Salvia ‘Furman’s Red’

Salvia ‘Furman’s Red’

Texas sage (Salvia greggii) is a low bushy native perennial or woody shrub. It is native to Texas south to Mexico and varieties come in white, red and purple. It has proven to be exceptionally cold hardy (USDA hardiness zones 5b-9).

Furman’s Red sage is a superior cultivar here in the Southern Appalachian region.Flowering is best in spring, less so in summer, and finishes with a superb show in the fall.

Furman’s Red salvia demands sunlight (6 hours minimum) and a well drained garden soil. It tolerates a wide range of soils, wanting only good drainage. Feed a slow release fertilizer such as Osmocote® or Nutricote® at planting time or in early spring. An alternative fertilizing plan is to apply Miracle-Gro®, or Schultz® every 4-6 weeks according to package directions.

Plants grow upwards of 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. From late spring,  summer and early fall, this long-flowering salvia is topped with bright red two-lipped flowers. Leaves are soft green. Foliage is mostly deciduous, but foliage remains green over mild winters in zone 6 Tennessee.

Tidy up old plants in early spring and cut back in summer to stimulate a second flush of flowers. Follow a regular watering schedule in the first growing season to develop a deep, extensive root system. Added irrigation encourages repeat blooming in hot dry summers.

The minty fragrance of the flowers attracts hummingbirds, butterflies and bees. Texas sage is deer and rabbit resistant.

Furman’s Red salvia is a 2005 Plant Select Winner. Available is limited to on-line native plant nurseries such as High Country Gardens in New Mexico (mailing address 2438 Shelburne Road Suite 1, Shelburne, VT 05482).