Name: Half-ear Sage
Rating: 1.50 (2 reviews)

1/2

Half-ear Sage

Salvia semiatrata

A striking sage with exceptionally large, multicolored flower spikes in shades of violet, purple, magenta, and blue.

$18.90

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Description

Salvia semiatrata is a striking, herbaceous perennial (or semi-shrub) native to the highlands of Zacatecas, Mexico, prized for its exceptionally large, colorful flower spikes and unique, multicolored blooms. This distinctive sage forms an upright, clumping mound of medium to large, heart-shaped, green leaves with heavily textured, wrinkled surfaces. From mid-summer through fall, it produces tall, robust, branching stems bearing large, airy, interrupted flower spikes (whorls) of showy, two-lipped, tubular flowers in a captivating combination of deep violet, purple, magenta, and pale blue with prominent green or maroon calyxes, creating a stunning, complex display. The nectar-rich flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. With its dramatic floral architecture, long bloom season, and good heat tolerance once established, it is an outstanding choice for perennial borders, back-of-border plantings, cottage gardens, pollinator gardens, and as a striking specimen plant.

Quick Facts

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Light: Full sun to partial shade (best flowering in full sun)

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Foliage & Flowers: Medium to large, heart-shaped, green, deeply wrinkled, heavily textured leaves; tall, robust stems with large, airy, interrupted whorls of two-lipped, tubular flowers in deep violet, purple, magenta, and pale blue with green or maroon calyxes, blooming from mid-summer through fall .
Mature Height: 3-4 ft (can reach 4-5 ft in ideal conditions)
Mature Spread: 2-3 ft
Growth Rate: Moderate
Hardiness Zones: Estimated USDA 8-10 (requires winter protection in colder zones)
Core Benefits: Exceptionally large, multicolored flower spikes (violet, purple, magenta, blue), long bloom season (summer to fall), dramatic floral architecture, attracts hummingbirds.
Best Uses: Perennial borders, back-of-border plantings, cottage gardens, pollinator gardens, specimen plant, cutting gardens.

Faqs

Q: What makes Half-Ear Sage unique?
A: It is prized for its exceptionally large, airy, interrupted flower spikes that display a captivating, complex combination of colors, including deep violet, purple, magenta, and pale blue, often at the same time.

Q: How tall does it get?
A: It typically forms an upright clump reaching 3-4 feet in height (up to 4-5 feet in ideal conditions), with a spread of 2-3 feet.

Q: How long does it bloom?
A: It blooms from mid-summer through fall, providing a long season of large, showy, multicolored flower spikes.

Q: How much sun does it need?
A: For the best flowering and robust growth, plant in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily). It will tolerate very light shade but may become leggy.

Q: How much water does it need?
A: Once established, it has good heat tolerance but prefers moderate, regular water. It requires well-drained soil and should not be overwatered.

Q: Does it attract hummingbirds?
A: Yes, the nectar-rich, tubular flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

📍 Primary Delivery Area · San Francisco Bay Area

Local delivery across the Bay Area — and beyond.

San Francisco Bay Area is our primary local delivery market. Victory Nursery also serves additional California markets and selected extended delivery areas by arrangement.

Regular local delivery: San Francisco, Peninsula, South Bay, East Bay, Marin, Tracy / Mountain House and surrounding service areas.

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1 Gallon

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Gallon describes the container size, not a guaranteed plant height. Individual plants vary. Contact our nursery for current measurements.

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2 stars: 1 (50%)
1 star: 1 (50%)

It died a few days later after it arrived. I’m not sure if it was because it was the day the delivery truck got broken down and the plat probably struggled in the heat in the box. Not happy with my purchase.

Hi Alexis, we’re sorry the Half-ear Sage did not make it after delivery. Thank you for reaching out and giving us the opportunity to address the issue. We have issued a refund for the plant, and we appreciate your understanding. — Victory Nursery