Description
Salvia ‘Follet’s Folly’
Botanical Name: Salvia ‘Follet’s Folly’
Salvia ‘Follet’s Folly’ is a tall, upright plant reaching 1.5-1.8 meters high by 1.5 meters wide. It has bright green foliage with elliptical shaped leaves. The stems are green but have a touch of brown –grey at times as they rise higher. The bright green bracts are striking in their own right set against the bright red tubular flowers. The bracts may have a brown blush at their tip, but some plants seem to have more brown tones appearing when the flowers are just opening. The main flowering period is autumn and winter in the southern states of Australia.
This salvia was discovered in Deb Follet’s Queensland garden and appears to be a hybrid of Salvia involucrata and Salvia karwinskii, although it was discovered near a Salvia microphylla. Both parent plants are tall growing salvias from South America. ‘Follet’s Folly is similar to Salvia ‘Mystique’ but does not flower for the whole year and has a slightly different leaf shape. Like most salvias it will grow in full sun to part shade and perform best in well drained soil, with average water requirements. There is not a lot of information about the specific growth habits of this salvia.
The salvia family has over 900 members with an extensive history as culinary, medicinal and ornamental plants. Ornamental salvias have become collectors items, as gardeners try to find a place in their garden for each and every one. There are salvias that will suit every type of soil and climate. More information on the Salvia genus and Common Sage (Salvia officinalis) may be found on our Common Sage page.
