Salvia gesneriiflora

Salvia gesneriiflora ‘Tequila’

In 2004 our fabulously wonderful volunteer, Mae Lauer brought six gallon-sized Salvia gesneriiflora ‘Tequila’ to the Gardens.  She was enamored with the huge spikes of brilliant vermillion flowers with nearly black calyxes. Our then-intern Menal Harankhedkar quickly decided to include it in her design for the east side of the Farmhouse lawn area, and we watched with amazement as it grew, and grew, and grew through our wet,cold winters and dry summers.  It was watered at first as everything in that sweet garden was, but for the past years it has received a little runoff from the occasional summer lawn water, and luckily it is completely protected from damaging winds. At one time this plant was approximately 20 feet wide and 15 feet tall.  A hummingbird paradise especially during winter when so little food is available. Usually described as a fall and winter bloomer, it seems to bloom year round in our Gardens taking no notice when hit with a light frost.

It is highly adaptable, tolerating both well drained or heavy soils, blooming in sun or shade and springing back  after a hard pruning during late spring or early summer, as was demonstrated by our 2006 intern, Siena Macfarland.  (FYI - Happily for us, Siena has returned and is a staff gardener in the Woodland and Mediterranean areas.)

Perhaps its native conditions in the harsh Sierra Madre Oriental Mountain Range in Northeast Mexico where it grows at altitudes of 7,000-10,000 feet instills the will to live, and live it does - growing to 25 feet tall and wide.

At this time, Janet has beautiful specimens blooming in the nursery, but this is not just any salvia.  Pay particular attention to placement, as wind will easily break branches.  This beautiful beast is controlled by pruning to your desired space.