Photo of Salvia madrensis flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Photo by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Used with permission, all rights reserved

Show all photos

Salvia madrensis

Also Known As

  • Forsythia Sage

Plant type

shrub, perennial

size

  • H: 8'
  • W: 6'

planting zones

  • 7a-11

More Options

Salvia madrensis plant details

Salvia madrensis is a fast-growing broadleaf semi-evergreen perennial shrub with green foliage. In fall and winter yellow flowers emerge. Attracts beneficial insects and hummingbirds. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - low water. Does well in rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Salvia madrensis

Plant type: perennial shrub
Plant family: lamiaceae
Foliage: semi-evergreen green
Mature size: 6 FT wide, 8 FT tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in fall and winter
Uses: border plant, floriferous, tropical-looking, unique, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Salvia madrensis

USDA Zones: 7a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: heat
Soil needs: rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

An evergreen, shrubby perennial. Large 15cm long, heart shaped, mid green, velvety leaves are borne in pairs on stiff, erect, square stems which arise in spring from an underground rootstock. Slender spikes of yellow, two lipped flowers are produced from autumn through to winter. When new shoots appear in spring remove the old stems.

By: Zephs

This hugh growing salvia is also called Forsythia Salvia and is hardy to 25 degrees. Origin is Mexico. It has square stems, large and thick with jointed segments, heart shaped bright green leaves, blooms in late summer with vertical spikes of yellow flowers. A spectacular and hard to find plant. Grows 8 feet tall spreads 6 feet wide. Great for back of the border. Blooms late summer. Yellow vertical flower spikes.
Tall spikes of 2" yellow tubular flowers are born in fall and early winter on this vigorous an unusually colored Salvia. Not only is it yellow but Forsythia Sage enjoys light shade or part shade in a well drained sandy-loam where its yellow spikes are sure to make a statement. May be somewhat shrub-like in mild winter climates but it is a die-back perennial in zone 8. In mild winter regions Forsythia Sage is known to reach 8-10' but can easily be kept smaller with pruning. Considered by some to be hardy in zone 7 with a deep mulch and a protected location.
Yellow flowers are an unusual color for Salvias and Salvia madrensis has lovely yellow flowers on spikes that are 12” long. It blooms in fall through winter just when you need some color in your garden, (and hummingbirds need some food as well). This Salvia gets to be about 8’ tall. The bright green foliage looks lush and almost tropical. From Mexico. Flowers hold well in a vase.

Gardening facts about Salvia madrensis plant

How to Grow Salvia madrensis

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular - low
  • Soil Needs

    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • yellow
  • Wildlife

    • beneficial insects
    • hummingbirds
  • Flower Season

    • fall
    • winter
  • Foliage Season

    • semi-evergreen
Mailing List
Sign Up for updates on new plant arrivals and deals

© 2010—2024 Plant Lust, LLC All Rights Reserved