Salvia reptans
Encyclopedia
Salvia reptans is a widely distributed herbaceous perennial native to the mountains of the Trans-Pecos
in Texas, and in Mexico and Guatemala, typically growing in dry stream beds and gravelly soils. It was introduced into horticulture in the 19th century and was previously known as S. angustifolia and S. leptophylla, both of which refer to the slender leaves. The specific epithet reptans refers to the plant's creeping habit.
The commonly grown clone of Salvia reptans is unusual in that it produces numerous lax or decumbent stems. The other clone grows upright to 3 feet in height, is native to western Texas, and is not grown in horticulture. The variety S. reptans var glabra also grows wild in Texas. In horticulture, Salvia reptans reaches 3 feet wide or more with abundant thin black stems. The stems lay down, virtually covering the ground. The narrow mistletoe-green leaves are sparsely set along the plant. The .5 inch flowers are a beautiful wisteria-blue color, held in a small dark calyx that adds to the plant's attractiveness.
Trans-Pecos
The term Trans-Pecos, as originally defined in 1887 by the Texas geologist Robert T. Hill, refers to the portion of Texas that lies west of the Pecos River. The term is considered synonymous with "Far West Texas", a subdivision of West Texas...
in Texas, and in Mexico and Guatemala, typically growing in dry stream beds and gravelly soils. It was introduced into horticulture in the 19th century and was previously known as S. angustifolia and S. leptophylla, both of which refer to the slender leaves. The specific epithet reptans refers to the plant's creeping habit.
The commonly grown clone of Salvia reptans is unusual in that it produces numerous lax or decumbent stems. The other clone grows upright to 3 feet in height, is native to western Texas, and is not grown in horticulture. The variety S. reptans var glabra also grows wild in Texas. In horticulture, Salvia reptans reaches 3 feet wide or more with abundant thin black stems. The stems lay down, virtually covering the ground. The narrow mistletoe-green leaves are sparsely set along the plant. The .5 inch flowers are a beautiful wisteria-blue color, held in a small dark calyx that adds to the plant's attractiveness.