Salvia Greggii Crimson And Black

Salvia Greggii Crimson And Black is a striking evergreen to semi-evergreen perennial shrub valued for its vivid crimson-red flowers and contrasting near-black calyces. Its bold colouring and long flowering season make it an excellent choice for cottage gardens, perennial borders, wildlife gardens, mass planting and containers.

Growth:

Salvia Greggii Crimson And Black forms a compact, bushy shrub generally growing around 1 metre high and approximately 80cm wide. It responds well to pruning and can be maintained as a dense, rounded plant.

Light Requirements:

Plant in full sun to part shade. Full sun will generally produce the strongest flowering and most compact growth.

Soil Requirements:

Crimson And Black prefers well-drained soil and adapts to a range of garden soil types. Good drainage is especially important during winter and prolonged wet weather.

Water Requirements:

Water regularly during establishment. Once established, watering requirements are relatively low, although occasional deep watering during prolonged hot and dry periods will help maintain flowering and plant vigour.

Frost Tolerance:

Salvia Greggii Crimson And Black has good frost tolerance once established. Very severe frost may damage soft growth, but established plants generally recover well when warmer conditions return.

Drought Tolerance:

Once established, Crimson And Black has good drought tolerance and is well suited to waterwise gardens. Supplementary watering during extended periods of extreme heat will help maintain flowering.

Flowering Information:

Vibrant crimson-red flowers are held against distinctive dark burgundy to almost black calyces, creating a dramatic two-tone effect. Flowering is strongest from spring through summer and into autumn, often continuing for an extended period in favourable conditions. The flowers are attractive to bees and nectar-feeding birds.

Spacing Requirements:

Allow approximately 70 to 80cm between plants to provide room for mature growth and good airflow.

Fertiliser Requirements:

Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring to support fresh growth and flowering. Avoid excessive feeding, particularly with high-nitrogen fertilisers, as this can encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers.

Care and Maintenance:

Prune after flowering or in late winter to maintain a compact, bushy shape and encourage fresh flowering growth. Regular removal of spent flower stems can also encourage repeat flowering through the warmer months.