Forsythia Sage

COMMON NAME:  Forsythia Sage

SCIENTIFIC NAME:  Salvia madrensis 

FAMILY:  Lamiaceae (mint Family)

HABIT:  Broadleaf, yellow-flowering perennial. Heart-shaped, rather rough leaves.

HEIGHT:  2- 5 feet.  SPREAD:  2 -3 feet.

BLOOM TIME:  Late summer through fall.

CULTURE:  Native to the Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range in Mexico, growing at 4,000-5,000 foot elevation in warm, wet areas. The species name "madrensis" refers to the high mountains where it grows. Medium water requirements and grows in most soils. Prefers relatively moist conditions.

LIGHT EXPOSURE:  Morning sun to full sun.

HARDINESS ZONE:  8, 9, 10, 11

PROBLEMS:  Few insect and disease issues.

USES:  Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.

COMMENTS:  This yellow flowering salvia blooms late in the season when many other plants are going dormant. The bright yellow flowers on eight to twelve inch spikes are quite striking. The thick square stems, typical of salvias, are thick and rigged. By late autumn the stems normally lean over and the plant has a sprawling growth habit.

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