Salvia Gallery Page 16 Salvia omeiana (flowers) These are the flowers of S. omeiana, the foliage of which is displayed on page 10. This picture was taken in the greenhouse of Lynsey Pink, one of Britain's National Salvia Collection Holders. The flowers appeared from recently rooted cuttings, whereas my enormous plant has not yet flowered! A superb Chinese species, whether in flower or not. The yellow flowers are large, and I imagine that a large plant in full bloom, maybe next spring, will be terrific! I just have to take care over-wintering this species. Not quite sure how to handle it! Unlike most Chinese species, this does not like to be too dry. It is a magnificent foliage plant. Salvia uliginosa Commonly known as 'Bog Sage', this salvia originates from Argentina, Uruguay, and Southern Brazil. It is an extremely rampant plant in the wet areas where it grows. But, it has easily adapted to the European climate. A semi-shaded spot, with regular water, will encourage this salvia to flower profusely from August until frosts. It is hardy here, as long as it does not get waterlogged in winter. It can spread around where it is happy. The flowers are small, but they are rampant at the top of 5 ft. stems, which are graceful. Some support is required..try growing it amongst other tall plants or shrubs. Propagate from seed or cuttings. A superb species. Salvia elegans From Guatemala and Mexico, this very attractive salvia is sometimes referred to as 'Pineapple Sage', as the leaves do have a scent reminiscent of pineapple. A later-flowering form known as 'Scarlet Pineapple' has even stronger-scented foliage, but this one is winter-flowering. This is a variable species, and there are several other forms, one smells of tangerine. The true S. elegans will flower profusely throughout summer. A delightful plant, 3 ft. x 3 ft., it is quite hardy here, and will resprout in April. It occasionally sets a few seed, but propagation is usually from cuttings. A sunny spot, with generous watering is advised. Photo from Rolando Uria Salvia wagneriana A gigantic species from Central America, probably related to S. involucrata, this is a difficult plant for the UK. I have given up growing this, as it grew so large, formed flower buds in January in the greenhouse, and they all aborted. After 3 years of this, I had to discard it, as I could not provide enough space or warmth. Such a pity, as it is truly spectacular. The huge flowers are pink, though there is a white form also. It is known to hybridise with other species, such as S. karwinskii. These hybrids must be magnificent, but we will probably just have to dream about them in the UK! (Photo by Yoke van der Meer.) Salvia namaensis This is a rather delightful salvia from South Africa. The main attraction is the pinnatifid foliage, which is highly aromatic. Some people find the scent to be wonderful, others find it unpleasant. I am torn between the two! The flowers are quite tiny, pale blue, but when in full flower, the plant is most attractive, the foliage being the highlight. It will flower throughout summer, if grown in full sun. Good drainage is required. It will occasionally survive a British winter, but seeds and cuttings will ensure a good plant for the next year. There is some confusion about this and S. runcinata. Salvia campanulata ??? I don't really like adding salvias to this site when I don't know what they are! However, this is something interesting. It was purchased as Salvia campanulata, a Chinese species, which it is certainly not. This is probably a hybrid. It grows up to 5 ft. tall, with foliage along the flowering stems, unusual with Chinese salvias. Masses of flowers on this plant, which was photographed in Lynsey Pink's garden last week. (July 2005). If anyone has any idea what it might be, please let me know. Salvia miniata One of my all-time favourite Salvias, S. miniata is a compact plant 3 ft. x 3 ft. from Belize, Guatemala, and Chiapas in Mexico. This will not stand any frost at all, and must be propagated from cuttings, though it will occasionally set a few seeds, which are slow to germinate. Flowering is from July until frosts. The flowers are large, scarlet in colour, and plentiful. The foliage is hairless and slightly shiny, and the combination of this with the flowers is excellent. This plant comes from misty, mountainous regions, and it therefore performs best here in partially shaded conditions, with regular watering. Salvia tomentosa Also known as Salvia grandiflora, this is a widespread sage in Europe and Western Asia. It is quite hardy, and sets plenty of seed. It will grow to 3 ft. x 3 ft. and can look a bit untidy. The flowers, however, are quite big, and are a lilac/blue colour. Plenty of them from June until September. Dead-heading is advisable. This salvia is best grown in full sun, though watering is necessary in dry periods. Not my favourite salvia, but nice flowers, nevertheless! Salvia yunnanensis This is my first experience with this widespread Chinese Salvia. As is often the case with Chinese species, hybridisation is all too common, so I cannot be 100% sure that I have the correct plant. I got seed 3 months ago, and this picture was taken today (30 July 2005). Rather plain purple flowers from a distance, but beautifully marked when examined more closely. Only 12 inches tall, this has the potential of being a good plant for a rockery, perhaps. I cannot advise re cultivation, but would suggest that it might behave like other Chinese species...i.e. plenty of water in summer, far less in winter. Salvia involucrata 'Bethellii' Another form of S. involucrata, from Mexico, this is one of the earliest flowering cultivars, which normally starts to flower in mid-July in the UK. Reasonably hardy here, it is advisable to take cuttings as a precaution. This form has a large, terminal bud, like a rose, which never wants to open. This is similar to S. puberula. It is, nevertheless, a spectacular plant, and is highly recommended. Growth is up to 6ft. x 6ft., but slightly less rampant than the other involucrata forms. Somewhat brittle, some support is adviseable. Strong winds can damage this Salvia. Salvia farinacea 'Strata' Rapidly becoming a very popular bedding plant in Europe, S. farinacea originates from Texas and New Mexico. Many cultivars of this are available, the original species having deep blue flowers, the most frequently seen is S. farinacea 'Victoria'. This was one of the parents of the hybrid S. 'Indigo Spires', another very popular Salvia. 'Strata' is different because it has blue flowers and silver calyces, a very attractive combination. Though it is a perennial, it is best grown as an annual here. Seed sown in late winter will produce flowering plants up to 18 inches in July. Dead-heading is essential for prolonged flowering. Collect seeds. Salvia canariensis var. candidissima From the Canary Islands, as the name correctly suggests, this is a half-hardy perennial which will grow up to 5 ft. tall in one season. The purple flowers are hardly breathtaking, but the glorious foliage is! This form has dense, white hairs on the underside of the leaves. This species starts to flower in July, and reaches its peak in September. It does set a few seed, but propagation can also be successful from cuttings. This Salvia seems to thrive in full sun, and is also drought-resistant, though a deep-watering in a dry spell is required. There is a pure, white form of S. canariensis, but I find this somewhat inferior.

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