Salvia Bodacious® ‘Smokey Jazz’: A Sensational Salvia with Striking Beauty
Background and Family Origin
Salvia Bodacious® ‘Smokey Jazz’, also known as Salvia x gauranitica Bodacious® ‘Smokey Jazz’, is a remarkable addition to the Salvia genus. It belongs to the Lamiaceae family, commonly referred to as the Mint Family. This diverse family encompasses over 200 genera and 7,000 species, including well-known ornamental plants like lavender, rosemary, mint, and thyme. Salvia Bodacious® ‘Smokey Jazz’ is a result of careful breeding, sharing its lineage with Salvia Bodacious® ‘Rhythm & Blues,’ making them perfect companion plants in any garden.
Characteristics and Description
Salvia Bodacious® ‘Smokey Jazz’ showcases captivating saturated boysenberry blooms, accompanied by striking black calyxes. These eye-catching flowers freely reflower throughout the season, ensuring a continuous display of vibrant color. The plant’s strong dark-green foliage retains its color even during the intense summer heat, adding an appealing contrast to the vivid blooms. With improved branching, Salvia Bodacious® ‘Smokey Jazz’ forms a tight-rounded habit, providing an aesthetically pleasing presence in gardens, containers, and modern landscapes.
Fragrance and Flowering Season
While Salvia Bodacious® ‘Smokey Jazz’ does not possess a distinct fragrance or aroma, its boysenberry flowers contribute to its visual allure. The plant’s blossoming season spans from spring to fall, offering an extended period of flowering and charm.
Cultivation of Salvia Bodacious® ‘Smokey Jazz’:
Sunlight
Salvia Bodacious® ‘Smokey Jazz’ thrives in full sun to part shade conditions. Providing it with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily promotes optimal growth and abundant flowering.
Watering
Salvia Bodacious® ‘Smokey Jazz’ has low water needs and prefers slightly dry conditions. Water the plant deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. This helps prevent overwatering and root rot.
Soil
Well-drained soil is essential for the healthy growth of Salvia Bodacious® ‘Smokey Jazz.’ Ensure the soil is loose, fertile, and enriched with organic matter. This promotes good drainage, preventing waterlogged conditions that can be detrimental to the plant’s health.
Pests and Diseases
Salvia Bodacious® ‘Smokey Jazz’ may be susceptible to pests such as aphids and spider mites. Regular monitoring and prompt action, such as using insecticidal soaps or natural control methods, can effectively manage these pests. Additionally, the plant may occasionally encounter powdery mildew. To prevent this fungal disease, provide adequate air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and remove affected plant parts if necessary.
Propagation
Salvia Bodacious® ‘Smokey Jazz’ can be propagated through division or seed.
Division: The most common method of propagation involves carefully digging up the plant and dividing it into smaller clumps, ensuring each division has sufficient roots and foliage. Replant the divisions in well-drained soil and water them regularly to establish new plants.
Seed: Propagation from seeds is another viable option. Sow the seeds in well-drained soil during spring. Maintain consistent moisture levels, and germination should occur within 2-4 weeks. Once the seedlings develop several sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted to their final growing location.
Additional Care Tips:
- Salvia Bodacious® ‘Smokey Jazz’ benefits from yearly fertilization in late spring using a balanced fertilizer. This provides the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and abundant flowering.
- Deadheading the spent flowers regularly stimulates new blooms and promotes a neat appearance. Simply pinch off the faded flowers with your fingers to remove them.
- Pruning Salvia Bodacious® ‘Smokey Jazz’ in late winter or early spring helps eliminate dead or damaged branches. It also allows more light and air to reach the plant’s interior, ensuring optimal growth.
Protection from Frost:
Salvia Bodacious® ‘Smokey Jazz’ is hardy to USDA zones 8-10, withstanding temperatures as low as 10°F to 20°F (-12°C to -6°C). In colder climates, it may need protection from frost. Covering the plant with a frost cloth or bringing it indoors during frosty periods safeguards it from potential damage.
Salvia Bodacious® ‘Smokey Jazz’ brings exceptional beauty and versatility to gardens, containers, and landscapes. With its captivating flowers, striking foliage, and ease of care, this outstanding Salvia variety adds an alluring touch to any outdoor space, enticing both humans and pollinators alike.
