Salvia 'Pink Dawn' PP26343 (25) BR Plants

Product Description

Salvia 'Pink Dawn' PP26343 CPBR5569 (25) Bare Root Plants
COLOR SPIRES® Collection
Common Name: Perennial Salvia, Garden Sage

‘Pink Dawn’ produces a cloud of sizable, cotton candy pink blossoms which pop open from fuchsia buds held on purplish stems from late spring into early summer. Compared to other pink Salvias, it is a bit longer blooming due to its well-branched flower stems.

Salvia is a staple item for every sunny garden. It asks little more than sunshine and a little drink every once in a while in return for producing a bountiful mass of colorful flower spires from late spring into early summer. It forms a uniform, rounded clump of aromatic, rugose green foliage that looks nice all season long and is not enjoyed by rabbits or deer.

Salvia is easy to grow in almost any climate. Though it is drought tolerant, it will bloom better with regular watering. Deadheading encourages a longer bloom time. If plants get leggy during the season, cut them all the way back to the newly developed foliage. If cut back, plants may rebloom in fall but often the flowers are fewer and smaller.

Height: 16-20 Inches
Spread: 16-20 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8
Flower Color: Pink shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Low to Average Water Needs
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Late Spring - Early Summer
Attracts Butterflies and Hummingbirds
Bee Friendly
Deer and Rabbit Resistant
Seasonal Interest: Dried Seed Heads
Growth Rate: Medium

Border Plant, Container, Cut Flower, Cut Foliage, Dried Flower, Easy To Grow, Fragrant Flowers, Fragrant Foliage, Mass Planting, Salt Tolerant

Salvia 'Pink Dawn' is a captivating perennial that has garnered significant attention for its unique beauty and versatility. This comprehensive guide delves into the various aspects of this plant, from its characteristics and growing conditions to its potential uses and where it can be purchased.

Characteristics of Salvia 'Pink Dawn' Salvia 'Pink Dawn' is a compact, upright perennial that forms a bushy mound of fragrant foliage. It is characterized by its stunning spikes of cotton candy pink flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer, often with a second flush of blooms appearing in late summer. Imagine delicate, sizable blossoms in a soft shade of pink, emerging from fuchsia buds that adorn the purplish stems. These flowers, densely arranged in whorls, create a captivating spectacle that draws the eye and enlivens any garden. The plant typically reaches a height of 16-20 inches with a similar spread, forming a well-proportioned and eye-catching presence in the landscape.

The foliage of Salvia 'Pink Dawn' is equally appealing, with mid-green to gray-green leaves that boast a unique wavy edge and an aromatic quality. These wrinkled, lanceolate leaves, growing up to 4 inches long, add a textural element to the plant's overall appearance. And when brushed against or gently crushed, the leaves release a delightful fragrance that further enhances the sensory experience of this remarkable plant.

Salvia 'Pink Dawn' is a member of the Color Spires® series from Proven Winners®. It was discovered as a chance seedling by Hans A. Hansen of Walters Gardens in 2011 in a residential garden in Zeeland, Michigan. While its exact parentage remains a mystery, Salvia 'May Night' was growing nearby, suggesting a possible connection. This captivating salvia is not only heat tolerant but also exhibits remarkable resilience to common garden pests, including deer and rabbits. It is also salt tolerant, making it a suitable choice for coastal gardens or areas exposed to road salt.

The genus name Salvia originates from the Latin word "salveo," meaning "to save or heal," alluding to the medicinal properties associated with some plants in this genus. This connection to healing and well-being adds another layer of intrigue to this already fascinating plant.

Growing Conditions Salvia 'Pink Dawn' thrives in the warmth of full sun and the well-drained embrace of fertile soil. While adaptable to various soil types, it shows a preference for sandy or gravelly soils that offer excellent drainage. Although it demonstrates a commendable tolerance for drought, providing it with consistent moisture, especially during the flowering period, will reward you with a more abundant and vibrant display of blooms. Ensuring good air circulation around the plant is also crucial for its overall health and vigor. It is worth noting that Salvia 'Pink Dawn' has the ability to rebloom in late summer, extending its season of interest and providing a welcome splash of color as other plants begin to fade.

This hardy perennial thrives in USDA zones 3 to 8, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of climates. The ideal time to introduce this beauty to your garden is during the cooler months of spring or early fall. When planting, prepare the soil by loosening it to a depth of 12 inches and incorporating compost to enrich it with nutrients. Dig a hole twice as wide as the container the plant comes in and position the plant so that the top of the root ball sits level with the surrounding soil. Space plants 1 to 3 feet apart, depending on the mature size of the variety, to allow for adequate growth and air circulation.

Care Instructions One of the many appealing aspects of Salvia 'Pink Dawn' is its low-maintenance nature, making it a suitable choice even for beginner gardeners. With minimal care, this plant will reward you with its captivating beauty and long-lasting blooms. Here are some care instructions to ensure its healthy growth:

• Watering: While Salvia 'Pink Dawn' can tolerate some dryness, it appreciates regular watering, especially during hot summer months when rainfall is scarce. Provide supplemental water if rainfall is less than 1 inch per week, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overwatering, as this can create conditions that favor root and crown rot.
• Fertilizing: In most cases, Salvia 'Pink Dawn' does not require regular fertilization. However, if you wish to give it a boost, you can apply a general-purpose garden fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins to emerge.
• Deadheading: To encourage a continuous display of blooms and prevent the plant from putting energy into seed production, remove spent flower spikes regularly. This practice, known as deadheading, helps extend the bloom period and maintain a tidy appearance.
• Pruning: After the main flowering period is over, cut back the plant to encourage fresh growth and potentially a second flush of blooms. If the plant starts to look leggy or unkempt during the growing season, you can cut it back to the basal foliage to promote bushier growth.
• Winterizing: Salvia 'Pink Dawn' is a hardy perennial that requires no special winter care. Many gardeners prefer to leave the spent foliage standing through the winter, providing visual interest and habitat for beneficial insects. You can then remove the old foliage in early spring as new growth emerges.
• Propagation: You can easily propagate Salvia 'Pink Dawn' through stem cuttings. Take cuttings from non-flowering stems in spring or early summer. Remove the lower leaves and insert the cuttings into a pot of moist potting mix. Keep the pot in a warm, bright location, and the cuttings should root within a few weeks.
• Pests and Diseases: Salvia 'Pink Dawn' is generally free from serious insect or disease problems, making it a low-maintenance and reliable choice for the garden.

Potential Uses Salvia 'Pink Dawn' is a versatile plant that offers a wide range of potential uses in the landscape:

• Borders: Its compact size and vibrant pink flowers make it an excellent addition to perennial borders, where it can be combined with other flowering plants to create a dynamic and colorful display.
• Butterfly Gardens: Salvia 'Pink Dawn' is a magnet for butterflies, thanks to its abundant nectar-rich flowers. Include it in your butterfly garden to attract these beautiful pollinators and create a haven for wildlife.
• Cottage Gardens: The charming appearance of Salvia 'Pink Dawn' blends seamlessly with the informal and romantic style of cottage gardens. Plant it among other flowering perennials and herbs to create a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.
• Containers: This adaptable salvia thrives in containers, making it a versatile choice for patios, balconies, and small gardens. Its vibrant blooms and fragrant foliage can be enjoyed up close, adding a touch of beauty to any outdoor space.
• Cut Flowers: The long-lasting flowers of Salvia 'Pink Dawn' are excellent for cutting and can be used in fresh or dried arrangements. Bring the beauty of your garden indoors by creating stunning bouquets with these vibrant pink blooms.
• Mass Planting: When planted in masses, Salvia 'Pink Dawn' creates a breathtaking display of pink that can transform a garden bed or border into a sea of color. This technique is particularly effective in larger landscapes or public spaces.
• Xeriscaping: Due to its drought tolerance, Salvia 'Pink Dawn' is a suitable choice for xeriscaping or dry garden designs. It can thrive in areas with limited water availability, making it a sustainable and low-maintenance option.
• Coastal Gardens: This salt-tolerant salvia can be used in coastal gardens or areas exposed to road salt without fear of damage. Its hardiness and adaptability make it a reliable choice for challenging environments.
• Foundation Plantings: Salvia 'Pink Dawn' can be incorporated into foundation plantings to soften the edges of buildings and add color and interest to the landscape.

Companion Plants for Salvia 'Pink Dawn' To create a truly stunning and harmonious garden design, consider pairing Salvia 'Pink Dawn' with companion plants that complement its color, texture, and growing requirements. Here are some suggestions:

• Yellow Yarrow (Achillea): The contrasting colors of pink salvia and yellow yarrow create a vibrant and eye-catching combination.
• Daylilies (Hemerocallis): Daylilies offer a wide range of colors and bloom times that can be coordinated with Salvia 'Pink Dawn' to extend the season of interest.
• Roses: Salvia 'Pink Dawn' can be interspersed with roses to add a touch of soft color and texture to rose gardens.
• Ornamental Grasses: Combine Salvia 'Pink Dawn' with ornamental grasses to create a dynamic and textural display.
• Black Lace® or Laced Up® Elderberry (Sambucus nigra): These elderberry varieties offer striking dark foliage that contrasts beautifully with the pink blooms of Salvia 'Pink Dawn'.

Types of Salvia Salvia is a diverse genus with over 900 species, including annuals, biennials, herbaceous perennials, and shrubs. These plants are found in various habitats worldwide, except for hot, tropical regions. Some popular types of salvia include:

• Salvia officinalis (Common Sage): This culinary herb is also an attractive ornamental plant with several varieties.
• Salvia nemorosa (Woodland Sage): This hardy perennial is known for its vibrant blue or purple flowers.
• Salvia microphylla (Baby Sage): This small shrub produces an abundance of red, pink, or white flowers.
• Salvia pratensis (Meadow Sage): This European native features striking blue or violet flower spikes.

Interesting Facts about Salvia

• Ancient Romans believed that salvia stimulated the brain and memory. They also used it to clean their teeth.
• The name "salvia" comes from the Latin word "salvere," meaning "to heal." Salvia has been used for its herbal and medicinal qualities since ancient times.

Salvia 'Pink Dawn' is a truly remarkable perennial that deserves a place in every sunny garden. Its captivating cotton candy pink flowers, fragrant foliage, and exceptional hardiness make it a standout choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. This low-maintenance plant offers a wealth of potential uses in the landscape, from adding vibrant color to borders and foundation plantings to attracting pollinators in butterfly gardens and xeriscapes. With its ability to rebloom in late summer and its resistance to deer and rabbits, Salvia 'Pink Dawn' provides long-lasting beauty and enjoyment with minimal effort. Why not add this exceptional plant to your garden this year and experience its charm for yourself?

Mature field grown plant shipped bare root.

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