Usually available: All year

Life cycle: Perennial
Height: 1.5 - 2m
Position: Full sun
Soil preference: Well drained

This is how we pack and send your Herb Plants to all states except TAS & WA

You will receive
- 1 Salvia Waverley Phyllis Fancy Herb Plant in a 50 X 75mm tube - General growing instructions

All of our Herb Plants are grown organically with certified organic potting mixes and fertilizers

Botanical Name: Salvia "Phyllis Fancy"

Salvia Phyllis Fancy is a tall growing plant and should reach 1.5 to 2 meters in good conditions. The elongated, greenish leaves are large and cover the arching branches. They are aromatic, deeply veined and have a thick tough, appearance, although not as leather like as Waverly. A long 30cm stalk holds the flowers, which are white with a blue tinge, compared to the mauve of Waverly. The upper calyx is an inky blue to deep purple, which is very striking against the white petals. Viewed up close the petals can be seen to have a delicate, soft fuzzy appearance. It has a very long flowering period of up to 8 months in its native environment. In its native environment this salvia is very attractive to hummingbirds.

Phyllis Fancy is very similar to Salvia Waverly, another S. leucantha hybrid. It was named for Phyllis Norris and was a chance discovery at the University of California, Santa Cruz Arboretum. Although the exact parentage is unknown, it is thought to be a hybrid of Mexican Sage (S. leucantha) and possibly Chiapas Sage (S. chiapensis).

Growing Conditions

Phyllis Fancy is very similar to Salvia Waverly, but there are some differences in growth and requirements. Phyllis Fancy is considered to be a more hardy plant overall, but this is in relation to northern hemisphere climatic conditions. This means it tolerates cooler conditions well, but will still die down over winter and return the following year. In areas with frost, the plant may die down, but should return in warmer weather. As a hybrid of Mexican sage, it also tolerates temperate conditions well. Phyllis Fancy requires full sun or partial shade, moderate water and well drained soils.

Due to its height, Phyllis Fancy may need some wind protection or staking to add support. It is a plant for the back of the garden and needs quite a big space to grow to its full capacity as a wide, rounded shrub. The Australian flowering period begins in mid-summer and continues until it is too cold, starting to bloom again as the weather warms up again. It can be cut back to its base after flowering is complete, but since the flowering period is long you may choose to do this at a more convenient time.

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.

All information provided on this website is for informational purposes only. Please seek professional advice before commencing any treatment.