Salvia pratensis ‘twilight serenade’

Description

Common names: Meadow sage, meadow clary

Salvia is the largest genus of plants in the sage (Lamiaceae) family, with nearly 1000 species. Salvias include shrubs, herbaceous perennials, and annuals. Salvias are naturally distributed over three distinct regions of diversity: Central and South America (approx.: 600 species); Central Asia and the Mediterranean (250 species); Eastern Asia (90 species). There are salvias for every type of garden, and in many colours.

Salvia pratensis species are native to Europe, western Asia and north Africa. Plants grow naturally in scrub edges and woodland borders. They are herbaceous perennials with green rugose leaves that are slightly ruffled and toothed on the edges. Flower stalks are branched. Flowers can be up to 2.5 cm. Plants are very hardy.

S. pratensis ‘twilight serenade’ has flowers of deep violet blue to 50 –60 cms during summer. In mild areas plants can stay evergreen. Removing spent flowers will encourage reblooming. Not fussy about soil type but best with some summer moisture. Very attractive to pollinators.

• Ht: 50 – 60 cm in flower
• Full sun to light shade
• Hardy
• 9 cm pot