Eranthemum pulchellum- Blue Sage.

 

🌿 Eranthemum pulchellum – Blue Sage

Brilliant cobalt-blue blooms · Compact tropical shrub · Flowers in cooler months

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🌿 Botanical Name: Eranthemum pulchellum - (eh-RAN-theh-mum PUL-kell-um)

(Common Name: Blue Sage)

🌿 Family: Acanthaceae – Known for vivid, ornamental blooms in tropical gardens.

🧊 Hardiness Zone (USA): USDA Zones 9–11

📏 Height: Typically grows 3–5 feet tall; bushy, upright habit makes it ideal for low hedges or background borders.

🍃 Foliage: Broad, ovate, velvety green leaves with prominent veins; evergreen in warm climates like Lahore.

🌸 Flowering Period (Lahore/Punjab):
Blooms from November to February, providing rare bursts of vivid blue in winter gardens. Flowers are tubular and borne in terminal spikes.

🌼 Companion Plants:

• Hamelia patens – Red-orange contrast to the blue blooms and similar care needs.

• Duranta erecta – Lavender or golden foliage pairs well with Blue Sage’s compact form.

• Salvia farinacea – Complementary blue hues and similar flowering season.

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🏡 Garden Usage:
A fantastic choice for shaded borders, foundation plantings, or tropical-themed beds. Use it to add winter color where most other plants fall dormant.

🍒 Fruition: Small seed capsules form after blooming, though this plant is mainly valued for flowers.

Outside wall

🌱 Soil: Prefers well-draining, fertile soil enriched with compost or leaf mold.

⚖️ pH Value: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0)

💧 Water: Moderate water needs. Water regularly in dry weather, but allow the topsoil to dry between waterings.

🌡️ Temperature: Thrives between 15°C–30°C. Prefers mild winters and may require protection from frost.

☀️ Location Preference: Grows best in partial shade. Tolerates filtered sunlight and morning sun.

🌾 Propagation: Easily propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings in spring or monsoon.

🐛 Pesticides: Occasionally affected by whiteflies and spider mites; neem spray or soap solution works well.

🌿 Fertilizers: Feed monthly during active growth (September to March) with a balanced fertilizer.

🦋 Attractiveness to Wildlife:
Attracts bees and butterflies, especially during cooler months when few other plants bloom.

⚠️ Harmful to Humans and Pets:
Though not widely toxic, contact with plant sap may cause mild irritation. Keep away from small children and pets as a precaution.

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🌿 End Note:
May this Blue Sage bring vibrant winter color and quiet charm to your garden—happy planting!