Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy
The name 'salvia' derives from the old Latin salveo, meaning 'I heal' or 'I save'. Sage was used as a healing plant, by Greeks and Romans. While it's now mainly used as a culinary herb, sage tea, made by steeping a few sage leaves in hot water, is today still used as a remedy for coughs and sore throats.
As well as its culinary value, sage is a valuable decorative evergreen shrub, which doesn't look out of place in ornamental borders.
Salvia microphylla var. microphylla has small oval-shaped leaves with a distinct fragrance reminiscent of blackcurrants. It's thought to originate from the mountain regions of Central and South America, so does best in a sunny, sheltered spot, such as a patio. For best results, grow blackcurrant sage in a container, so you can bring it indoors in winter.
A highly ornamental salvia, Salvia microphylla var. microphylla bears exquisite cerise flowers in summer, luring in pollinators such as bees.
Clip plants annually to preserve their shape and encourage growth of fresh leaves, which have the best flavour and colour. Older plants eventually become woody but are easily propagated from cuttings or by layering the naturally arching branches.
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Salvia and wildlife
Salvia is known for attracting bees and other pollinators. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.
