Sage (Salvia Nemorosa ‘Lubecca’)

Sage

Features and Characteristics

Salvia nemerosa, commonly known as woodland sage, violet sage or salvia, is an erect, many-branched, woody-based, clump-forming perennial that typically grows 5-3′ tall and to 2′ wide. It is native to Europe and west-central Asia. Lavender to violet blue flowers (0.5” long) subtended by tiny reddish-purple bracts bloom from June to September in dense, terminal, upright, spike-like racemes rising well above the foliage. Flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies. Notched, wrinkled, ovate-lanceolate to oblong, medium green to gray-green leaves (to 4” long) are aromatic when bruised.

The genus name Salvia comes from the Latin word salveo meaning “to save or heal”, in reference to the purported medically curative properties attributed to some plants in the genus.

Specific epithet means “growing in groves or woods”, in reference to the native habitat of this species.

‘Lubecca’ is noted for its evenly branched form, showy flowers and long summer bloom. It typically grows in a foliage mound to 12-18″ tall with an 18″ spread. In May-June, hooded, tubular, violet-blue flowers with reddish-purple bracts bloom in dense terminal spikes atop multiple upright flowering stems rising to 24” tall.

Care and Maintenance

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun. Prefers moist, gravelly or sandy soils with good drainage, but tolerates drought. Plants may repeat bloom throughout the summer, but need regular moisture to encourage this. Remove spent flower spikes to help extend the bloom period. Plants may become somewhat floppy and open up as the summer progresses, particularly in humid climates. If plants flop or otherwise depreciate in summer to the point where they look unsightly, consider cutting them back to the basal foliage. In any event, cut plants back after flowering has concluded.

Sage (Salvia Nemorosa ‘Lubecca’) Requirements

Hardiness zone	4 - 8
Sun light	Full Sun
Water	Dry To Medium
Maintenance	Low

Common Problems

Some susceptibility to powdery mildew, leaf spot and rust. Aphids, white fly and scale are occasional insect pests. Deer tend to avoid this plant.

Uses

Perennial borders, cottage gardens, butterfly gardens, wild gardens or along paths. Plant in groups for interesting accent.

Sage (Salvia Nemorosa ‘Lubecca’) Details

Common name	Sage
Botanical name	Salvia Nemorosa 'Lubecca'
Plant type	Herbaceous Perennial
Family	Lamiaceae
Hardiness zone	4 - 8
Water	Dry To Medium
Maintenance	Low
Flower color	Violet-Blue
Flowering period	May - September
Height	1 - 2 Ft.
Width	1 - 1.50 Feet