Salvia ‘Timboon’: is a tall upright bushy shrub with long dense inflorescences of crimson flowers in winter. Plant in a protected sunny position.
Salvia ‘Timboon’ is a cross between S. karwinskii and S.involucrata. It is a parent to many hybrids.
Flowers: are crimson, tubular with a small almost triangular hood covered with crimson hairs. All the bottom lobes are the same colour as the tube and the hood. The small middle lobe, which has a large beeline in the middle, is curved down to open the throat area, allowing small Honeyeaters with long thin beaks to penetrate the fat tubes to find the nectar.
Flowers are in dense layered whorls. Normally there are 3 flowers on each side of the stem, but in S. karwinskii, there 9-12 flowers on each side of a coloured stem, making each inflorescence very dense. Although these flowers stems begin with very small knobs, the flowers stems when fully grown, can reach 20cmLong.
Not all the flowers open at the same time, with the bottom layer opening first, then when almost finished, the second layer begins to open. There are always buds waiting to open. Often there are small stems of flowers on the side below the main stem. This one of the methods that prolong the flowering period.
Flowering can begin in early winter and continue until spring, being well above the foliage to attract passing pollinating insects and tiny birds to try their luck in penetrating the flowers. It is a magnificent show when the whole plant is in full flower.
Calyces: these are crimson, becoming a browner colour with age. One of the few Salvias with scented calyces.Each lobe is ribbed and very pointed. Although most of the flowers will not be pollinated, the calyces remain on the flower stem until the whole stem is cut down. Any bracts fall away when the flower bud is beginning to open.
Leaves: are a broad lanceolate shape, mid to dark green, veins well indented and a slightly hairy top surface, the lower surface is plain and dull. A pointed tip, but Not elongated with small fine crenulations around the edges. All leaves have long greenish/ slightly coloured petioles.
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Salvia ‘Timboon’ is magnificent when in full flower. This is one of the favourites. It was found by chance in a garden in the town of Timboon in East Gippsland in Victoria
Being a cross and having S.karwinskii as a parent, this shrub can withstand more sun and a more open position than S. involucrata. ‘Timboon’ doesn’t really like the shade, but does enjoy a sunny protected position from harsh winds and heavy frosts.
Being tall and elegant, it can be the focal point in a bank of lower growing shrubs, but can also look just as eye catching in amongst other tall shrubs that give it protection, but flower at a different time of year.
Not fussy about soil, but the soil needs to be well drained in winter and hold moisture during the summer season. Once established, ‘Timboon’ is very drought hardy, but does appreciate extra waterings during hot dry spells during summer.
Maintenance: This is generally a maintenance free shrub, which only needs large old stems to be removed each year after most of the flowers have finished, allowing the new shoots to develop and grow.
Propagation: Tip cuttings can be taken at any time of year, except when in flower. Aim to use new growth as this will give good results. See propagation page for more tips on how to take cuttings.