
(Salvia Amistad)

Friendship sage, Amistad sage, Salvia amistad
Salvia 'Amistad' is a perennial flowering plant species with tall spikes of deep purple flowers and dark green leaves. It is a hybrid of Salvia guaranitica and Salvia gesneriiflora, and was first introduced in 2005.
3-4 feet (90-120 cm)
Friendship sage prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can cause the plant to become leggy and produce fewer flowers.
This plant species prefers moderate to high humidity levels, but can tolerate lower humidity levels.
Fertilize the plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.
Prune the plant in early spring to promote bushier growth and remove any dead or damaged branches. Pinch back the tips of the plant to encourage branching and more flowers.
Common pests for Salvia 'Amistad' include spider mites, whiteflies, and aphids. Diseases such as powdery mildew and root rot can also be a problem if the plant is overwatered.
18-24 inches (45-60 cm)
It is important to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week, and more often during hot, dry weather.
Friendship sage prefers warm temperatures between 60-80°F (15-27°C). It can tolerate occasional dips in temperature, but is not frost-tolerant.
The growing season for Salvia 'Amistad' is from late spring to early fall.
Salvia 'Amistad' is considered moderately easy to grow. It requires some maintenance, but is generally disease-resistant and tolerant of a range of growing conditions.
USDA hardiness zones 8-10
The name 'Amistad' means 'friendship' in Spanish, and this plant species is named for the friendship between the plant breeders who created it.