Salvia cacaliifolia: is a semi-procumbent shrubby ground cover 20-30cmH, with ivy shaped leaves and bright blue flowers in late winter and spring.
Salvia cacaliifolia: likes a semi shaded position beneath trees.
Flowers: are an electric true blue appearing at the end of a long flower stem which holds the flowers above the foliage in winter/ spring to catch passing insects. There are usually 10-12 flowers along the stem. This can also be branched into 3 stems of bright blue flowers.
The hood and lobes are about the same length, but the exerted stamens make the hood seem longer.
Whilst the bottom middle lobe is quite small, the two side lobes are large, acting as side walls of the flower as the insect crawls towards the throat and nectar. The bottom lobes can also have a
white tinge which helps to attract insects and small birds.
Flowers can be seen from autumn through spring into summer.
Leaves: are an interesting ivy shape, having three lobes. Quite thick textured, mid green and smooth with the veins being very indented, adding to the ivy shape perception.
Salvia cacaliifolia: is an interesting plant as it can be a ground cover, sprawling along the ground or an almost upright shrubby plant, liking semi shade or a sunny sheltered position. Coming from the forest floor, this is frost tender, so needing protection in the colder months.
As this Salvia enjoys scrambling around the base of other large / tall Salvias, it produces lovely blue coloured flowers on stems which sit upright above the foliage to attract passing bees and small birds.
Plant S. cacaliifolia in a dappled sunny position beneath trees and tall shrubs with other ground sprawling plants that like similar growing conditions.
After the main flowering period has finished at the end of winter and spring, it’s time to tidy the plant, by cutting off any straggly or unwanted stems, cut off the old flower stems and cut out any dead stems. Clean away old leaves and neaten the shrub.
Propagation: is usually by tip cuttings from new growth.
Occasionally available.