Salvia gesneriiflora spp: is a tall clumping Salvia that grows well in a semi shaded position 2-3mH with large red tubular flowers.
Flowers: are large, tubular and bright red coloured with green hairy calyces. The hood and bottom lobes are large and well separated. Flowering in late spring / early summer, continuing until autumn. Long flowering stems appear at the end of the sturdy upright stems. Flowers attract both birds and bees.
Leaves: are broad cordate, mid green and slightly hairy both sides with a mild fragrance. Rounded crenations along the edges. Most stems are well clothed to the ground.
Salvia gesneriiflora: is a tall clumping Salvia that is ideal to fill those bare areas between and under large trees. This Salvia is best grown in filtered light, under and among tall shrubs and trees, or in a sunny sheltered position. These trees will give protection in frosty times and during the hot summer months if mulched well to keep roots cool and the occasional watering. Hardy during the and winter months given that it originates from cool mountainous areas.
Growing in most soils, this is a good Salvia for a background situation, such as screening fences or neighbours and other unsightly areas. The vivid red flowers contrasting so well with their green calyces put on a spectacular show in late spring, early summer, blending well with other Spring flowering shrubs.
Small Eastern Spinebills are often seen flitting through the flowers.
Prune the large old stems down to 2 nodes. either remove them completely or allow them to reshoot after flowering is finished in early summer. Leave all new basal shoots to grow.
Easily propagated from tip cuttings
