Salvia patens: the spectacularly beautiful blue sage
Origin and history
Salvia patens is a species native to Mexico, where it grows mainly in hilly areas and temperate forests. Discovered by the British botanist William Hooker during his explorations in Mexico at the beginning of the 19th century, this plant was introduced to Europe in 1830. It quickly seduced gardeners thanks to its exceptional blue flowers, a rare color in the Salvia genus. Today, Salvia patens is cultivated in many gardens, where it is appreciated for its unique color and long flowering.
Complete botanical description
Family: Lamiaceae.
Shape: Herbaceous plant with an erect habit, reaching 60 to 90 cm in height and 40 to 50 cm in width.
Foliage: Light green leaves, opposite, lanceolate and slightly pubescent. They have a soft and velvety texture.
Flowers: Terminal inflorescences with spikes of tube-shaped flowers, of an intense blue, sometimes almost indigo. The corollas, 3 to 5 cm long, are generally arranged compactly on sturdy stems.
Flowering: From summer until the first frosts, producing a profusion of bright blue flowers. This flowering is very attractive to pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds.
Morphological and evolutionary characteristics
Salvia patens is particularly appreciated for its blue color, which is rare in plants of the genus Salvia. Its long-lasting flowering and its ability to attract a wide variety of pollinators make it an excellent choice for gardens promoting biodiversity. In addition, its tolerance to heat and drought makes it ideal for Mediterranean climates and sunny gardens.
Growing and use tips
Exposure: Sun or light partial shade. It prefers a sunny exposure for optimal flowering, but can tolerate some shade, especially in warmer regions.
Soil: Well-draining, light and fertile. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil, but also tolerates slightly alkaline soil. Too wet or poorly drained soil can be detrimental to the health of the plant.
Watering: Moderate. In periods of prolonged drought, regular watering is necessary, but it prefers slightly dry soil between waterings.
Hardiness: Resists up to about -5°C. It is best grown in pots in cold areas, where it can be protected in winter.
Care:
Cut the plant to about 10 cm from the ground in spring to encourage new growth.
Mulch around the roots in winter in cold regions to protect the stump.
Remove faded flowers to encourage continuous flowering.
Propagation:
Cutting in summer, in a light and moist substrate.
Sow in spring, although the plant may be slower to grow from seed.
Garden Use
Salvia patens is an ideal plant for flower beds, especially in association with yellow, red or orange flowering perennials, such as Coreopsis or Echinacea. It thrives in borders, pots or even rock gardens, where its intense blue colour creates a lovely contrast with other plants. It is also excellent for attracting pollinators.
Notable Varieties
'Blue Angel': A very popular variety with even deeper blue flowers and a more compact habit.
'Cambridge Blue': Smaller, but with equally vibrant flowers and a lower habit.
'Royal Blue': A variety with deep blue, almost indigo flowers, providing a spectacular contrast in gardens.
Gardener's Tip
Salvia patens can be grown in pots for those living in colder climates. When grown in a pot, it can be moved indoors during the winter to protect it from frost. Combine it with plants with warm tones or silver foliage to maximise its visual impact and create bright contrasts in the garden.