Salvia nemorosa. C17

This plant belongs to the Lamiaceae family and is composed of about 1,000 species of shrubs and herbaceous plants native to the Mediterranean, Asia and South and Central America.

Also known as Salvia x sylvestris and the common name Salvia de bosque. It comes from the Mediterranean basin and Eastern Europe. There are more than 6 varieties or cultivars.

They are aromatic herbaceous plants with erect stems that can measure 50-60 cm in height. The leaves are oblong and bright green on the upper side and grey on the underside. The flowers arise in dense inflorescences and can be blue, purple, pink or white, depending on the variety. They flower from the second half of spring until almost the end of summer.

They are ideal for vegetable gardens, in rustic gardens, for borders and in pots and planters for patios, balconies and terraces. It has medicinal properties such as healing, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic, among others, but it is grown more as an ornamental than as an aromatic.

They are full sun plants although they also thrive well in semi-shade. They have good resistance to frost and the intense heat of the Mediterranean summer.

The soil in which they are planted should drain well and contain plenty of organic matter to make it fertile. It is recommended to transplant them from pots at the beginning of spring.

It resists drought very well, so it should be watered moderately, waiting until the soil is very dry. At the beginning of the spring season it is advisable to fertilise lightly with organic material such as compost or manure.

They should be pruned after flowering to remove withered flowers and leaves. These plants are resistant to the usual pests and diseases but can be victims of fungus if we over-water them.

They are propagated by cuttings taken from the tips of the branches in spring or summer.