November 2009 Plant of the Month — Salvia Print
Salvia nemorosa 'Ostfriesland' (East Friesland)The characteristics of the family Laminaceae make it one of the most easily recognized  group of plants.  Opposite, aromatic foliage and square stems are almost a guarantee that the observed plant is a member of the mint family.  Familiar genera include Mentha (Mint), Solenostemon (Coleus), Lamium (Deadnettle) and Salvia amongst over 200 others.

The largest genus within Laminaceae is Salvia with between 700 and 900 species — depending upon which taxonomist one is listening to.  The name Salvia comes from the Latin word salvere which means “to save”, in deference to the many herbal and medicinal uses of these plants throughout history. Current research is looking at the efficacy of Salvia in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

Consisting of shrubs, herbaceous perennials and annuals the majority of Salvia hale from Mexico and South and Central America with South Western Asia coming a close second.  With this many species it would be reasonable to expect a plethora of common names but Sage seems to be ubiquitous, with various descriptives used for clarification. Common Sage (Salvia officinalis) is the familiar culinary herb often referred to simply as “sage”, while Silver Sage (S. argentea), Autumn Sage (S. greggii) and Scarlet Sage (S. splendens) are but three of the more commonly available species.
 
 S. ‘Eveline’
 S. ‘Plumosa’
Another species growing in notoriety is Salvia divinorum (Diviner’s Sage, or Sage of the Seers) due to the psychoactive, albeit short-lived, effects obtained from ingestion, traditionally by native shaman.  Many jurisdictions are considering legislation to restrict its availability, but care must be taken to ensure that the entire genus doesn’t come under suspicion because of one minor, and unattractive member.  Educate at any opportunity, only S. divinorum possibly needs attention, not all Salvia.

Once again the use of common names can lead to confusion as there are several other genera that use the term sage.  Perovskia (Russian Sage) and Phlomis (Jerusalem Sage) being the most familiar.  Fortunately, the species grown as ornamentals are usually referred to by the name of Salvia, although the herbaceous perennials are sometimes called Meadow Sage.

Remarkably easy to grow, preferring full sun and well-drained soils, Salvia are excellent candidates for perennial borders and also make great container plants.  Generally staking is unnecessary unless the plants are grown in too much shade or in too rich a soil — tough love provides the best results.  Avoid sites that retain moisture for any length of time, but plants will bloom for extended periods if they receive regular moisture.  Salvia are quite drought tolerant, especially once they are established.

Flowers are borne in spikes or racemes and are usually blue, purple or red, with white and yellow being occasionally available.  Most of the fragrance associated with these plants tends to originate from the foliage especially if it is brushed against or otherwise crushed.  This makes Salvia a good addition to any garden planted for the visually impaired, although some people are not fond of the scent.  Neither, apparently, are deer and rabbits, as they are not known to particularly like Salvia snacks.  Butterflies and hummingbirds on the other hand are definitely attracted to the showy flowers. Deadheading will usually encourage extensive re-blooming, which is great as Salvia are excellent as cut flowers.

Salvia nemorosa ‘Ostfriesland’ (East Friesland)

The oldest of the cultivars being explored in this article, but it is by no means ready to be sent out to pasture.  One of the first Salvia to bloom in late spring with deep violet purple flowers that will continue to appear until mid September if the plant is deadheaded.  Forming an attractive clump of light green foliage that typically reaches 10” (25cm) in height and spread, but the flower spikes will reach a height of 18” (45cm). USDA 4 - 8

S. nemorosa ‘Caradonna’

Considerably ‘younger’ than the above cultivar ‘Caradonna’ is well on her way to making a name for herself.  Named as an outstanding new perennial in 2000 by the ISU (International Hardy Plant Union), ‘Caradonna’ is remarkable for several reasons.  Good sturdy clumps of gray-green foliage are about 20” (50 cm) in height and spread with its flowers extending to a height of 30” (75cm).  The blooms are a delicious deep purple but even further interest is produced by the fact that the flower stems are deep purple, almost black in colour — very distinctive.  Flowering occurs from mid June through late August.  USDA 4 - 8

S. nemorosa ‘Haeumanarc’ PP13,322 MARCUS™

A relatively recent introduction (2002) that is gaining in popularity due to its vigor and compact habit.  MARCUS™ grows to a height of only about 10” (25 cm) including its deep violet flowers but the clump will spread to about 16” (40 cm).  An excellent plant for the front of the border or in containers, blooming from June through September. USDA 4 - 8

S. ‘Eveline’ PP14,905

Released in 2004 ‘Eveline’ is proving to be very popular with gardeners and designers looking for something ‘different’.  Showy bicolor flowers of pink and purple make their presence felt from May through July on spikes that reach a height of 2’ (60cm).  The sturdy clumps of aromatic foliage will spread to only about 18” (45cm).  USDA 4 - 8

S. ‘Plumosa’ 

Unlike any cultivar yet described and valued for its novelty. Fully double flowers form plumes of lavender color above the clumps of foliage.  Relatively compact habit at 18” (45cm) in height and spread, but a prolific bloomer from June through late August. USDA 4 - 8.
 

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