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Salvia nemorosa

Image of Salvia nemorosa

James H. Schutte

Family

Lamiaceae

Botanical Name

Salvia nemorosa

Plant Common Name

Meadow Sage, Woodland Sage

General Description

The colorful flower spikes of meadow sage cannot be beat. They offer easy summer color to sunny perennial borders and pair well with many other garden ornamentals. This bushy, multi-stemmed herbaceous perennial originates from Europe to Central Asia and comprises many popular cultivars sold widely in the trade.

The vigorous but tame, woodland sage bears upright spikes of flowers that appear in early summer and will rebloom if deadheaded. The plentiful blooms may be purple, violet-blue, rose-pink or white and appear over crinkly, slightly aromatic, dull green leaves. These flowers are highly attractive to bees and will even draw the occasional butterfly.

Woodland sage is not too soil picky. It will thrive in average soil, if well-drained not too acid, and can even tolerate periods of drought once well established. If subjected to excessive soil moisture, it may suffer root rot. Full sun is a must for good flowering. It is ideal for cottage gardens or sunny perennial borders.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    9 - 5

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    5 - 9

  • Sunset Zone

    2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Perennial

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun

  • Height

    1'-3' / 0.3m - 0.9m

  • Width

    12"-28" / 30.5cm - 71.1cm

  • Bloom Time

    Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall

  • Native To

    Europe, Central Asia

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Drought Tolerant, Average Water

  • Habit

    Clump-Forming

  • Seasonal Interest

    Summer, Fall

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    White, Purple, Rose, Blue Violet

  • Fruit Color

    Brown

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    Yes

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    Yes

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Bedding Plant, Cutflower, Feature Plant, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Butterflies

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes