Giant Bolivian sage (Salvia dombeyi)
Giant Bolivian sage (Salvia dombeyi) is a conservatory or greenhouse grown type of plant that can grow 1.5m – 3m tall and 50cm – 1.5m wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Giant Bolivian sage (Salvia dombeyi).
This plant has several common names including: giant Bolivian sage or Sacred Incan sage.
This is a semi-evergreen plant that takes 2-5 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: giant Bolivian sage, Sacred Incan sage
Scientific name: Salvia dombeyi
Plant type: Conservatory & Greenhouse, Perennials
Habit: Bushy
Height: 1.5m – 3m
Spread: 50cm – 1.5m
Foliage: Semi-evergreen
Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial shade
Soil: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Moist but well drained, Well drained
Garden type: Informal Garden, Patio & Container Garden
Planting type: Flower borders and bedding, Wall-side Borders
Seasonal colors
Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
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Spring | ||||
Summer | ||||
Autumn | ||||
Winter |
How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Giant Bolivian sage (Salvia dombeyi), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Giant Bolivian sage (Salvia dombeyi) is not a demanding plant regarding the type of soil and can grow in chalk, loam or sand.
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The chalky soil is pale and contains chunks of calcium-rich rock. It is a fertile and well-draining soil, almost always alkaline.
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The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.
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Sandy soil is light, porous and very easy to drain. It is a soil poor in organic matter and nutrients. It is composed of relatively large mineral particles that allow water to drain quickly.
It is not very sensitive to soil acidity or alkalinity and grows well in soils with pH acid, alkaline or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Salvia dombeyi likes to grow in moist but well drained or well drained soils.
Sunlight
Giant Bolivian sage (Salvia dombeyi) is a plant that should be grown in full sun or partial shade positions.