2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Most flower growers have come across one variety in their practice - brilliant salvia with bright red inflorescences, pleasing to the eye almost all summer. Few people know that there are other species. Today I will introduce you to the vast family of salvia
Biological features
By its nature, salvia is a perennial plant that grows wild in the subtropical zone. It is found everywhere in temperate climates, with the exception of Australia. Translated from Latin, the word "salvus" means "to be healthy." This is confirmed by its medicinal properties.
Plants with blue inflorescences often have a second name for sage. It is used for medical purposes to eliminate problems with dental diseases, gargle with sore throat.
The harsh winters of Russia make it impossible to grow salvia like a perennial. In snowless weather, with good frosts, the rhizomes die. Therefore, here it is used as an annual, indoor flower or biennial, with good shelter for the winter of certain varieties.
Erect tetrahedral stems of salvia perfectly hold spike-shaped inflorescences, reaching in some cases up to 1 meter in height. The bulk of modern varieties are in the range of 20-60 cm.
The opposite green leaves are slightly dissected along the edge. Some species have noticeable pubescence or silvery bloom. On the reverse side, in adulthood, the leaves acquire a whitish tint.
Small peduncles in most varieties are collected in groups in whorls of several pieces at each level. The inflorescences are bright: red, blue, silvery, pink, up to 20 cm long. They are somewhat reminiscent of the open mouth of animals. A month after pollination, seeds ripen, black, slightly bluish. They remain viable for up to 5 years.
Division into groups
According to their origin and growing conditions, salvia is divided into the following groups:
• subtropical;
• Mediterranean;
• frost-resistant.
Let's consider each type in more detail.
Subtropical representatives in our area are grown only as annuals. Includes varieties:
1. Shiny or sparkling. Large red inflorescences, collected in a spike in several pieces, up to 25 cm long. Cream and blue corollas are rare. The leaves are dark green, light on the back. Plant height 60-80 cm. Flowering from late June to September.
2. Mealy. The bush is pyramidal up to 90 cm high. The pubescence on the leaves is located along the veins. Inflorescences are small, up to 2 cm, white and dark blue. Blooms from early August until frost.
3. Bright red. The bush reaches 70 cm in height. The foliage has petioles, an ovoid plate with serrated edges. Inflorescences are red, loose structure, 30 cm long. Flowering from July to late autumn.
The Mediterranean group, subject to a large snow cover, good insulation, can survive relatively warm winters. It is reconciled with low soil fertility, short drought.
Representatives of this group are:
1. Variegated - Horminum variety with multi-colored upper leaves, small inflorescences. Branched bushes reach a height of 60 cm. The leaf plate is covered with a light fluff of a light shade. Bracts are purple, pink, white.
2. Dandelion has a rosette of leaves that give off a pleasant aroma. On the upper side, the leaf plate is smooth, on the back, pubescent. The inflorescences are collected in an ear of 30 cm high. They have a pink corolla, an emerald throat with a cherry speck.
3. Whorled. Compact bushes 40 cm tall. The unusual shape of the leaves, lilac corollas of inflorescences, attached to the stem in large heaps, give it a special charm.
4. Yurisic. Not used in ornamental gardening.
Frost-resistant species prefer a temperate warm climate. They are distinguished by lush flowering from the second year of life.
These include salvias:
1. Dubravnaya up to 60 cm high. The upper leaves are much smaller than the lower ones. Purple inflorescences are collected in pairs of several pieces. Blooms from June to late September.
2. Lush. A branchy bush 60 cm high is strewn in the upper part with blue-purple inflorescences. Modern varieties are pink and white.
3. Sticky. The plant grows up to 90 cm. The pubescent stems bear yellowish leaves with long petioles and a serrated edge. Loose inflorescences have yellow corollas of a light shade. Blooms in early August.
As you can see, the variety of salvia species can satisfy even the most discerning grower. Including it in compositions will help you create original masterpieces in your flower bed.
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