Organically grown sage
The Salvia nemorosa also called 'woodland sage', blooms with long sturdy flower spikes of about 60 centimeters high. The flowers themselves consist of numerous small purple or white lipped flowers that are in dense flower clusters, which are known to be a real magnet for pollinators such as bees.
The leaves are lanceolate, which means they are elongated and pointed. The leaves have a light hairiness which gives them a soft appearance. The scent of the leaves is spicy and aromatic. Adding Salvia nemorosa to your garden can therefore not only be visually appealing, but also sensorially appealing because of the scent.
Salvia flowers from June to August and in good weather conditions they can flower again in the autumn if the faded flower stems are cut off.
Can I use Woodland sage as a herb?
The herb sage is popular in the kitchen, for example in salads or warm dishes, because it has many good properties. This also applies to the purple 'Caradonna' and the white 'Schneehügel' forest sage.
Tea can be made from the fresh and dried leaves of salvia. This has a beneficial effect on respiratory diseases such as asthma.
White sage is widely used as incense.
How, where and when do I plant woodland sage?
Salvia nemorosa is a perennial plant that can be planted all year round. The rhizomes can be planted immediately after receipt. Plant all roots so deep that the young green leaves are just above the ground.
Plant in a sunny spot in well-drained soil. Sandy or loamy soils are ideal as they drain excess water and keep the roots healthy. Heavy clay soils can become too soggy and the plants can be susceptible to root rot. Improving the soil structure by adding organic matter such as compost can improve drainage.
Plant it in the middle of the border or in pots, together with the slightly lower ones Oxalis deppei 'Iron Cross' .
Caring for the woodland sage
Provide plenty of water, especially during dry spells, and consider using a layer of mulch around the plant to retain moisture.
After the first bloom in the summer, the faded flower stems are cut back for a possible second bloom in the fall. The following spring, the dead or damaged parts can be removed to stimulate new growth.
Give a balanced feed annually for best results. For organic potting soil, plant food and other soil improvers we recommend Bio Kultura on!
Propagation
After 5 years, the rhizomes can be divided. (This can also be done earlier, but we recommend doing this every 5 years.) Tear or cut the root into smaller pieces and distribute them elsewhere in the garden. This will rejuvenate the plant and allow it to grow well again.
Origin of the Salvia
Salvia is a large genus of flowering plants in the Lamiaceae family. The genus Salvia contains over 900 species worldwide and is native to various parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, North and South America, Africa, and the Middle East. They grow in a variety of environments, from dry deserts to humid forests.
Origin of the woodland sage
Salvia nemorosa is native to southeastern Europe and western Asia. It occurs in countries such as Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and parts of the Caucasus. It feels at home in various environments, such as open woodlands, grasslands and along the edges of woodlands. The name 'nemorosa' is derived from the Latin word 'nemorosus' which means 'wooded'.
Buy sage
From January to June, organic woodland sage can be ordered at Bloemoloog.nl.