Date: Tue, 4 Sep 2001 11:48:00 -0500
From: Van Remsen <najames@unix1.sncc.lsu.edu>
Reply-To: BB for Hummingbirds and Gardening for them in the Southeast
<HUMNET-L@listserv.lsu.edu>
To: HUMNET-L@listserv.lsu.edu
Subject: Re: [HUMNET-L] Salvia karwinskii

On Tue, 4 Sep 2001, Nancy L. Newfield wrote:

> Gary,
> > Anyone familiar with _Salvia karwinskii_? My favorite nursery owner sez
> >it bloomed really well from January to March in her greenhouse this year,
> >but is not cold hardy. Hmmmm...I'm thinking 'bout hauling one in and out of
> >the garage in a pot.
>
> Salvia karwinskii is one of my favorite salvias. As your nursery owner
> said, it flowers well from January to March, but it is not cold-hardy. I
> have a large one in the ground. Last winter, just as the buds were ready to
> open, a light frost zapped it to the ground in spite of the protection I'd
> given it. You will need a big pot for it to be worthwhile, but if you are
> willing to haul, it will give you much pleasure - whether or not you have
> another wintering hummer!
>

Gary/HUMNET: Ditto to Nancy's comments. Salvia karwinskii is the
centerpiece of my winter mobile garden, with 4-5 large pots' worth making a nice stand with profuse rosy-red blooms, and they are used by wintering hummers. Of course you have to be willing to wheel these things in and out all winter long in freezing weather. Ay my place in Zone 8b south of Baton Rouge, S. karwinskii is root-hardy in mild winters but not severe winters (low 20s or lower), but as Nancy says, that doesn't do you much good if it gets zapped before January.

S. karwinskii is my personal favorite in terms of leaf fragrance -- the sweet fruity smell is great.

#################################

Van Remsen,
LSU Museum of Natural Science,
najames@unix1.sncc.lsu.edu