Salvia axillaris Plant Care

Salvia axillaris (Salvia axillaris) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Salvia genus. Salvia axillaris is native to central Mexico from San Luis Potosí to Oaxaca.

Salvia axillaris displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Salvia axillaris produces colorful spikes of tubular flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, or red.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Salvia axillaris every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Salvia axillaris thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Salvia axillaris tolerates temperatures of 50–90°F. Salvia axillaris prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Salvia axillaris to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Salvia axillaris every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added perlite for improved drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Salvia axillaris is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Salvia axillaris can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Salvia axillaris while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Salvia axillaris is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Salvia axillaris can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to sage plant plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Salvia axillaris is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Salvia axillaris grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Salvia axillaris is native to central Mexico from San Luis Potosí to Oaxaca. In cooler regions, grow Salvia axillaris as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.