Salvia nemorosa

Woodland sage is a clump-forming, herbaceous perennial in the mint family (Lamiaceae) native to Europe and west-central Asia. It may grow as high as 3 feet and as wide as 2 feet. The species epithet is Latin for “of woodlands.”

This is an easy plant to grow in full sun to partial shade in average, moist, well-drained soil. It prefers sandy or gravelly soil but tolerates most well-drained soils, even dry soils. It is drought-tolerant and is seldom damaged by deer or rabbit browsing. Propagate it by seed or stem cuttings.

The violet-blue flowers appear on dense spike-like racemes from June to September. Flowers are attractive to hummingbirds, bees and butterflies. Once the plant has bloomed and the stem has turned brown, cut it down to the basal leaves and new flowers will appear. They can often be encouraged to bloom several times by cutting back the spent blooms. Many cultivars exist to extend the flower color and size range available. Woodland sage crosses with meadow sage (S. pratensis) to yield wood sage (Salvia × sylvestris). It is not always possible to determine if modern cultivars are derived from the species or its hybrids.

Use woodland sage in the front of a perennial border in groups of three or more for the best effect. It is also useful in a pollinator or cottage garden, along walkways, and in small spaces.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious problems. Some cultivars have shown good resistance to phytophthora and aerial blight. See Phytophthora Root and Crown Rot in the Landscape.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Groundcovers," a plant identification course developed in partnership with Longwood Gardens. 

More information on Salvia.