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

Please note that after 46 years in business, San Marcos Growers will be discontinuing nursery operations by the end of 2025 and the property will be developed for affordable housing.