Gardening

Sensational Salvia!

Salvias are a fascinating range of plants which offer such a variation of colour, shape, foliage and habit, from the hardy microphylla and patens varieties through to the half hardy greggii type that are smaller growing, some with highly aromatic varieties.

Salvia ‘Hot lips’ is classified as half hardy and it’s true that it will struggle with long severe cold spells in winter, however it should weather most winters without problem. Originating in Mexico and south America it is a fairly recent introduction to Europe, with its distinct profusion of bi colour red and white flowers that resemble a pair of lips, but its bushy aromatic foliage also adds a charm to the garden when gently brushed past along a path releasing a fine blackcurrant fragrance. This showy ornamental sage is perfect for a sunny cottage garden border with a long flowering season from June through to the start of winter. With such a long blooming season it is particularly useful in the garden. This salvia thrives in full sun in well drained soils but will tolerate partial shade easily.

Salvia nemorosa ‘caradonna’ is also a favourite of gardeners not only because it is tough but because of its unique stunning vertical spires of rich violet blue flowers appearing from late spring they make an attractive accent in the garden and are a real magnet for the butterfly. Salvia ‘Amistrad’ is particularly floriferous bearing unusually large deep purple flowers with almost black supporting stems extremely attractive to bees and again if deadheaded regularly that will encourage flowers until the autumn. This variety however will need protection in the harshest of winters. Salvia ‘Wendys wish’ will grow up to 1m tall with red stems, pale olive green leaves and abundant citrus scented rich pink flowers, simply adorable and so so different.

Salvia greggii is a dwarf but bushy plant with simple lipped flowers from red, pink, yellow or violet flowers in terminal racemes but by far my favourite is Salvia ‘patens’ with its intense blue flower perfect for the mid to back of the border position, it is sensitive to hard frosts and does benefit from some support as it is one of the taller Salvias. That said it is worthy of a spot in any garden.

As a precaution they can be dug up and stored like a Dahlia as a safeguard. Wagon House Gardens at the Jinney Ring Craft Centre have a great range of Salvias from early June. Choose from annuals used in bedding schemes to the hardy and half hardy woody types, they are so easy to propagate from cuttings and all salvias have the added benefit that they do not suffer with pest and disease issues.

If your looking for something just a little different then why not consider the delightful salvia.

Karl Strawbridge

Wagon House Gardens The Jinney Ring Craft Centre, Hanbury, B60 4BU Tel: 01527 821421

Jobs in the garden for early summer

Protect tender plants from late frosts, use fleece if necessary Plant out summer bedding late May or early June. Sow peas and lettuce Keep on top of weeds, hoe regularly as they will steal the nutrients Plant out Brussels sprouts, cabbage, marrows and runner beans Deadhead roses this will help get more flowers on repeat flowerers

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