Salvia ‘Chiquita Blue’ : is a tender subshrub, 60-80 cm H, enjoying a sunny protected position, with mauve flowers in Autumn.
Salvia ‘Chiquita Blue’: is syn ‘El Cielo Blue’ is a lovely blue small shrub for the front of the bed.
Flowers: are a falcate shape with a wide opening between the blue / mauve slightly furry hood and the bottom lobes. Flowers are smokey blue, a small hood with extended bottom lobes and a prominent white beeline stripe. This is to not only attract insects but to guide the bees and insects further into the flower.
Flowers are in small whorls of 6-8 flowers around a dark green / grey stem reaching 80cm H. Many flower stems are produced on one plant which are held well above the foliage to attract passing insects. Flowering mainly in autumn and through the winter months, providing welcome nectar for insects and bees.
Calyces: are short, ribbed, grey with a blue tinge to the tips of the slightly pointed lobes. Being in whorls, these are double layered so some flowers are open, while the others will open later which extends the flowering period.
Bracts are green coloured which fall off when the each whorl of flower opens.
Leaves: are broad heart shaped, dark green, slightly hairy on top and silvery beneath. Leaves grow as a basal clump which allows the many tall flower stems to arise from the centre to attract bees and other pollinating insects.
Salvia ‘Chiquita Blue’: is a very attractive low Salvia, flowering in the winter months by adding a welcome splash of colour to the garden. It loves a sunny position but needs protection from frost.
Plant in the front of the bed with other brightly coloured pinks, reds and yellow perennials which will attract bees. Plant in a well drained position or in a large pot.
At the end of winter when the flowers have finished, cut off spent flower stems after collecting any seed. clean up the shrub by cutting out any dead stems. Feed and mulch well to keep the root area cool during the hot summer months.
Propagation: is usually by cuttings of the side shoots or by seed.
Not available.