Salvia karwinskii ‘Cyclamen’: is a medium to tall bushy shrub 2-3mH with brushes of cyclamen flowers in winter. enjoys a sheltered position.
Salvia karwinskii ‘Cyclamen’: is a cross with S. involucrata
Flowers: are long, thin tubular, cyclamen in colour. Both the hood and bottom lobes are small.
The furry hood has a faint stripe down the middle which acts as a beeline and corresponds with the faint beeline at the throat area. The bottom lobes are folded back to open the throat to allow small birds with long beaks to probe further into the flower and bees to try and get inside.
Flowers are held in small single whorls 6-8 flowers in regular intervals along a thin coloured flower stem, finishing with a small knob at the top. The knob holds a few more flowers waiting to open.
The brushes of flowers appear in winter, being held above the foliage to attract passing birds and insects.
Calyces: are a lovely dark wine colour with very long narrow lobes, which show off the ribs well. If the flowers are not pollinated, then the calyces will drop off just leaving a bare flower stem.
Leaves: are a midgreen, large narrow cordate shaped with a pointed tip, often looking heart shaped. Fine clear hairs appear on both surfaces with the veins showing clearly on the underside.
Often in winter in very cold districts the leaves will take on some crimson burnishing which adds to this hybrid’s charm.
Salvia karwinskii ‘Cyclamen’: is a good filler shrub. Being bushy and not too tall, it can fit in between other bushy shrubs that enjoy dappled shade or a sunny protected position as it is frost tender.
As it only grows to 2 -2.5mH, it makes a good background shrub to smaller shrubs and perennials.
Plant with other vivid purples, blues, whites to act as a foil and other pale pink flowering shrubs.
As summer approaches, then it’s time to prune and neaten the shape.
Always prune down to a good green bud, 2-3 buds above ground. Cut away any dead or twiggy stems, leaving good upright strong growth.
Feed and mulch well to keep the root area cool during the hot dry summer months.
Propagation: usually by tip cuttings , taken at any time of year from good strong shoots.
Not always available