Salvia ‘Pinkish Red’

Description

Salvia ‘Pinkish Red’ is a compact, aromatic perennial that delivers a stunning display of red-pink blooms from late spring to autumn. Growing to a height of 50cm with a 40cm spread, it thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers moist but well-drained soil. This hardy plant is low-maintenance, pollinator-friendly, and perfect for beds, borders, and containers alike.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The ideal time to plant Salvia ‘Pinkish Red’ is in spring when the soil begins to warm. This timing allows the plant’s roots to establish before the active blooming season.
• Autumn: Planting Salvia ‘Pinkish Red’ in early autumn also works well, giving the roots a chance to settle before winter, resulting in stronger growth the following spring.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Salvia ‘Pinkish Red’ flourishes in full sun but will also perform in partial shade. Choose a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best results.
• Soil: This variety prefers moist but well-drained soil. To improve poor drainage or enrich the soil, mix in compost or well-rotted organic matter before planting.

Planting Instructions

1. Digging the Hole: Prepare a hole twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth to allow the roots to spread easily.
2. Soil Prep: Blend compost into the planting area to boost nutrients and enhance drainage.
3. Planting: Position Salvia ‘Pinkish Red’ so the top of the root ball sits level with the surrounding soil. Fill in the hole and firm the soil gently.
4. Initial Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and support early root development.

Watering Guidelines

• Active Growth: Once established, Salvia ‘Pinkish Red’ is relatively drought-tolerant. Water when the topsoil feels dry, but avoid letting the soil stay soggy.
• Dormancy: In the colder months, reduce watering. Only water if the soil becomes particularly dry.

Feeding

• Spring: Apply a general-purpose fertiliser in early spring to encourage fresh new growth and strong flowering.
• Mid-Summer: A second, lighter feed in midsummer can help prolong blooming and support healthy foliage.

Pruning and Maintenance

• Deadheading: To maintain appearance and encourage continual blooming, regularly deadhead Salvia ‘Pinkish Red’ by trimming spent flower spikes.
• End-of-Season Care: In autumn, cut the plant back to a few inches above ground level. This helps the plant conserve energy over winter and encourages strong regrowth in spring.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply a layer of organic mulch like bark or compost around Salvia ‘Pinkish Red’ in spring. This helps to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
• Winter: A protective mulch in late autumn helps insulate roots against cold snaps, aiding overwintering.

Supporting the Plant

Salvia ‘Pinkish Red’ has a naturally compact habit and typically doesn’t need staking. However, in exposed or windy areas, a small support can prevent stems from flopping.

Final Tips

Salvia ‘Pinkish Red’ is a compact, easy-care perennial that adds a striking burst of colour from late spring through autumn. With its aromatic foliage and vibrant red-pink flowers, it attracts pollinators and livens up beds, borders, or containers. By giving Salvia ‘Pinkish Red’ plenty of sun, free-draining soil, and a bit of seasonal care, you’ll enjoy a spectacular show season after season. Whether planted alone or as part of a mixed border, Salvia ‘Pinkish Red’ is a garden standout you’ll love growing year after year.