Tall Mexican sage with broad pale green leaves and spires of brilliant magenta-pink flowers protected by furry red bracts (the "involucre" of the species name) through late summer and autumn.
Hardiness ratings
| System | Rating | Temperature range | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA hardiness zone | Zone 8–10 | −12.2 °C to 4.4 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| RHS hardiness rating | H3 | −5 °C to 1 °C | Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance |
| Canadian plant hardiness zone | Zone 9 | −1 °C and warmer | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| Australian (ANBG) zone | Zone 3–6 | −5 °C to 15 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
Growing notes
- Native to the cloud forests of Mexican Sierra Madre — moist subtropical mountain conditions
- Distinct from pineapple sage (S. elegans, already in the database) and from S. guaranitica also in this batch — S. involucrata is grown for the magenta bracts and tall structural habit
- Frost-tender top growth, but base survives moderate frost — cut back hard in spring
- Cultivar ‘Bethellii’ is the most widely available
Categories
Related plants
Cross-check Rosy-leaf sage against your zones