Salvia x guaranitica Amante

The 'Amante' Salvia is a lovely hybrid sage that bears many raspberry-red flowers on long upright stems throughout the summer and until the frosts. It grows quickly, but is somewhat tender and can only stay outside in regions with a very mild climate. Elsewhere, a large pot will allow you to enjoy it without any worries, as long as it is given plenty of sunlight and a rich soil.

Like all salvias, the 'Amante' Salvia belongs to the vast family of Lamiaceae, which includes many plants appreciated by gardeners, such as agastaches, phlomis, and lavenders. This variety closely resembles Salvia 'Amistad', a very famous variety with violet flowers. Similar to 'Amistad', this plant most likely derives from Salvia guaranitica, a tall South American species with blue-violet flowers. Unlike 'Amistad', the 'Amante' sage presents magnificent raspberry-red flowers from June until the frosts, sometimes shaded with violet, set in a purple calyx that particularly enhances their saturated hue. The elegant spikes reach a height of 1 metre (3 feet), with a diameter of approximately 60 cm (24in). The leaves, on the other hand, are tender green and triangular, with a slight aromatic scent. The upright clump adds a welcome exotic touch to sunny borders, and attracts many pollinating insects.

There are several planting options available for the 'Amante' sage. In a very mild region, this plant can be placed outside in borders. However, be aware that its hardiness, even in well-drained soil, will not exceed -6°C (21.2°F), and any frost will destroy the above-ground parts. If the climate is cold, growing this plant in a large pot, for example on a patio or terrace, which can be brought indoors in a cold greenhouse or conservatory during the riskiest months. Nevertheless, there is nothing stopping you from treating your 'Amante' sage as an annual: its rapid growth allows you to enjoy a profusion of flowers each year, which can be reproduced the following year by taking semi-ripe stem cuttings at the end of summer or by dividing the clump. Regardless of the chosen method, this plant appreciates a sunny position, as well as a well-drained, rich, and moist substrate, even though it can tolerate occasional periods of drought.

Pair it with Salvia microphylla 'Blue Note', the large bottlebrush Callistemon rigidus, or the dwarf palm Trachycarpus wagnerianus for an exotic atmosphere, as well as grasses such as Sporobolus heterolepis or Ampelodesmos mauritanicus for their airy appearance.