Salvia × jamensis 'Magical Zambesi' – The Stunning Sage with Elegant Blue Blooms
Salvia × jamensis 'Magical Zambesi' is a breathtaking hybrid sage, admired for its elegant deep red flowers and compact, bushy growth. A cross between Salvia greggii and Salvia microphylla, this cultivar offers long-lasting blooms from late spring until autumn, with minimal maintenance required. Its bold colour and rich, vibrant foliage make it a standout choice for borders, containers, and pollinator-friendly gardens, providing beauty and colour from early summer to the first frosts.
Why Grow Salvia × jamensis 'Magical Zambesi'?
Elegant Deep Blue Flowers – The rich red blooms stand out in any garden, providing a cool, calming contrast to other plants.
Extended Blooming Period – Flowers persist from late spring through autumn, ensuring continuous colour throughout the growing season.
Compact and Tidy Habit – Perfect for smaller gardens, containers, or as a front-of-border plant, this sage grows in a well-shaped, bushy form.
Pollinator Friendly – 'Magical Zambesi' attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it an excellent addition to wildlife gardens.
Drought Tolerant – Once established, it thrives in dry conditions, making it ideal for water-wise gardens or Mediterranean-style plantings.
Height of Plant
Salvia × jamensis 'Magical Zambesi' typically reaches a height of 50–70 cm and spreads about 50–60 cm wide, making it an excellent choice for the front of borders or in containers.
Where to Site Your Salvia × jamensis 'Magical Zambesi'
Thanks to its striking colour and compact growth, it’s perfect for:
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Sunny mixed borders where the red flowers can create a striking contrast with other plants
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Containers and patio pots for adding vibrant colour and texture
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Pollinator gardens to attract beneficial insects and hummingbirds
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Mediterranean or dry gardens, where it thrives in well-drained soil and full sun
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Rock gardens or xeriscape plantings, where drought tolerance is key
How to Grow and Care for Your Salvia × jamensis 'Magical Zambesi'
Soil – Prefers light, free-draining soil such as sandy, loamy, or gravelly types. Avoid heavy or waterlogged soils.
Light – Best grown in full sun for optimal blooming and healthy growth. It can tolerate some partial shade but may not flower as profusely.
Watering – Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish the plant. Once mature, it becomes drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering during dry spells.
Maintenance:
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Pruning – Lightly prune after each flowering period to encourage fresh blooms. In early spring, prune back to maintain a compact shape and remove any dead or damaged growth.
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Mulching – Apply a layer of mulch in early spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Ensure the mulch doesn’t sit directly on the crown.
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Pest & Disease Resistance – Generally resistant to pests and diseases but may occasionally experience mildew or aphids, particularly in humid conditions.
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Cold Hardy – Hardy to about -5°C to -10°C. If growing in colder regions, consider providing winter protection or growing in pots that can be moved indoors.
Perfect Plant Combinations
Salvia × jamensis 'Magical Zambesi' pairs beautifully with sun-loving plants like Rudbeckia, Echinacea, or other red-hued Salvias. It contrasts elegantly with silvery foliage such as Artemisia or Lavender, and its cool blue flowers look stunning alongside warm-toned plants like Coreopsis or Helenium for a vibrant yet balanced garden display.
With its sophisticated red flowers, compact growth, and extended blooming period, Salvia × jamensis 'Magical Zambesi' adds a calming, elegant touch to any garden. Easy to grow and care for, it thrives in dry conditions and attracts pollinators, making it a must-have for gardeners seeking a bold yet graceful addition to their outdoor space.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.