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Salvia valentina
Salvia valentina
Salvia valentina

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Salvia valentina

(Strong Spanish Sage) Fuzzy green stems and bracts mature to burgundy on this lovely, lavender flowered sage that roughly doubles in height when blooming. Salvia valentina is a variety of the European native S. nemorosa, a Meadow Sage.

Common name This is the non-scientific name used for a plant. A plant may have several common names, depending on the gardener's location. To further confuse the matter, a common name may be shared by several completely different plants. At Flowers by the Sea, we rely on the scientific name to identify our plants and avoid confusion. Strong Spanish Sage
USDA Zones The U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones indicate the temperature zones where a plant is likely to thrive. It is determined by the average annual winter minimum temperature. Actual winter temperatures may be higher or lower than the average. 7 - 9
Size (h/w/fh) The anticipated mature size of the plant: Height, Width & Flower Height. 12"/18"/24"
Exposure This is the average amount of sunlight that a plant needs to thrive. Generally, full sun exposure is 6 or more hours of direct sun daily while partial shade is less than 4 hours of sun or dappled shade all day. Plants may tolerate more sunlight in cooler climates and need afternoon shade in extremely hot climates. Full sun to partial shade
Soil type This is the kind of soil that a plant needs to thrive. Most plants require a well-drained soil that allows the water to soak into the soil without becoming soggy. Sandy and clay soils can be improved by digging in compost to improve drainage. Well drained
Water needs Plants have specific water requirements. Water loving means the plant needs regular watering to keep the soil moist. Average generally indicates applying 1 inch of water per week, or watering when the soil is dry to a depth of 3 to 4 inches. One inch of water is equal to 5 gallons per square yard of soil surface. Average
Container plant? "Yes" indicates that this plant can be successfully grown as a container plant. Yes
Mature height The mature height of this plant in average conditions. 1 to 2 feet
Mature spread The mature width of this plant in average conditions. 1 to 2 feet
Synonym Salvia nemorosa subsp. valentina
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Degree of Difficulty
Easy
Degree of Difficulty
This plant is easy to grow in a variety of conditions.
Best of Class
Best of Class
We believe this to be the best deep blue flowered Meadow Sage type.
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(Strong Spanish Sage) Fuzzy green stems and bracts mature to burgundy on this lovely, lavender flowered sage that roughly doubles in height when blooming. Salvia valentina is a variety of the European native S. nemorosa, a Meadow Sage.

Strong Spanish Sage requires warmer winter temperatures than many other kinds of Meadow Sage. But that isn't surprising considering that it is a Spanish native endemic to the mild climate of Valencia on the Mediterranean coast.

This heat-tolerant perennial thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is adaptable to many kinds of soil as long as they drain well. Give it average watering based on local conditions.

Despite being easy to grow and having handsome foliage and lush, long blooming flower spikes, S. valentina isn't widely available. Yet it isn't a recent discovery.

Danish botanist Martin Henrichsen Vahl (1749-1804) gave the plant its scientific name in 1804 and published it in the Enumeratio Plantarum. Vahl was a professor at the University of Copenhagen and a former student of Carl Linnaeus, who is often called the father of botanical nomenclature.

We are grateful to José Quiles Hoya of the excellent Valencia, Spain, website Flora Silvestre del Mediterráneo for permission to reprint his photo of Salvia valentina in the wild.