Sage (Salvia 'Wendy's Wish')
Salvia 'Wendy's Wish' (Sage) is a low-maintenance evergreen offering showy magenta-pink blooms from May to September in full sun.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Salvia ‘Wendy’s Wish’ is a highly valued, compact hybrid Sage cultivar known for its exceptionally long season of brilliant color. This Broadleaf evergreen provides continuous visual interest with its striking magenta-pink, tubular flowers that appear from late spring well into early fall. Gardeners prize this Salvia because it maintains an attractive mounding habit without excessive fuss.
Highly attractive to essential insect pollinators, including hummingbirds and butterflies, Salvia ‘Wendy’s Wish’ brings dynamic movement and color to sunny borders. It thrives in conditions mimicking its native tolerance—dry to medium moisture—making it an excellent choice for water-wise landscapes where dependable, showy color is required.
This cultivar reliably delivers a burst of color, reaching up to 4 feet high and wide in warm climates. While listed for annual use in cooler areas, its low maintenance profile ensures that both novice and experienced gardeners can easily incorporate the beauty of Salvia ‘Wendy’s Wish’ into their designs.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Lamiaceae
- Plant Type: Broadleaf evergreen
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 9-11
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 2-4 ft
- Spread: 2-4 ft
- Bloom Time: May to September
- Bloom Description: Magenta pink
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Dry to medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Plant Salvia ‘Wendy’s Wish’ where it receives total dedication to full sun exposure. This Sage variety performs best when established in well-draining soil that is allowed to dry slightly between waterings; it demonstrates good tolerance for occasional drought once mature. Avoid heavy, waterlogged conditions, which can quickly lead to root issues.
Watering should be mindful—aim for evenly moist to dry soil rather than constantly saturated. Fertilization is rarely required if the soil quality is decent, supporting its low-maintenance nature. The most important care involves pruning to manage its shape and encourage prolific blooming.
Pinch back the stems early in the growing season to promote a denser, bushier structure rather than a leggy one. Consistent deadheading—removing faded flower spikes—will significantly extend the bloom period through September. Furthermore, a hard cutback performed in late winter or very early spring before new growth begins is crucial for maintaining its desirable compact habit. Note that this specific hybrid is not known to set viable seed.
Landscape Uses
Salvia ‘Wendy’s Wish’ is exceptionally versatile, fitting seamlessly into perennial borders, cottage gardens, and specialized wildlife habitats. Its upright, mounding habit makes it perfect for adding mid-level texture in front of taller shrubs or as a substantial filler plant among drought-tolerant perennials. Consider using this Salvia cultivar in containers where its vibrant magenta-pink hue can be appreciated up close, offering a strong vertical element alongside trailing annuals.
For maximum visual impact, pair the striking flowers of Salvia ‘Wendy’s Wish’ with plants that contrast in texture or color, such as silver-leafed foliage like Lamb’s Ears or plants with blue flowers like Catmint. It excels in mixed borders dedicated to attracting pollinators, creating an active, vibrant space from late spring through summer. Because Deer tend to avoid the scented leaves, it provides reliable color where browsing pressure is a concern.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Good Cut
Noteworthy Characteristics
Salvia is a genus boasting over 900 species worldwide, featuring annuals, perennials, and shrubs, with the name derived from the Latin word salveo, meaning “to save or heal.” ‘Wendy’s Wish’ is a compact, upright to mounding hybrid that commands attention with bright, magenta-pink, tubular flowers held in terminal spike-like racemes atop deep pink stems. This cultivar offers an extended bloom period beginning in late spring and continuing to early fall, proving highly attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies, while its blooms are excellent for fresh-cut arrangements.
Tolerances
- Deer
- Drought
Potential Problems
While generally robust, Salvia ‘Wendy’s Wish’ can occasionally face fungal challenges. Monitor foliage closely for signs of powdery mildew, leaf spot, or rust, often exacerbated by high humidity or poor air circulation. Ensuring excellent drainage remains the primary preventative measure against many root and fungal diseases associated with Sage.
Insect pests are usually minor, but keep an eye out for occasional outbreaks of white fly or scale, particularly when growing the plant in protected or greenhouse environments. Fortunately, deer typically ignore the scented foliage of most salvias, meaning aesthetic damage from browsing is seldom an issue for this plant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Salvia ‘Wendy’s Wish’ suitable for?
Salvia ‘Wendy’s Wish’ is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 9 through 11, where it functions as a low-maintenance broadleaf evergreen.
How large does Sage grow?
When fully established, this Sage typically reaches a mature height between 2 and 4 feet, with a similar spread of 2 to 4 feet, offering a compact, mounding structure.
When does Salvia ‘Wendy’s Wish’ bloom?
This cultivar provides an exceptionally long bloom display, starting in May and continuing consistently until September, showcasing vibrant magenta-pink flowers.
What sun exposure does Salvia ‘Wendy’s Wish’ need?
For the best flowering performance and healthiest growth, Salvia ‘Wendy’s Wish’ requires full sun exposure throughout the day.
Conclusion
For vibrant, long-lasting color coupled with surprisingly low maintenance demands, Salvia ‘Wendy’s Wish’ is an outstanding choice for sunny locations. This beautiful Sage cultivar reliably attracts pollinators while tolerating dry conditions once established. Before planting, confirm that your growing area falls within USDA Zones 9-11, and focus on providing excellent drainage to ensure years of healthy, magenta-pink blooms.
Wildlife Benefits
The tubular flowers of Salvia ‘Wendy’s Wish’ are perfectly shaped for sipping high-energy nectar, making this plant a favorite among local wildlife. Hummingbirds are frequently observed visiting the magenta spikes throughout the summer months, drawn in by the abundance of blooms throughout its long season. Butterflies also readily utilize this Salvia as both a nectar source and a resting spot.
Planting Salvia ‘Wendy’s Wish’ in drifts rather than single specimens enhances its visibility to pollinators, effectively turning a section of your garden into a dynamic wildlife focal point. Pairing it with other native bloomers that offer different flower shapes can further broaden the spectrum of insect life you support in your landscape.
Companion Planting Suggestions
When designing beds around Salvia ‘Wendy’s Wish’, select neighbors that share its need for full sun and dry to medium soil conditions. Plants with silvery or gray foliage create a stunning contrast against the deep green leaves and the brilliant magenta blooms of the Sage. Excellent companions include Lavender (Lavandula spp.), Yarrow (Achillea spp.), or Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia).
Alternatively, use contrasting bloom colors to define your cottage garden style. Pairing the pink flowers of this Salvia with cool blues and purples, such as those found in Hardy Geraniums (Cranesbill) or Russian Sage, creates a classic, visually soothing color palette. Ensure that any companion plant does not aggressively shade the low-growing Salvia ‘Wendy’s Wish’.
