Fire, I love that hedge! I’ve always liked Hotlips, I used to pass a big bush of it in a nearby town and loved the look of it. I have a salvia in a pot, but it’s plain white and a bit boring. At the garden centre this morning, I saw another variety which was a very dark purply red and white, but forgot to make a note of the name. Might have to make a trip back and buy some. However, I must be strong and wait until I’ve decided where to plant it.
When the hedge is covered, like last year, it's a talking point for neighbours, who have never seen such a plant before. Many ask for cuttings and seem to really like it - struck by the fact that it's heaving with bees. Various neighbours have Bumble and HL now planted under street trees and in their own front gardens. So, on that front, I am fond of the hedge.
HLs was also one of the first plants to strike me when I bought the house and had my own first garden here. I bought a small plant at a local market and it was of the first things I planted.
Once threat of frost has passed I cut the hedge down to the lowest point of green shoots and this keeps it quite dense and it doesn't get woody. In mild areas you might be able to do this in autumn. You would then gets flowers earlier in the spring. But I do lose salvias sometimes to cold - so you picks your option and makes your choice.
I have about five salvia plants in that hedge. Some have got quite woody, so I am swapping them out slowly. I don't water it. Prune twice a year. From my cutting, the plant will get to nearly hedge size in one year.
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