Family: LAMIACEAE
Scientific name: Salvia mexicana ‘Limelight’
Common Name: Limelight
Salvia mexicana ‘Limelight’ is an evergreen perennial (a plant that will live more than two years) that will reach a maximum height of 1.5 metres and have a spread of 1.2 metres. Salvia’s are a must-have in any cottage garden and are very popular amongst many gardeners because of their vibrant floral displays. Flowers will appear mid to late summer and will continue to bloom through the autumn months. Salvia mexicana ‘Limelight’ has electric blue flowers with green calyxes. The flowers contrast beautifully against the dark green foliage. The leaves are large and elliptical shaped.
They can be grown in full-day sun to part-shade in a moist position that has good draining soil, such as a loam – loam clay. Once the flowers finish blooming in late autumn prune to encourage compact and healthy growth. Pruning will also result in more flowers the following year. To maximise their growth and blooms fertilise twice a year in their growing seasons. Fertilise in early spring (september) to encourage strong growth and then again in early autumn (march) to encourage an abundance of flowers. I have been using Organic Fertiliser by Grow Better on my garden and have been seeing great results within 3-4 weeks. It comes in a pallet form making the application quick and easy. Once applied, water it into the soil and re-apply every 4-6 weeks. This will help to encourage strong healthy growth and encourage more flowers during their flowering time.
Salvia mexicana ‘Limelight’ is one of my all time favourites and is always an eye-catching display in the garden. I especially love it when the sun hits the flowers and foliage in the evening. This would make a great addition to any Salvia collector!
By Bonnie-Marie Hibbs
©BMHPhotographyTheGardener’sNotebook2016
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