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Vermilion Bluffs® Mexican Salvia

Salvia darcyi 'Pscarl'

$11.69
$11.69 $12.99
per Plant - 5" Deep Pot
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ZONES  5-9 | Good to grow! Zone
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• Salvia darcyi 'Pscarl' Vermilion Bluffs® (Mexican Sage) blooms with brilliant red flowers from late summer to fall
• Vermilion Bluffs® has exceptional cold hardiness compared to the straight species, ideal for gardens in colder areas
• This striking drought resistant Salvia selection is an ideal choice for hummingbird gardens
• A 2007 Plant Select® introduction

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Description

Salvia darcyi 'Pscarl' Vermilion Bluffs® (Mexican Sage) was developed by Denver Botanic Gardens and introduced through Plant Select® as an exceptionally hardy S. darcyi that can withstand the cold winters of the Rocky Mountain Regions. Vermilion Bluffs® is a large perennial reaching up to 4 feet tall. Its vibrant crimson red flowers bloom continuously in late summer to fall, creating a striking visual display and attracting hummingbirds.

While Vermilion Bluffs® is hardy to Zone 5b, it requires a warm, sheltered spot to endure harsh winters. In colder climates, it can be treated as an annual. Remove spent blooms to promote additional flowering, and in the fall, trim back dead leaves and stems as the plant enters dormancy. Be sure to plant in well-drained soil and provide additional mulch for added protection in winter.

Thrives in high elevations up to 6200 ft.

The species Mexican sage (Salvia darcyi) was collected by John Fairey and Carl Schoenfeld in the Sierra Madre Oriental in Mexico in 1991, and introduced into commerce at Yucca Do Nursery in Hempstead, Texas. Selected for their unique cold hardiness compared to the straight native species, VERMILION BLUFFS® was introduced through Plant Select® in 2007.

Planting & Care

Tips For Growing Salvia

Salvia (commonly referred to as ‘Sage’) represent a huge family of ornamental plants that attract a variety of pollinators to their nectar rich flowers. They are resistant to deer and rabbits.

  1. Plant in full sun.
  2. Plant native Western Salvia varieties in soil that is low fertility and well-drained.
  3. Plant Old World Salvia in a wide range of soils (loams, sand) including clay.
  4. Many spring-flowering varieties of sage will re-bloom in fall if deadheaded after the first bloom.
  5. New transplants need regular irrigation their first growing season to establish themselves. Once established they will need regular, deep irrigation during hot, dry weather.
  6. During fall garden clean-up, wait to cut back the plants until spring for improved cold hardiness.
  7. In colder USDA zones (zone 6 and below) it is essential to give Native Southwestern and Southwestern hybrids protection from the extreme cold their first couple winters in the garden. Mound up pine needles or fallen autumn leaves over and around the base of the plant.

Western Native Salvia: : It is from the Western US that we find our most beautiful native salvia species. For attracting hummingbirds, there are no finer flowers than the Western native sages. Typically, this group of Salvia prefer ‘lean’ (not very fertile), well drained soils. They will grow in dry clay conditions in arid climates but will rot out in clay soils where there is more than about 15 to 18” of precipitation annually.

Western Salvia include:

  • Salvia greggii - ‘Furman’s Red’, ‘Cold Hardy Pink’
  • Salvia hybrids - ‘Maraschino’, ‘Raspberry Delight’, ‘Ultra Violet’ and ‘Burgundy Seduction’.
  • Salvia pachyphylla and Salvia dorrii is recommended for arid western gardens.
  • Salvia azurea and Salvia reptans - Early fall bloomers with excellent cold hardiness.

To get established in USDA zones 5 & 6, Western Salvia (noted above) must be planted in spring or early summer, not in the fall. Protect your new plants over their first winter or two in your garden. Cover each plant with a generous pile of clean straw or pine needles. This allows the plant's crown (junction of root and branches) to mature and obtain maximum cold hardiness.

Old World Salvia: The Old World Salvia include some of the very best, most durable, longest-lived perennials. These salvia are an excellent choice for gardeners across most of the United States. ‘Old World’ Sages bloom primarily in shades of blue, pink and white. They are well adapted to cold climates and a wide range of soils including clay. The European Salvia are incredibly attractive to honey bees, many of our native bees and bumble bees as well as butterflies.

Old World varieties include:

  • Salvia syslvestris'Lyrical Rose', 'May Night', 'Little Night', 'Caradonna' and 'Marcus'.
  • Salvia daghestanica
  • Salvia verticiliata

More in-depth guidance for growing Salvia:Planting Nectar Rich Salvia to Attract Pollinators to the Garden

Shipping

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As soon as your order is placed you will receive a confirmation email. You will receive a second email the day your order ships telling you how it has been sent. Some perennials are shipped as potted plants, some as perennial roots packed in peat.  The ‘Plant Information’ section describes how that item will ship. All perennials and fall-planted bulbs are packaged to withstand shipping and are fully-guaranteed. Please open upon receipt and follow the instructions included.

Perennials and fall-planted bulbs are shipped at the proper planting time for your Growing Zone. Perennial and fall-planted bulb orders will arrive separately from seeds. If your order requires more than one shipment and all items are shipping to the same address, there is no additional shipping charge. See our shipping information page for approximate ship dates and more detailed information. If you have any questions, please call Customer Service at (801) 769-0300 or contact us by email or chat.

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Key Features

Light Requirements

  • Morning Sun & Afternoon Shade
  • Full Sun

Bloom Time

Late summer to fall

Advantages

  • Attracts Hummingbirds
  • Native
  • Long Bloom Time
  • Naturalizes
  • Rock Gardens
  • Deer Resistant

Additional information

Mature Height

36-40" tall

Mature Spread

20-30" wide

Soil Type

  • Compost Enriched Garden Loam Soil

Soil Moisture

  • Waterwise
  • Very Waterwise

Planting Time

  • Fall

Awards

Plant Select®

Native To

North America

Growing Zones

  • Zone 5
  • Zone 6
  • Zone 7
  • Zone 8
  • Zone 9

Neonicotinoid Free

Yes

Ships As

Potted Plant
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Overall rating: 4.0 / 5 from 4 reviews.

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Reviews

Happy, healthy plant with striking red blooms

"I planted this as a tiny baby in March on the dry, sunny southwest corner of my house. It's had a small drip line on it since May to get it established. It's very happy in my garden, and it has just started blooming! The flowers are stunningly red. It's absolutely gorgeous. I'm very happy with this plant."

— Marilynn C. (5/5)

It arrived completely brown and

"It arrived completely brown and in a day or two all the leaves dropped off. I put it in the sun, just in case it would leaf out again but nothing yet."

— Ken M. (1/5)

It arrived in good condition

"It arrived in good condition and as expected."

— MaryJo B. (5/5)

Yes, yes and yes!

"My plants arrived in fantastic condition and are thriving in my Xericscaped front yard. I'm zone 5, my elevation is approximately 5,500 ft. I look forward to next years garden. My Hummers and bees will love them. I have been a loyal customer for over 15 years. You can never go wrong with High Country Gardens!"

— Luvs M. (5/5)

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