Salvia

Salvia is a genus in the Lamiaceae family with many species found around the world. Most are perennials or sometimes annuals or biennials. There are a few species that are rhizomatous or have tubers.


Salvia patens Cav. is native from Mexico to Guatemala. It is a summer growing, winter dormant species where the plant dies down to just the tubers underground. It is an easy species to grow and plants can be obtained from various sources. This plant needs regular watering in summer, good well-drained soil, and good sun to thrive. Plants can grow to 1 meter tall. In the winter it is recommended to let the soil dry out a little but not become bone dry. Tubers will come into growth in the spring with flowers starting a month or so later. In areas with a lot of winter rainfall and little summer water and poor soils such as Mary Sue Ittner's Northern California garden, it has not thrived as well planted in the ground as when grown in a large pot where moisture and soil can be controlled. But it has not died. This plant can be grown from seeds and will bloom in the same season if treated properly. Photos 1-2 from Mary Sue Ittner and photos 3-4 from Nhu Nguyen.

Salvia patens, Mary Sue IttnerSalvia patens, Mary Sue IttnerSalvia patens, Nhu NguyenSalvia patens, Nhu Nguyen

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