Salvia Horminumova

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

I came across such an unusual name for a flower for the first time 10 years ago, looking at the shelves in the garden center. I was surprised not only by the name, but also by the unusual coloring of the leaves. I decided to try to grow this miracle in my garden. The result exceeded all my expectations

Biological features

Salvia chorminumovaya belongs to annuals (Mediterranean group). The stem is tetrahedral, strongly branched, 20-60 cm high, depending on the lighting and variety. A bush grows from one root, bearing 5 to 20 stems.

Oval-shaped leaves are finely toothed along the edge. They are located along the entire length of the shoot in opposite pairs on short petioles. Slightly pubescent. The lower ones are light green, the upper ones are painted in pink, purple, cream shades.

Inflorescences are small, attached to the stem in small groups in the leaf axils. The colors correspond to those of the upper leaves. The size is no more than 2 cm. The corolla is two-lipped, outwardly similar to the open mouth of a snake. Taproot, goes to a depth of 40 cm.

Blooms in late June. Retains decorative effect throughout the season due to the bright color of the upper leaves.

A month after flowering, the seeds ripen. The fruit is modular, consists of 4 small dark brown nuts. There are up to 400 pieces in 1 gram. Fallen seeds overwinter safely in the soil and germinate in small quantities the next year.

Growing conditions

Easily tolerates short dry periods. Prefers fertile, permeable soils with deep groundwater. Loves sunny places. In the shade, the stems are strongly elongated, lie down, the color of the upper leaf plates fades.

It responds well to moderate watering, fertilizing with complex fertilizers, liming of acidic soils.

Place in the flower garden

The best option for planting salvia horminum in small groups, creating spectacular bright spots among the green lawn, in mixed mixborders.

Low-growing varieties are perfect for curbs and ridges. If desired, bright colors are used to design geometric patterns on flower beds.

Dried Salvia shoots retain their color in winter bouquets.

Planting and leaving

In contrast to the brilliant salvia, the seeds of the Horminum are sown directly on the beds in early spring. After the snow melts, they dig up the soil. Cut grooves with a depth of 0.5 cm. Spill with water. Spread the seeds at a distance of 2-3 cm in a row. Sprinkle with a layer of loose soil, compact. For better germination, arcs are installed on the garden bed, covered with a film.

After 1-2 weeks, the first shoots appear. As the earth dries up, watered with a weak solution of potassium permanganate. Weeds are weeding. Once every 2 weeks, 1 tablespoon per 10 liters of water is fed with the complex fertilizer "Zdraven". With the onset of warm weather, the shelters are gradually removed, accustoming the plants to open ground conditions.

A month later, they dive to a permanent place. Setting the distance between plants 20-30 cm. Young seedlings tolerate transplanting well. Adult specimens find it difficult to take root in a new place. Therefore, it is not worth delaying the distribution to the flower garden.

Some growers practice autumn crops. Trying to finish this operation before the onset of persistent frost. Seeds covered with plant residues for the winter give friendly shoots in spring.

Caring for mature plants is not too much of a hassle. In dry periods, moderate watering once a week, weeding weeds, gentle loosening of the soil around the bushes after transplanting.

Pay attention to the photo. Here in the frame there is only one bush of Salvia Horminumova. See how much space it takes up? And what a beautiful saturated color of the upper leaves! Such plants will always be welcome guests in any garden. Try planting this flower in your flower beds next year. I hope that he will become your favorite for many years to come.