TO SALVIA

In these times of fashionable rages
Let us honor enduring sages.
Known to cure, to mend, to ease;
Companions to cooks; splendid teas.
Hundreds of species our world adorn,
Richly diverse in flower and form.
Hail to Salvia, that scented salvation,
Worthy of study and our admiration.

– by Andy Doty

I read this little poem in ROCK ROSE a lovely garden blog I enjoy! It made me think of my new favorite addition to our garden here at Ravenscourt.

 Belize Sage, Smooth-leaf Sage Salvia miniata,Family Lamiacea, Genus salvia. It is considered a tropical perennial in zones 9 thru 11. This salvia is native to Belize and the Mexican state of Chiapas. It grows to the height of 2-3’ and 3’ wide. For a fuller plant you can trim it back when it becomes leggy. If it doesn’t die back in the winter you may want to cut it back to a few inches once the chance of frost is past.

This salvia prefers light shade and is the best sage for shade gardens. It also makes a good container plant. It likes soil that is enriched with compost and to be kept evenly moist. The bright red tubular flowers are humming bird magnets, blooming from mid-summer to first frost.

Happy Gardening!