|
| Name of plant |
Salvia uliginosa |
| Family |
Lamiaceae |
| Common names |
Bog Sage |
| Area of garden where plant is found |
Bog garden, Broadwalk and Double Walled Garden |
| Description: |
This salvia is a tall plant for the back of a sunny border. The turquoise blue flowers appear in late summer and autumn and are borne on short spikes at the top of bare stems. Each spike is made up of many small flowers with these opening up one at a time over the succession of autumn. Take cuttings in late summer and early autumn to over winter indoors as an insurance policy The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM). |
Distribution, habitat and conservation status
|
Native of Brazil, growing in damp grassland. |
| Derivation of name |
The name Salvia derives from the Latin word Salvere which means ‘to heal’. This herb is highly regarded for its healing qualities. An ancient proverb states, "Why should a man die who has sage in his garden?" The ancient Greeks used it to treat consumption, ulcers and snake bites. |
| History of plant |
Salvias have been grown in central Europe since the middle Ages and has been used mainly for medicinal purposes. The Chinese also were quite partial to this herb. 17th century Dutch merchants found that they would trade one chest of sage leaves for three of their teas [1]. The Ancient Romans considered it to be a sacred herb and followed an elaborate ceremony when harvesting. The harvester would have to wear clean clothes and have a clean tool to cut the Sage. Native Americans were also partial to this herb. |
| Decorative and economic uses |
There are aromatic and non aromatic varieties that are used medicinally and for ornamental purposes. |
| Growing instructions |
Take cuttings in late summer and early autumn to over winter indoors or it may survive next to a warm wall. This plant will not like a frozen root ball. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM). |
| References and sources of further information |
1. ^ Kintzios, Spiridon E. 2000. Sage: the genus Salvia. Medicinal and aromatic plants--industrial profiles, v. 14. Amsterdam: Harwood Academic Publishers. Page 27. ISBN 9058230058
2. ^ Clebsch, Betsy, and Betsy Clebsch. 2003. The new book of salvias: sages for every garden. Portland, OR: Timber Press. ISBN 0881925608 |
