Salvia Nemorosa

Class

Eudicots

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Lamiaceae

Order

Lamiales

Genus

Sage

Species

wooded

Description

A perennial herb with a compact, bushy habit. Its ornamental value lies in its racemose inflorescences borne on slender, erect stems, which are particularly favoured by pollinating insects such as bees; their colours, ranging from dark pink to purplish-blue, will add elegance to flowerbeds, balconies and terraces in planters and pots from late spring to early autumn.
Highly cold-hardy, it loses its above-ground foliage during the winter before sprouting anew the following spring.

Curiosities and special features

Although it belongs to the same botanical genus as Salvia officinalis, it is not edible and is valued solely for ornamental purposes.

The epithet ‘nemorosa’ derives from ‘nemoris’, meaning ‘wood’, in reference to the species’ natural habitat.

Origin and distribution

A species native to the region stretching from Europe to western Siberia and Afghanistan.

Leaf

The leaves have an oblong, rough blade with a crenate margin.

Leaf colour

A uniform shade that brings out the distinctive colour of the flower clusters.

Plant height

The plant grows to a height of between 0.5 and 0.7 metres, making it ideal for pots as well as for mixed borders with other ornamental plants.

Lifespan

A deciduous perennial species; during the cold season, it sheds its above-ground parts, only to sprout again the following spring.

Where to plant

The elegance of its inflorescences, which rise up on long, slender stems, makes it ideal for adorning flowerbeds, borders, pots, balconies and terraces, whether planted on its own or combined with herbaceous plants of different growth habits and with blooms that complement it in terms of colour and harmony.

Stem

The stems are semi-woody and herbaceous; the plant has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is simple in shape, of medium to small-to-medium size, with a labiate or bilabiate corolla and single-coloured petals. It is arranged in small-to-medium-sized racemes or clusters. It flowers from late spring to early autumn. It attracts bees, butterflies and bumblebees.

Growth

Compact Growth Plant.

Plant habit

The plant develops a bushy habit with upright stems bearing inflorescences that become focal points of great ornamental value.

Branching

The branching is moderate, forming a dense and compact structure.

PH

It requires a substrate or soil pH of between 6.5 and 7.5.

Soil preparation

Before transplanting in early spring or early autumn, dig the soil to a depth of 20–30 cm, removing any weeds, large stones and residues from previous crops. If the soil is too compact and heavy, it is advisable to work sand into it evenly.

To improve drainage of excess water, thereby preventing harmful waterlogging, create a raised bed by gently mounding the soil, then level it carefully and mark out the planting holes at a suitable spacing.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Sun exposure

Suitable for full sun or light shade.

Good light levels are one of the key factors in ensuring Salvia nemorosa produces a profusion of flowers.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 15 and 25 °C during the vegetative phase.

The temperature range within which the plant can survive is between -15 and 38 °C.

Use

Suitable for the following sectors:
Outdoor ornamental landscaping Landscaping

Hardiness

Ahighly hardy plant, it withstands the winter cold well and, once it has become properly established in its new location, tolerates summer drought.

Soil

For the plant to grow properly, the soil should be of medium texture, moist and well-drained.

For growing in pots, choose a substrate specifically designed for spring-flowering ornamental plants.

Difficulty

It iseasy to grow and requires little maintenance, making it all the more practical.

Growing tips

Some specific cultivation guidelines:
Balanced fertilisation Ensure at least 6 hours of direct sunlight It can be planted in sunny or semi-shaded beds.

Combinations with other plants

It is suitable both on its own, producing uniform results, and when combined with other ornamental herbaceous plants such as Achillea millefolium, Centranthus ruber, Coreopsis grandiflora, Lavandula stoechas, Nepeta racemosa, Oenothera macrocarpa and Rudbeckia hirta.

When transplanting, ensure the correct planting density to guarantee full development of each individual plant.

Planting

For planting in flowerbeds, an average density of 5 plants per square metre is recommended to ensure the proper development of each plant, thus achieving a well-proportioned and compact final arrangement with a striking visual effect created by the dense coverage. Position the seedling so that the root collar is just above the soil surface, taking care not to damage the roots, and water immediately after planting, taking care not to allow water to pool.

Pruning

Remove faded flowers to encourage a new flush of blooms.
In late winter or early spring, remove any dry or damaged parts by cutting them off at the base to encourage new growth.

Propagation

Propagation can be carried out from seed or from cuttings.

Watering

Salvia nemorosa is sensitive to waterlogging, which can quickly lead to root rot and the death of the plant itself.

Look after the plant after transplanting to help it settle properly in its new location by watering it regularly.

Thereafter, during the growing season, allow the compost or soil to dry out slightly, avoiding both waterlogging and prolonged drought.

Do not allow water to remain in the saucer.

During the dormant period, reduce (if potted) or suspend (if planted in the ground) watering.

Fertilising

In early spring, apply a liquid fertiliser – specifically designed for ornamental plants – to the growing medium or soil, diluted in the watering solution.

Alternatively, use a specific slow-release granular fertiliser.

Do not exceed the recommended doses and do not fertilise on dry potting mix or soil.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Edibility for humans

Unlike Salvia officinalis, it is not edible.

Tip

Grow in light, moist but well-drained soil. In spring, apply a layer of mulch to keep the soil cooler and reduce water loss through evapotranspiration. Remove faded flower heads to encourage a new flush of blooms. In late winter or early spring, remove any dry or damaged parts by cutting them back to the base to encourage new growth.