Description
Salvia Pallida
Botanical Name:
Salvia pallida is a tall and narrow plant from Argentina where it grows about 80 cm high by 1.2 meters wide, but the flowers stalks extend up to 1.5 meters. The green leaves are large and arch back gracefully from the multiple stems. They are very long, oval shaped with scalloped margins and end in a pointed tip. The flowers are powder blue with lavender calyxes held on very long flower spikes. The word ‘pallida’ means pale and the pale blue flowers are profuse from summer to autumn.
The salvia family has over 900 members with an extensive history as culinary, medicinal and ornamental plants. Ornamental salvias have become collectors items, as gardeners try to find a place in their garden for each and every one. There are salvias that will suit every type of soil and climate. More information on the Salvia genus and Common Sage (Salvia officinalis) may be found on our Common Sage page.
Growing Conditions
Pale Sage grows in full sun to partial shade. It may do well in a woodland garden situation where the shade is dappled throughout the day, but morning sun is preferred. Salvia pallida requires regular watering and moist soil, reflecting conditions in the moist meadows of Argentina where it grows naturally. The soil should be rich and well drained for best results.
This plant does well at the back of borders where it can be allowed to spread a little and show off the tall flowers spikes.
