Date: Wed, 11 Jul 2001 19:00:52 -0500
From: Howard Williams <lesho@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject: Re: Dallas garden report

Ron, Humnet,

Of the two sources I've researched it would seem that Salvia
penstemoides is still considered rare -- in nature. Sally Wasowski in
'Native Texas Plants' (updated) lists it's range as "8 stream banks
and limestone seeps on the Edward's Plateau (Texas Hill Country)". In
'A Book of Salvias' Betsy Clebsch suggests it occurs in only three
locations in Texas. She goes on to say that it was thought extinct in
1946 but a large colony was rediscovered in 1987. Apparently it's
still endangered beacuse of habitat loss and browsing by deer.
Fortunately enough people have fallen in love with the plant and it's
now grown in many gardens.

I see the plant occasionally in nurseries here in Dallas but I don't
buy them anymore because the two large stands I have produce seedlings
every year. I grow mine in alkaline clay but have also planted them in
fast draining sand. They've done well in both soil types (the ones in
sand needed more water of course). One thing I have done is surround
the base of the plants with chunks of limestone I found in a vacant
lot. This at least somewhat mimics their natural surroundings. Mine
thrive -- they're now over six feet -- and it would seem obvious that
alkalinity is key. I'll bet this salvia will do well almost anywhere
an alkaline environment can be created (even with oyster shells?). In
Van's email he suggests that the plant is possibly biennial and not a
hummer magnet. Actually S. penstemonoides is indeed perennial and is
DEFINITELY a hummer magnet -- at least here in Texas. I have had some
h-birds visit them and Anisacanthus wrightii only -- then leave my
ard in spite of many other blooming salvias and other 'worthy'
plants. I've never tried growing them from cuttings because of the
volunteers I get. I would certainly give this plant a try in Reno.
Mine have survived to the low teens here in Dallas. I'll send you some
seed if you like (and anyone else who is interested -- while supplies
last of course!). Some seed should be maturing relatively soon --
definitely by late summer. By the way, the plant and bloom are very
unique for a salvia which is another good reason to grow it. It's
bloom period is also quite extensive.

Salvia darcyi is root hardy here in Dallas living through the same
freezing temps I list above. This salvia is also very much loved by
hummers here but not quite as much as S. penstemonoides.

Hope this helps,

Howard Williams
Dallas, Tx