Southern Living Plant Collection and Sunset Western Garden Collection introduced two new varieties of salvia, including Salvia Embers Wish.
Photo: Courtesy of Southern Living Plant Collection

Get a jump on the latest exclusive introductions from Southern Living Plant Collection and Sunset Western Garden Collection – "Love and Wishes" and "Ember's Wish" salvias.

Cousins of the popular "Wendy's Wish" salvia, these fast growers are ideal for adding color to landscapes and perform well in full sun to part shade. Bright flowers and long bloom seasons (year round in frost-free climates) make these salvias standout.

"Love and Wishes" and "Ember's Wish" salvias are characterized by their size (3 feet wide by 3-4 feet high) and heat tolerance. The deep purples of "Love and Wishes" and the bright coral blooms of "Ember's Wish" form eye-catching balls of color and will enhance gardens with no pruning or deadheading.

"Wendy's Wish" salvia won a flameproof award from the Dallas Arboretum for it's easy care bright blooms throughout the summer heat and humidity. "Ember's Wish" has the same attributes, only in an exciting hot coral color, which is very unique in blooming plants. "Love and Wishes" has deep, dark purple blooms.

Plants are sterile, fast growing and form a 3-foot ball of color without any deadheading. Although not hardy below 28 degrees, plants are day-length neutral, and will bloom from early Spring through frost. Blooms year round in frost free climates. Lower water needs then most annual color crops, can be on same irrigation as other medium water shrubs and plants.

Salvias benefit from a hard yearly pruning (down to about 3") and fertilizing, usually in early Spring as temperatures are beginning to warm. Plants can be cut back by one-third after first bloom to keep more compact.

To order, contact Plant Development Services at www.plantdevelopment.com or call (888) 922-7374. Southern Living Plant Collection is a series of innovative plants selected for their ability to solve specific landscape challenges and to excel in Southern gardens. The collection is the result of a partnership between Plant Development Services Inc., and Southern Living magazine to bring high performing plants suitable for Southern gardens to the market.