Salvia darcyi
Best vibrant bloomer for attracting pollinators to sunny gardens.
Mexican sage is a popular herbaceous perennial known for its light green, heart-shaped leaves and abundant, brilliant coral-red flowers. It thrives in full sun and is well-suited for xeric gardens due to its low water needs and drought tolerance. This plant is a favorite among hummingbirds and is also deer-resistant and juglone tolerant. While typically hardy in zones 7-10, some sources suggest it can be grown in zone 5 with overwintering precautions. Propagation is planned for future availability.
$18.99
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4.5
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Category Rank
2378
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#2378 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-31%
Below average
Zones
710
/ to
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking continuous color and visual interest throughout the growing season
- Nature enthusiasts wanting to support local ecosystems and enjoy garden visitors
- Busy individuals or those in arid regions desiring unfussy garden plants
Who should skip it
- Gardeners in colder climates expecting a reliable perennial return
- Small garden owners or those preferring contained, non-spreading plant varieties
- Individuals with predominantly shady gardens or limited sunny planting areas
Performance breakdown
Drought Tolerance
Thrives in xeric landscapes with minimal supplemental irrigation requirements.
Pollinator Appeal
Vibrant coral blooms act as a magnet for local hummingbird populations.
Pest Resistance
Reliably deters deer while maintaining lush, healthy foliage throughout the season.
Garden Versatility
Juglone tolerance allows for successful planting near challenging black walnut trees.
Climate Adaptability
Best suited for warmer zones with potential for overwintering in colder climates.
Visual Impact
Striking coral-red flowers provide consistent color from early summer through autumn.
Key Specs
Zones
7 to 10
Type
Herbaceous Perennial
Height
36 to 48 in.
Spread
36 to 48 in.
Exposure
Full Sun
Soil
Average, undemanding
Bloom Time
June to September
Native Range
the Mexican Sierra Madre Oriental
Features
- Brilliant coral-red flowers
- Drought tolerant for xeric gardens
- Attracts hummingbirds
- Deer resistant foliage
- Juglone tolerant
- Heart-shaped leaves
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality and robust health of the plants upon arrival. Many highlight the vigorous growth and abundant, vibrant blooms that reliably attract pollinators throughout the season. Reviewers frequently commend the careful packaging, ensuring plants reach them in pristine condition ready for planting. The ease of establishment and impressive resilience, even in varied garden conditions, are recurring positive themes. Gardeners appreciate its long lasting display and the excellent value it adds to their outdoor spaces, making it a highly recommended choice for its beauty and hardiness.
Know before you buy
Since this perennial reaches a mature spread of 36 to 48 inches, you should space them at least three to four feet apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth.
Yes, Salvia darcyi is juglone tolerant, meaning it can thrive in soil conditions where black walnut trees are present, unlike many other sensitive perennials.
It is reliably hardy in zones 7 through 10. While some gardeners in zone 5 have success with overwintering precautions, it is primarily suited for warmer climates.
No, it is highly drought-tolerant and well-suited for xeric gardens. Once established, it requires minimal water, making it a low-maintenance choice for dry landscapes.
It is considered deer-resistant, so it is a great choice if you have frequent deer traffic in your garden. However, no plant is entirely deer-proof if food sources are scarce.
For the best performance and the most abundant coral-red flowers, plant it in a location that receives full sun throughout the day.
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