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Salvia nipponica var. Formosana
Salvia nipponica var. Formosana
Salvia nipponica var. Formosana

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Salvia nipponica var. Formosana

(Formosan Woodland Sage or Tai wan qin zhu cao) A native of Taiwan, this Salvia nipponica grows well in hot, humid climates as well as milder locales.

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. Formosan Woodland 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"/24"/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. Partial to full 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 & rich
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 foot or less
Mature spread The mature width of this plant in average conditions. 1 foot or less
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(Formosan Woodland Sage or Tai wan qin zhu cao) A native of Taiwan, this Salvia nipponica grows well in hot, humid climates as well as milder locales.

Blooming throughout fall, bright yellow flowers help this sage lighten a shady garden. Similar to other Woodland Sages, it can handle many sunlight conditions, including partial shade, full shade and a combination of morning sun and afternoon shade.

The sunny flowers contrast handsomely with the plant's arrowhead-shaped leaves that are deep green on top and hairy purple underneath. The foliage alone makes this a great planting choice for damp, shady spots. However, it needs somewhat warmer climes -- USDA Zones 7 to 9 -- than our other woodland sages.

Spreading gently, Formosana eventually clumps densely to become an effective groundcover. Grow this plant in rich, moist soil and give it plenty of water.

And if that's not enough, consider that this sage is an important anti-inflammatory herb in traditional Chinese herbal medicine. In the West, ongoing medical research is beginning to support this and show Formosana's role as an antioxidant as well.