
Salvia chiapensis 'Elk Giant'

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Salvia chiapensis 'Elk Giant'

(Elk Giant Chiapas Sage) This is a mega version of one of our favorite partial-shade Salvias. It's larger in all ways that the species, with inflorescence up to 2 feet long. Because of it's spread it is not suitable for small areas, but will delight gardeners and hummingbirds alike when given room to grow.
Common name This is the non-scientific name used for a plant. A plant may have several common names, depending on the gardener's location. To further confuse the matter, a common name may be shared by several completely different plants. At Flowers by the Sea, we rely on the scientific name to identify our plants and avoid confusion. Elk Giant Chiapas Sage
USDA Zones The U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones indicate the temperature zones where a plant is likely to thrive. It is determined by the average annual winter minimum temperature. Actual winter temperatures may be higher or lower than the average. 8 - 11
Size (h/w/fh) The anticipated mature size of the plant: Height, Width & Flower Height. 48"/60"/48"
Exposure This is the average amount of sunlight that a plant needs to thrive. Generally, full sun exposure is 6 or more hours of direct sun daily while partial shade is less than 4 hours of sun or dappled shade all day. Plants may tolerate more sunlight in cooler climates and need afternoon shade in extremely hot climates. Partial shade
Soil type This is the kind of soil that a plant needs to thrive. Most plants require a well-drained soil that allows the water to soak into the soil without becoming soggy. Sandy and clay soils can be improved by digging in compost to improve drainage. Rich and well drained
Water needs Plants have specific water requirements. Water loving means the plant needs regular watering to keep the soil moist. Average generally indicates applying 1 inch of water per week, or watering when the soil is dry to a depth of 3 to 4 inches. One inch of water is equal to 5 gallons per square yard of soil surface. Average
Container plant? "Yes" indicates that this plant can be successfully grown as a container plant. Yes
Hummingbird plant? Hummingbirds have been observed regularly feeding from this plant's flowers. Yes
Mature height The mature height of this plant in average conditions. 3 to 4 feet
Mature spread The mature width of this plant in average conditions. 5 to 6 feet
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(Elk Giant Chiapas Sage) This is a mega version of one of our favorite partial-shade Salvias.   It's larger in all ways that the species, with inflorescence up to 2 feet long.  Because of it's spread it is not suitable for small areas, but will delight gardeners and hummingbirds alike when given room to grow.

Elk Giant Chiapas Sage forms a loose spreading mound of glossy, ribbed leaf-foliage.   The flowers and the inflorescence are larger than the species and last longer.  The leaves are larger, thicker and deeper green.  And it blooms nonstop throughout the warm growing season.

Grow it in mixed borders, large containers and combination planters where the intensely pink flowers stands out.  Don't be in a hurry to plant this one early - it really starts to thrive when the weather is settled.

We suspect this variety is a chance tetraploid, a plant with double the normal number of chromosomes.  Quantities will always be limited, as it provides little good material for propagation.