Salvia microphylla ‘Christine’s Surprise’: A bushy, shrubby perennial to 80cm H. with bright cerise flowers most of the year.
Salvia microphylla ‘Christine’s Surprise’: was originally bought as ‘Christine Yeo’, but developed into a lovely surprise.
Flowers: are small, a lovely cerise colour, the furry hood is paler beneath and the bottom lobes hang like a long dress with a slight split in the flared lobe. A small white beeline is seen around the throat to guide the bees and insects into the flower.
Most of the flowers appear in pairs in small clusters at the end of the flowering stem. The whole plant is very floriferous. Flowering for most of the year, bees and pollinating insects can always be seen buzzing around.
Calyces: are green, with some colouring on exposed sides, each pointed lobe is ribbed and flared upwards.
Leaves: are small,very slightly hairy, a mat grass green colour, broad lanceolate shaped with a round pointed apex. Stems are brown with a distinctive microphylla stripe down each section. All stems are well clothed to the ground.
Salvia microphylla ‘Christine’s Surprise’: is a good back ground plant for small gardens. A very good filler plant between other perennials. It is always in flower until cut down. A very attractive plant to have in the garden. Easy to grow. It can expand gradually without becoming a problem.
Plant in full sun with other vibrant colours of white, other pinks, purples and blue small shrubs and perennials.
Tough, hardy for summer heat and winter cold, tolerating light frosts.
Pruning: At the end of autumn, when new shoots begin to appear at the base, then cut down all stems, almost to the ground. These new shoots appearing from the base, will rejuvenate the plant.
As it can expand gradually, cut away any stems that are not wanted. Cutting out any dead or twiggy stems. Feed and mulch well to keep the root area cool during the summer months.
Propagation: is easily propagated by tip cuttings taken at any time of the year or suckering stems.