Introduction

'Purple Fountain' salvia is an herbaceous perennial growing about 2 feet tall with an upright habit (Figure 1). The rich, dark green, foliage adds a fine texture to the garden and is unusually glossy compared to other salvias. Its bright red flowers grace the top of the plant throughout the spring, summer and fall seasons.

General Information

Scientific name: Salvia x 'Purple Fountain'

Pronunciation: SAL-vee-uh

Common name(s): 'Purple Fountain' salvia, 'Purple Fountain' sage

Family: Labiatae

Plant type: perennial; herbaceous

USDA hardiness zones: 7 through 11 (Figure 2)

Planting month for zone 7: Jun; Jul

Planting month for zone 8: May; Jun; Jul

Planting month for zone 9: Apr; May; Jun; Jul; Aug

Planting month for zone 10 and 11: Feb; Mar; Apr; May; Jun; Jul; Aug; Sep; Oct; Nov; Dec

Origin: not native to North America

Uses: cut flowers; border; edging; mass planting; attracts butterflies; attracts hummingbirds

Availability: somewhat available, may have to go out of the region to find the plant

Description

Height: 2 to 4 feet

Spread: 1 to 2 feet

Plant habit: upright

Plant density: moderate

Growth rate: moderate

Texture: medium

Foliage

Leaf arrangement: opposite/subopposite

Leaf type: simple

Leaf margin: undulate

Leaf shape: elliptic (oval)

Leaf venation: arcuate; bowed

Leaf type and persistence: semi-evergreen

Leaf blade length: less than 2 inches

Leaf color: green

Fall color: not applicable

Fall characteristic: not applicable

Flower

Flower color: red

Flower characteristic: spring flowering; summer flowering; fall flowering; flower season is longer in zones 9-11

Fruit

Fruit shape: unknown

Fruit length: unknown

Fruit cover: unknown

Fruit color: unknown

Fruit characteristic: inconspicuous and not showy

Trunk and Branches

Trunk/bark/branches: typically multi-trunked or clumping stems

Current year stem/twig color: green

Current year stem/twig thickness: thin

Culture

Light requirement: plant grows in full sun

Soil tolerances: acidic; alkaline; sand; loam; clay

Drought tolerance: moderate

Soil salt tolerances: unknown

Plant spacing: 18 to 24 inches

Other

Roots: not applicable

Winter interest: no special winter interest

Outstanding plant: plant has outstanding ornamental features and could be planted more

Invasive potential: not known to be invasive

Pest resistance: no serious pests are normally seen on the plant

Use and Management

'Purple Fountain' salvia may be used as a specimen in a small garden, but is most attractive in mass plantings in most residential and commercial landscapes. Space plants about 15 inches apart to establish a quick cover.

Place salvias in an area of the landscape where they can receive full sun to partial shade. Salvias favor well-drained soils and they are quite drought tolerant. Some irrigation in an extended drought will help maintain nice plants. One or two fertilizer applications during the growing season will also help maintain good growth and nice foliage.

Pests and Diseases

No pests or diseases are of major concern.