Some Thoughts on Salvias:
"For use and delight"

Some Thoughts on Salvias | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Salvias for Delight, continued

Perennials

Among the 900 species of salvias are a number of hardy herbaceous perennials which could be an attractive addition to the garden or landscape. Salvia nemorosa is a native of central Europe and western Asia. The species and its cultivars—'East Friesland', 'Lubecca', and 'Plumosa'—have flowers in the blue, violet, and purple range. S. x sylvestris is a hybrid developed from S. nemorosa and S. pratensis. Among its cultivars are "Blue Queen' (deep blue), 'May Night' (violet flowers with buds and calyces of purplish black), and 'Rose Queen' (rose pink with red calyces). Another hybrid related to S. nemorosa is S. x superba, which has violet blue flowers. All of these salvias grow to 2-3 feet depending on soil condition. They are propagated by divisions of by cuttings. The only cultivar that comes true from seed is S. x sylvestris 'Rose Queen', but plants are available from nurseries.

Some shrubby salvias are among the most attractive and have proved hardy in my garden for the past few years. (I don't know about this unusually cold winter.) Frost damaged stems can be cut back in spring. These are Mexican natives and consist of S. greggii, S. microphylla, and their hybrids. They are deciduous, small-leaved, bushy plants with a long flowering season. Colors range from crimson, purple, pink, and magenta to yellow, white, peach, and orange. Propagation is by cuttings since seeds may not come true. The hybrids 'Raspberry Royale', Furman's Red', 'Plum Wine', and 'Cherry Queen' - among many others - are available from Sandy Mush Herb Nursery, Plant Delights Nursery, and Well-Sweep Herb Farm.

Other hardy herbaceous perennials which have thrived in my garden include S. forskaohlei, found growing on mountain slopes in southeast Europe. Its large violet-blue flowers appear from early summer until fall. Although it is best grown in full sun, it will tolerate some shade. Another plant native to mountain slopes, this time the Himalayas, is S. hians. The large violet-blue flowers with brownish-red calyces bloom from early summer to fall. Another salvia from the Himalayas is S. moorcroftiana with pale blue flowers. This was our Unit's Challenge Plant in 1994 when it was distributed to members to grow and to study. Perhaps it is still in your garden. Propagation of these plants is by seed, although S. forskaohlei and S. hians can be divided. Seeds are available at Companion Plants and at Seedhunt; plants of S. forskaohlei can be obtained from Goodwin Creek Gardens.

Two other salvias from mountainous areas are S. glutinosa and S. nubicola. These are among the few salvias with yellow flowers—S. glutinosa with fine brown stripes and S. nubicola with maroon spots. Both can reach three feet in height and prefer a partially shaded location. Propagation is by seeds, cuttings, or division. Seeds for S. nubicola are available from Seedhunt; plants of S. glutinosa from Companion Plants and Plant Delights; Hudson has seeds for S. glutinosa.

S. verticillata, another hardy perennial native to central Europe and western Asia, has become naturalized in parts of the United States. Its flower stalks, bearing small violet flowers in whorls, can reach three feet in height. "Purple Rain', a cultivar developed in the Netherlands in the 1990s, is a much more striking plant. Only two feet high, it is covered with small purple flowers in violet calyces. Although S. verticillata will self-seed, its cultivar 'Purple Rain' must be propagated by division or cuttings. It is widely available in local nurseries. >>

Page 1 Salvias for Use
Page 2 Salvias for Delight: Annuals and Bedding Plants
Page 3 Salvias for Delight: Perennials
Page 4 Salvias for Delight: Tender Perennials
Page 5 Source Books and Further Reading; Plant and Seed Sources