Photo of Salvia 'John Whittlesey' flower by Almost Eden

Photo by Almost Eden

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Salvia 'John Whittlesey'

Also Known As

  • Salvia x 'John Whittlesey'
  • John Whittlesey Salvia

Plant type

shrub

size

  • H: 3'-4'
  • W: 4'-5'

planting zones

  • 6a-11

More Options

Salvia 'John Whittlesey' plant details

Salvia 'John Whittlesey' is a broadleaf evergreen shrub with green foliage. In fall, spring and summer red flowers emerge. Attracts bees, beneficial insects, butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average, gritty, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and humidity tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Salvia 'John Whittlesey'

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: lamiaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 4 FT - 5 FT - wide, 3 FT - 4 FT - tall
Flowers: red blooms in fall, spring and summer
Uses: easy-to-grow, fragrant foliage, long-blooming, rock garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Salvia 'John Whittlesey'

USDA Zones: 6a - 11
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: deer, heat and humidity
Soil needs: average, gritty, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Rich scarlet tubular flowers with large showy lower lips are produced in dense clusters on tall spikes held well above the small arrowhead shaped, textured, fragrant foliage. A Salvia darcyi x S. 'Hot Lips' hybrid, John Whittlesey Salvia is an exceptionally vigorous and free flowering, cold hardy perennial Salvia that will delight your hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees from late spring/early summer until frost! Named for the California Salvia specialist and author of The Plant Lover's Guide to Salvias and it is a worthy garden perennial for its sheer flower power! Provide good drainage and ample sunlight.

Gardening facts about Salvia 'John Whittlesey' plant

How to Grow Salvia 'John Whittlesey'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • occasional - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • rocky
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • humidity tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • red
  • Wildlife

    • beneficial insects
    • bees
    • butterflies
    • hummingbirds
    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • fall
    • summer
    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen

See other plant types of Salvia for your garden

aka Bee Sage, White Sage

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

7a-10b

Size

Height: 3'-4'

Width: 2'-4'

  • sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Salvia apiana foliage by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
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aka Salvia cacaliaefolia, Salvia cacaliifolia, Cacalia Sage

Plant Type

Shrub, Perennial

Zones

9a-10b

Size

Height: 2'-4'

Width: 2'-4'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • regular
Photo of Salvia cacaliifolia [Guatemalan Blue] flower by J.G. in SF
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aka Chiapas Sage

Plant Type

Shrub, Perennial

Zones

8a-10b

Size

Height: 3'

Width: 3'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular
Photo of Salvia chiapensis flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
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More Options

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

8a-11

Size

Height: 3'

Width: 3'

  • sun
  • low - drought tolerant
Photo of Salvia clevelandii form by Kenpei
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aka Chia

Plant Type

Herb, Annual / Biennial

Zones

1-12

Size

Height: 4"-20"

Width: 4"-12"

  • sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Salvia columbariae close-up, flower by Curtis Clark
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