Salvia uliginosa: Aquatic poetry in the garden
Dance of the marshes: Portrait of an elegant aquatic
Slender and graceful, Salvia uliginosa, the marsh sage, rises like a ballerina in wetlands. Its supple and slender stems, topped with bright sky blue flowers, create a vibrant and airy scene. The light green, slightly toothed leaves contrast with the delicacy of the tubular flowers, offering a spectacle as refined as it is captivating.
The discovery: A gem of the wetlands
Discovered and described for the first time by the German botanist George Bentham in 1833, Salvia uliginosa was introduced to Europe as part of the study of wetland plants in South America. Native to the marshy regions of Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay, its specific name uliginosa, meaning "marshy", illustrates its natural habitat. This sage has captivated European botanists with its dazzling blooms and ornamental potential.

A botanical portrait: Grace in humidity
Scientific identification
Scientific name: Salvia uliginosa
Family: Lamiaceae (Lamiaceae)
Origin: Wetlands of South America (Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay)
Morphological description
Size:
Height: 120 to 180 cm
Width: 60 to 100 cm
Shape:
Erect and slightly spreading thanks to its creeping rhizomes.
Foliage:
Color: Light green.
Texture: Smooth, slightly toothed on the edges.
Shape: Elongated and narrow.
Flowering:
Season: From summer to autumn, often until the first frosts.
Flowers: Tubular, bright sky blue, grouped in graceful spikes.
Visual appeal: The flowers contrast beautifully with the light foliage, creating a vibrant scene.

Adaptations and ecology
Native to marshy areas, Salvia uliginosa is well-adapted to moist environments.
Natural habitat: Moist or boggy soils, often along waterways.
Tolerance: Although it prefers cool, moist conditions, it will adapt to drier soils if well watered.
Pollinators: A favorite of bees and butterflies, who feast on its rich nectar.

Gardener's tip: An easy-going beauty
Exposure: Sun to light partial shade.
Soil: Moist to cool, rich in organic matter, but well-drained.
Hardiness: Hardy to -8°C, requires winter protection in cold climates.
Watering: Regular, especially in summer to maintain its vibrancy.
Care:
Cut back stems in late winter to encourage vigorous growth.
Pruning back spent spikes encourages prolonged flowering.
Combinations:
Perfect for pond borders or in damp beds.
Combines well with grasses such as Miscanthus or perennials such as asters and rudbeckias.

Attracting wildlife
Its nectar-rich flowers attract a multitude of pollinators, transforming the garden into a sanctuary for bees and butterflies.

Notable varieties and notes
Salvia uliginosa is usually grown in its typical form, but slightly paler cultivars, such as ‘Blue Sky’, can be found.

A timeless aquatic beauty
Whether it’s for its bright flowers, slender habit or exceptional adaptability, Salvia uliginosa is a jewel for damp gardens. It symbolizes the perfect alliance between elegance and robustness, inviting each gardener to create a haven of biodiversity.