Garden hybrid

35 other cultivars

perennial

Phyllis' Fancy Sage

Q: What zones can Phyllis' Fancy Sage grow in?

Phyllis' Fancy Sage is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Q: Is Phyllis' Fancy Sage deer resistant?

Yes — Phyllis' Fancy Sage is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

Q: When does Phyllis' Fancy Sage bloom?

Phyllis' Fancy Sage typically blooms in summer through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Q: Does Phyllis' Fancy Sage need full sun?

Phyllis' Fancy Sage does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Q: Is Phyllis' Fancy Sage drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Phyllis' Fancy Sage handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.

Salvia x hybrida 'Phyllis' Fancy'

$22.00

The Story

Plant Bio

Salvia is a vast genus of aromatic herbs and shrubs in the mint family, characterized by square stems and two-lipped flowers. Many hybrid selections combine the drought tolerance of their parent species with a highly extended blooming season.

'Phyllis' Fancy' is a vigorous cultivar distinguished by its top-heavy, barrel-chested growth habit that flares outward from a narrow base. The flowers feature light lavender to white corollas emerging from fuzzy, dark violet-purple calyces on long, arching spikes.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a dramatic, architectural silhouette with long-lasting, two-toned purple and lavender flower spikes from mid-summer into winter.

Offers excellent deer and rabbit resistance once established, making it highly useful in open or rural landscapes.

Serves as an exceptional nectar source for hummingbirds, monarch butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insect pollinators.

SpeciesSalvia x hybridaHybrid Sage

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

84"

Width

84"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Low to Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Mexico and Central America (parent species)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Summer – Fall

In flower about 6 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Plant Delights Nursery

<1 Gal Pot1+ Gal Pot

In Stock$22.00

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to light shade with average, highly permeable soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and plant at the same depth as the container, ensuring excellent drainage.
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, drought-tolerant root system.
Provide at least six feet of lateral clearance to accommodate the wide, flaring upper canopy.

Pro Tip

Give this cultivar ample lateral space in the garden; its unique top-heavy, barrel-chested architecture means the upper canopy requires a wide berth despite its narrow base, and planting in heavy, poorly drained clay will cause root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Cut the plant back hard to near ground level in late winter after the threat of hard frost has passed.
Ensure the soil drains rapidly, as the roots will rot in waterlogged or heavy clay soils.
Provide occasional deep watering during extended dry summer spells to maintain foliage quality.

Don't

Do not leave long stubs of old, leafless wood when pruning, as they fail to regenerate cleanly.
Avoid heavy applications of nitrogen-rich fertilizers, which produce weak, floppy stems.
Do not plant in confined spaces where the broad upper canopy will crowd out neighboring plants.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Mixed bordersCottage gardensCoastal gardensPollinator gardensFocal points

Companion Plants

Echinacea purpurea Rudbeckia fulgida Lavandula angustifolia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions