Salvia purpurea Cav.

Taxonomic Identity

Salvia purpurea Cav. is a herbaceous perennial plant.

Native Range

It is native to multiple Mexican states, and its range extends south into Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras.

Formal Description History

It was first formally described by Antonio José Cavanilles in 1793.

Horticultural Status

It has only recently been used in horticulture, and is rarely offered for sale by nurseries.

Mature Size

Mature plants reach up to 7 feet (2.1 meters) in height, and are smaller in width.

Leaf Characteristics

It has ovate yellow-green leaves with serrated edges.

Blooming Period

Inflorescences start to grow in mid-autumn, and the plant continues blooming through winter.

Flower Color and Arrangement

The flowers are pinkish purple-violet, arranged in tight verticils that appear unbalanced on one side of the flower spike.

Flower Size and Placement

The 0.75 inch (19 mm) flowers are tightly packed at the ends of numerous flowering branches.