Salvia, Meadow Sage
Many perennial salvias, or meadow sages, of varying hardiness and appearance are available to the gardener. Salvia officinalis, culinary sage, usually about two feet tall, has gray-green leaves and white or lavender flowers. Salvia x superba (Blue Queen is good) is a sterile hybrid. It has gray-green, paired leaves covered with tiny hairs underneath on square stems growing up to three feet high. They bear dense spikes of showy, violet-purple flowers.
 ©2006 Publications International, Ltd. Salvias, or meadow sages, grow to over 24 inches high. See more pictures of perennials. |
Propagation: By division or from cuttings for named cultivars, and from cuttings or seed for culinary types and species.
Uses: Uses vary with the type of salvia, but all can be massed and used in flowerbeds and borders.
Related species: Salvia azurea, or the blue salvia, is a native American plant reaching five feet in height and bearing deep blue flowers. Grandiflora is a variety that has larger flowers. Salvia involucrata has hot cherry-red flowers. Salvia leucantha has shrubby, tall growth and multitudes of purple and white velvety flowers.
Scientific name: Salvia species
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