Plant in part day sun in a rich amended soil with regular irrigation. Hardy to 10 to 15° F. Pinch growth tips to encourage branching and compactness. A very attractive and unusual plant for the perennial border or other irrigated locations in the garden or in a large container. It is very attractive to hummingbirds.

Salvia oxyphora comes from the foothills and lower slopes to up to 7,200 feet in the Bolivian Andes into Peru. It was first collected in 1892 by German plant explorer Otto Kuntze near the city of Cochabamba as he went the jungles of Central Bolivia’s Los Yungas forest in the Andes Mountains. The name Salvia comes from the name used by Pliny for a plant in the genus and comes from the Latin word 'salvere' meaning "to save" in reference to the long-believed healing properties of several Sage species. The specific epithet likely is from the Latin words 'oxy', meaning bearing and 'phora' meaning "sword", likely in reference the pointed leaf tips of this plant. Other common names include Bolivian Hummingbird Sage, Bolivian Spearhead Sage. The folks at the wonderful Bay Area Annie's Annuals and Perennials Nursery note it a favorite at their nursery where they call it "Elmo's Sage" in reference to its resemblance to the hairy red Muppet character. 

The information about Salvia oxyphora displayed on this web page is based on our research conducted in the nursery's horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also include observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share cultural information that would aid others in growing this plant.