Species

Salvia madrensisForsythia Sage

1 other cultivar

‘Red Neck Girl’Forsythia Sage

perennialN. America Native

Forsythia Sage 'Dunham'

Salvia madrensis 'Dunham'

The Story

Plant Bio

Salvia madrensis 'Dunham' is a perennial shrub with tall, arching stems covered in velvety, bright green leaves and spikes of tubular, pale yellow flowers that attract pollinators.

This cultivar is distinguished by its vigorous growth habit and extended flowering period, making it an excellent choice for tall borders and wildlife gardens.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides vibrant purple blooms that attract pollinators, enhancing garden aesthetics.

Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, ideal for water-wise gardens.

Supports bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, promoting biodiversity.

SpeciesSalvia madrensisForsythia Sage

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

84 inches

Width

48 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Mexico and Central America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds into well-draining soil and water gently.
Place in full sun for optimal flowering.
Keep soil moist but not soggy during germination, approximately 2 weeks.
Transplant seedlings after the last frost date in your area.
Space plants 18-24 inches apart for good air circulation.
Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pro Tip

Ensure well-draining soil and full sun for best growth and flowering.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
Prune back after flowering to encourage new growth
Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring

Don't

Overwater to prevent root rot ❌
Avoid fertilizing late in the season
Don’t ignore pests like aphids

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Propagate
Prune
Stake
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Pollinator-friendly borderAromatic herb gardenDrought-tolerant landscape

Companion Plants

Lavender Sedum Echinacea CoreopsisYarrow

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Forsythia Sage 'Dunham' questions

What zones can Forsythia Sage 'Dunham' grow in?

Forsythia Sage 'Dunham' 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 Forsythia Sage 'Dunham' deer resistant?

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

When does Forsythia Sage 'Dunham' bloom?

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

Does Forsythia Sage 'Dunham' need full sun?

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

Is Forsythia Sage 'Dunham' drought tolerant?

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