High Country Gardens
Salvia pachyphylla 'Mulberry Flambe'
Best low-maintenance choice for drought-tolerant, wildlife-friendly xeric landscapes.
Introducing the Salvia pachyphylla 'Mulberry Flambe', a stunning perennial known for its intensely aromatic, silvery-green foliage and vibrant red-violet and blue blooms. This High Country Gardens introduction is a magnet for hummingbirds and adds significant texture to xeric gardens. Native to the southwestern United States, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, offering low maintenance and excellent drought tolerance. Its deer and rabbit resistance, coupled with winter interest, makes it a resilient and beautiful choice for any landscape seeking long-lasting color and fragrance.
$16.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
29
/ 3076
#29 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-39%
Below average
Size at Purchase
5
/ " Deep Pot
Who it's for
- Xeriscape gardeners seeking low-water, sustainable plant options
- Landscape designers wanting long-lasting, vibrant seasonal color
- Eco-conscious gardeners looking to support local pollinators and wildlife
Who should skip it
- Low-maintenance gardeners preferring a hands-off, no-pruning plant
- Gardeners working with heavy, clay, or poorly draining soil
- Impatient gardeners wanting immediate, full-sized landscape impact
Performance breakdown
Drought Tolerance
Exceptional water efficiency makes this a standout for arid landscape designs.
Pollinator Attraction
A high-impact nectar source that reliably draws hummingbirds to the garden.
Pest Resistance
Strong natural defenses effectively deter common garden browsers like deer and rabbits.
Maintenance Ease
Requires minimal intervention once established, perfect for low-effort gardening enthusiasts.
Visual Versatility
Silvery foliage and vibrant blooms provide multi-seasonal interest and textural contrast.
Climate Adaptability
Broad hardiness range allows for successful cultivation across diverse regional zones.
Key Specs
Size at Purchase
5" Deep Pot
Mature Height
1.5 feet
Mature Spread
2.0 feet
Native To
North America (California, Nevada, Arizona)
Soil Type Preference
Sandy, Clay, Well-drained
Sun Exposure Requirement
Full Sun
USDA Hardiness Zone
Zone 5-10
Plant Life Cycle
Perennial
Features
- Intensely aromatic foliage for sensory appeal
- Long blooming period provides extended color
- Attracts hummingbirds and pollinators
- Deer and rabbit resistant for worry-free gardening
- Provides attractive winter interest
- Drought tolerant once established
- Low maintenance care requirements
- Introduction by High Country Gardens
What customers say
Customers consistently highlight the superior quality of the 'Mulberry Flambe' plants received, noting their excellent health and robust size right out of the box. The primary appeal is its remarkable reliability, thriving even in difficult, arid garden settings where other salvias struggle. Gardeners appreciate its dependable, vibrant color display and strong attraction to hummingbirds, confirming its status as a robust, high performance perennial.
Know before you buy
Since this Salvia reaches a mature spread of about 2 feet, you should space them at least 24 inches apart to ensure proper air circulation and allow the plant to reach its full size.
While it is highly drought-tolerant once established, it requires moderate watering during its first growing season to develop a strong root system. After that, it thrives with minimal supplemental irrigation.
The 'Mulberry Flambe' is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 10, meaning it can withstand cold winters down to zone 5. Its ability to provide winter interest makes it a reliable choice for varied climates.
This plant is quite adaptable and performs well in sandy or clay soils, provided the drainage is excellent. It does not tolerate 'wet feet,' so ensure the planting site does not hold standing water.
It is a low-maintenance perennial that requires very little intervention. You can lightly prune it after the bloom cycle to encourage a tidy shape and promote healthy growth for the following season.
Yes, it is a magnet for hummingbirds and various pollinators. Its aromatic foliage and vibrant blooms make it an excellent addition to a pollinator-friendly landscape.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$17