Plant in a well-drained soil in full sun (coastal) to light shade and mulch around the base. Low water requirements. Hardy at the base only to the mid 20's° F with some foliage damage much below freezing but quite tolerant of heat and humidity. Cut back to a desired shape when danger of frost is over.

This plant inhabits a wide range from Central America north to Chiapas Mexico where it grows from 1,000 to 8,500 feet in elevation in diverse habitats. The specific epithet given to this plant in 1939 by American botanist Carl Epling (1894- 1968) comes from the Latin word meaning "caterpillar", perhaps for the shape of the flowers prior to opening. Our plants are of tall form from Betsy Clebsch, though another shorter form is also in distribution. We grew this plant from 1999 to 2014. 

The information about Salvia urica 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.