When we think “gardening expert,” a few local green thumbs might come to mind, but Dallas Arboretum’s Vice President of Gardens Dave Forehand certainly makes his way to the forefront. Each month, we’ll be sharing Forehand’s seasonal gardening tips and insight. Today, Dave’s talking herbs, vegetables, and fruits to plant now.
As we prepare our gardens for the Texas heat, we seek out flowers that are not only tough enough to make it through the summer, but also another round come fall. Our answer: the Salvia.
5 Things to Know About Salvias
- From my favorite, “Mystic Spires Bloom,” with its true blue heat-resistant flowers that bloom freely all season, to the Salvia greggi, a drought-resistant variety native to south Texas, Salvias are a favorite for their durability and lasting beauty.
- Hardy salvias are invulnerable to pests and diseases.
- Encourage new growth in the fall by pruning salvias back vigorously in mid to late summer.
- Hungry Texas critters such as deer usually leave the flowers alone, but butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees love salvia’s nectar. I’ve seen the Arboretum’s “Mystic Spires Blue” alive in deep blue complement to herds of bright orange migrating monarchs.
- One variety of salvia, “Wendy’s Wish,” can reach over four feet. You can preview them and other varieties of powerful salvia at the Arboretum this summer.
