Description
Form: Herb.
Lifespan: Perennial.
Leaf retention: Evergreen in frost-free regions.
Growth rate: Moderate to rapid.
Mature Size: 2-3' (30-60cm) high and wide.
Flowers: Similar to Salvia greggii in shape, the flowers can be red, red and white, or white, depending on temperature during flower bud formation. High temperatures result in all white.
Bloom: Depending on local climate: starting in fall, heaviest in winter, sporadically throughout spring; or, spring through fall.
Fruit: Up to four tiny seeds at the base of each dried flower.
Leaves: Green, small, almost triangular, toothed edges.
Stems: Herbaceous with a square cross-section.
Wildlife: The flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
Toxic / Danger: No.
Origin: Mexico.

Cultivation and Uses
USDA hardiness zones: 8-10. This plant is killed to the ground by hard freezes but will come back from its roots.
Heat tolerant: This plant needs part shade in high temperatures.
Drought tolerant: Yes, in part shade.
Sun: One-quarter to three-quarters shade. Avoid full sun and full shade.
Soil: Well draining, pH 6.1-7.8 (slightly acidic to slightly alkaline).
Water once established: Once or twice a month in part shade. Weekly in nearly full sun. Over watering results in a leggy appearance.
Prune: In late winter, trim to shape, reducing stems by no more than one-third. This will encourage branching and denser growth.
Litter: Low except for winter cleanup in regions with freezes.
Propagation: Dividing the rootball, layering, seed. Seed will not grow true to the original plant.
Uses: Shaded ornamental. For culinary mint plants, see Low Water Culinary Herbs.

Comments
This plant is a member of the Mint family (Lamiaceae). It is a natural cross between Salvia microphylla and Salvia greggii where their ranges overlap in the wild.

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