San Carlos Festival Salvia
Salvia microphylla 'San Carlos Festival'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
24 inches
Width
30 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate, drought-tolerant once established
Humidity
Prefers dry to moderate humidity
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Mexico
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Salvia microphylla 'San Carlos Festival' is a bushy, shrubby perennial with aromatic, ovate leaves and a profusion of vibrant magenta-pink tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. This cultivar is distinguished by its exceptionally long bloom period, from late spring to frost, and its dense, compact habit. It is very heat and drought tolerant once established.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds or cuttings into well-draining soil in spring
- Water regularly until established, then reduce watering
- Place in full sun for best blooming results
- Fertilize lightly in early spring with a balanced fertilizer
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth
- Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Pro Tip
Ensure excellent drainage and full sun for vigorous growth and abundant flowers
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Prune after flowering to promote bushiness
- Fertilize in spring with a balanced fertilizer
- Plant in full sun for best blooms
Don't
- Overwater, causing root rot ❌
- Allow soil to stay soggy ❌
- Prune in late fall ❌
- Use heavy mulch that retains too much moisture ❌
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
San Carlos Festival Salvia questions
What zones can San Carlos Festival Salvia grow in?
San Carlos Festival Salvia 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.
Is San Carlos Festival Salvia deer resistant?
Yes — San Carlos Festival Salvia is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does San Carlos Festival Salvia bloom?
San Carlos Festival Salvia typically blooms in late summer through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does San Carlos Festival Salvia need full sun?
San Carlos Festival Salvia does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is San Carlos Festival Salvia drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), San Carlos Festival Salvia handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
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Keep exploring
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Hardy in your zone?
Grow San Carlos Festival Salvia with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
