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Salvia discolor (Andean silver-leaf sage)

Salvia discolor Photo/Illustration: Linda Wesley



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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Salvia discolor SAL-vee-ah DIS-kul-or Common Name: Andean silver-leaf sage Genus: Salvia
This tender perennial from Peru is highly unusual for its dramatic, purple-black flowers and pistachio-green calyces. The flowers appear from late summer to early fall. The drama is heighted by its contrasting silvery leaves and stems, which are densely cloaked in woolly, white hairs. Plants grow to about 18 inches tall and 12 inches wide. This specimen looks great tumbling over the edge of a container.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Salvias are some of the showiest plants for containers, annual borders, and mixed borders. Butterflies and hummingbirds love them. 
 Care: Provide moist but well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Salvia discolor is drought resistant.
 Propagation: Sow seed, or divide, in spring. Take cuttings from spring through fall.
 Problems: Powdery mildew, rust, stem rot, fungal leaf spots, whiteflies, aphids, mealybugs, spider mites.
Height 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Growth Habit Clumps
Growth Pace Moderate Grower
Light Full Sun Only
Moisture Dry to Medium
Maintenance Low
Tolerance Drought Tolerant
Characteristics Attracts Butterflies; Attracts Hummingbirds; Showy Flowers; Showy Foliage
Bloom Time Late Summer; Early Fall
Flower Color Purple/ Lavender Flower
Uses Beds and Borders, Container, Indoor Plant, Naturalizing, Specimen Plant/ Focal Point, Suitable as Annual
Style Cottage Garden, Meadow Garden
Seasonal Interest Spring Interest, Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type Perennials

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