Salvia gesneriiflora ‘Tequila’: is a tall spreading winter flowering Salvia 2-3mH with large red flowers and black calyces.
Flowers: are the same size, shape and colour as the parent. But because it has such a dark, purple / brown, almost black calyx with red hairs, it gives the flowers quite a different look; giving the red a more intense colouring. Flowers can appear on and off during the year, the main flowering period is late winter / spring into summer. These appear at the end of the stems. The flowering stem can reach almost 15-20cm long. Little Honey eaters love trying to enter the flowers, as so do bees.
Leaves: are the same shape, colour and fragrance as the parent, except for red / purple hairs along the petiole and along the midrib.
Salvia gesneriiflora ‘Tequila’: is a stunning plant when in flower, but has unusual branching. This Salvia doesn’t form a thicket of upright stems, but rather a spreading shrub. The branches will branch into all directions to form a bushy shrub. When in flower, it’s a joy to watch the small birds flit between the branches.
As this Salvia enjoys filtered light or a semi shaded position, it will need regular watering during the summer months.
It will also need regular pruning to keep the growth contained and refreshed.
If left to grow unpruned, the branches can become very woody. The leaves are often smaller and fewer flowers produced, hence the need to prune regularly for the production of good new flowers.
Don’t prune down to the ground as they will not reshoot, but rather to a few nodes up along the main stem. Prune too hard and you main loose the plant. Pruning may encourage more shoots from the base.
A very easy Salvia to grow especially if planted in a sheltered position in dappled sun / shade. in among other shrubs or under deciduous trees to protect against frost. If planted in a sunny position, then mulch well to keep the roots cool during the hot summer months.
Easy to propagate from tip cuttings taken in the cooler months.
