This heavily blooming salvia originates from Mexico. Flowering from late summer through the winter to makes a spectacular show when not much else is in colour. With rich red – orange flowers and almost black calyxes it attracts birds and people alike. Tolerant of dryness once established it is best in a frost free area as its flowers would be knocked back at this time. A well drained sunny location is ideal.

Height:

1.8m

Width:

1.5m

Plants psm:

1

Aspect:	An open full sun position.		Water rating
Soil:	A well drained, soil, the do like a compost enriched area
Flowers:	Spring to Autumn
Tolerances:	Frost & cold Coastal Wind Pollution

Cultivation Notes:
Our personal favourite, we have been developing our collection of salvias for a number of years.  Trialling, propagating, dismissing, and even more trialling has led us to a collection of plants that will suit all gardens, regardless of size, style or position.  It is hard to describe the diversity that this family provides, from towering giants to small petite suckering mounds and in a range of beautiful and unusual colour combinations. 

Aspect & Hardiness: xxxx.
Soil: Salvias prefer a well drained soil that is rich in organic matter to help maintain moisture during hot spells. 
Propagation: We propagate our salvias by cutting. The only time we don't take cuttings is in late summer or when they are flowering, most other times you will find them easy to propagate and very rewarding.  Finer braching types such as 'Chirstine Yeo' may benefit from a heel cutting for best results. 
Watering: Settle them in with a few weeks of watering and then ease off.  They are very dry tolerant, though like most perennials will preform better if given regular water during flowering. 
Feeding: Moderate feeding is recommended in early spring with an organic slow release fertiliser. 
Pruning: Prune after flowering, or in early spring to shape the bush.  Salvias can grow quickly and some varieties can get out of hand without a bit of selective pruning.  The larger stemmed varieites make great cut flowers. 
Pest & Disease free. We haven't found anything of note that attacks salvias apart from metallic bettle.  It particularly likes the soft leaf varieties.  Control with confidor at regular intervals while present.
Planting Companions: You will find salvia blend well with most garden plants, but look particularly effective with Achillea, Delphiniums, Foxgloves, and Centranthus.

Our 2cents worth:

Tequila is one of those salvia oddities that just makes people salvia addicts.  The bright red flowers and black calyx stand out really well against the lime green foliage.  Ours is BIG, so make sure you give it room, otherwise, as I have done, a few poor souls have been lost under its growth.  Flowering in the middle of winter, it is a great bright spot in our front garden, which is in desperate need of winter colour.

* Once established over a 6-8 week period