![]() ![]() Regarding this lovely sage, its leaves may be minced and used as a flavoring in bread and other recipes. For example, whereas sage is used when talking about members of the salvia genus used in cooking recipes or for medicinal purposes, salvia is more often used when speaking of ornamental members of the genus. However, common usage of these two terms has developed over the years. However, the fact of the matter is that all sages are indeed salvias. It is not uncommon for the terms salvia and sage to be used interchangeably. Their crushed leaves are often added to drinks to soothe sore throats and mouth infections, reduce inflammations, and aid digestion. ![]() Salvias have enjoyed a long reputation, particularly in alternative medicine, for helping to ease a variety of common ailments. Salvia is derived from the Latin word salvare, which literally means “to save,” and there’s a good reason for it. You may also prune them back in late winter or early spring. They prefer medium-drained soils of clay, loam, sand, or silt and are drought tolerant but will welcome some light watering during drought periods.Īfter the flowering season, deadheading is recommended to best promote new growth. Their long, square stems grow one to three feet in height and will tend to spread about in clumps of three to four feet via their underground rhizomes. These sages best thrive in hardiness zones 8 to 11, typically blooming from March to May. They make an excellent addition to flower beds and borders and alongside ponds, as well as in hanging baskets and as potted plants.Ī garden with this salvia can be matched with coral bells and other colorful, fluted flowers to attract even more hummingbirds. Plant them in dry shade or in sunlight-dappled areas. While they can be propagated by seed, it is far more quick and efficient to dig up healthy rhizomes from a flourishing area and replant them elsewhere to start a new colony. Growth and CareĪ perennial herb and evergreen, these plants are amazingly easy to care for. (More about that later.)Ī generally pest and disease-free plant, it also is resistant to deer and rabbits. However, several cultivars have been developed in magenta, crimson, apricot, and even sunny yellow shades. Native S alvia spathacea can be found in shady areas and on grassy slopes, but it is also a favorite border planting in butterfly and rock gardens or as a ground cover under shady oak trees and other dense foliage.Ī member of the mint family, it appeals not only to the eye but also to the nose with bright, green, oblong-shaped, downy-textured leaves that produce an aromatic, fruity scent.įlowers grow on tall, often 30-inch spikes, and their natural colors run from deep rose to deep burgundy. Image via Antandrus Public Domain A Garden Favorite When these tiny, hovering birds move from flower to flower each time dipping their long bills into one tubular blossom after another, they leave not only with physical nourishment but also with a bit of pollen upon their heads, thereby helping the salvia to propagate as well. The Salvia produces sweet sucrose-type nectar, which hummingbirds crave. Like most marriages, S alvia spathacea and hummingbirds each bring something to the table. So hummingbird sage counts on these tiny creatures with their long, needle-like beaks for pollination. Hummingbirds like color, but they are specifically attracted to red. As for its color, while most native sages produce blossoms in blues, whites, and purples, Salvia spathacea is the only one with red blooms that may be chalked up to evolution. This tubular shape also explains its other common name, pitcher sage. These elongated tubular flowers serve as a natural drinking glass for friendly hummingbirds. ![]() Its Latin name is Salvia spathacea this sage is most recognized for its deep burgundy-colored. In fact, the two share a unique symbiotic relationship.
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