PINK RED VELOUR SAGE
Salvia leucantha ‘Red Harry'
A jewel of a Sage, with massed deep ruby red flowers. Each bloom with white lips and looking as if made from velvet.
Salvia leucantha ‘Red Harry’ begins to glow with spires of rich ruby colour, just when everything else is exhausted and finished in late summer.
Then he continues to blaze all the way into winter celebrate the winter solstice.
1m. High in flower x 70cm rounded mound of foliage.
Winter red velvet
Velvet Sage is such an apt name. Because an established clump of Salvia leucantha ‘Red Harry’ bears literally hundreds of velvety flower stems, so handily late in the gardening year. The foliage is also attractively velvety.
Plus velvety foliage
Plus, the foliage is also attractively two toned. With grey green felt uppers to the leaves and white velvet undersides.
So any breeze makes the foliage appear to sparkle as it twists and turns.
GROWING: Salvia leucantha ‘Red Harry’
Height with flowers: 80cm.to 1.2m.approx. with an abundance of beautifully arching flower spires.
Width: 1 – 2m. wide approx. of arching, felted, attractive grey-green foliage.
Bloom Season: Long and constant blooming through mid-summer, autumn, and into mid-winter.
Fragrance: Foliage is aromatic.
Cut flowers: Flower spires are outstanding as cut flowers for vases.
Position: Full Sun is optimum, though a little dappled shade can be tolerated. Particularly suitable for coastal, hot or dry gardens.
Salvia leucantha ‘Red Harry’ is resistant to some salt in coastal positions.
Water: Water wise. Drought resistant once established and thrives with minimal extra water.
Frost: Tolerates frosts to approx. -5C. But does appreciate some overhead shelter from taller companions or a wall.
Soil: Tolerates a wide range of soils – including acid and alkaline pH. Soil types from sandy to clay based are all suitable, but the soil must always be well drained. Particularly suited to sandy soils and coastal positions.
Growth: Arching, rounded, shrubby perennial.
Care & Maintenance: Easy care, low maintenance. Little work is required throughout the year.
Pests & Diseases: Rarely troubled by pests or diseases.
Pruning: Pruning is not essential. But it is best to cut the stems back to ground level in early spring to promote new, fresh growth and even more abundant flowering.
Fertilizer: Do not over-fertilize. Quality fertilizer, such as Powerfeed, can be applied sparingly in spring. This plant is not a heavy feeder.
We recommend to water in with Seasol at planting, and regularly applications of Seasol help to protect against frost, wind and heat.
Container: Hardy & easy in a large pot.
Bees, Birds & Pollinators: Flowers are very attractive to bees, butterflies, honey eating native birds, and other beneficial pollinators. The long and prolific blooming period means there is abundant nectar for bees and birds over many months. Particularly in the winter when other flowers are scarce.
Rabbits & Deer Resistance: Unlikely to be bothered by either rabbits or deer, as they dislike the taste of the aromatic foliage.
Pet Friendly: No known ill effects for pets.
Quarantine Restriction: None. Salvia leucantha ‘Red Harry’ can be shipped to all states by Di’s Delightful Plants – one of Australia’s largest mail order nurseries and on-line plant catalogues. Licensed to ship plants to all states in Australia.