Common Name: |
Painted Sage |
Other Names: |
Bluebeard, Joseph Sage, Annual Clary |
Botanical Name: |
Salvia viridis syn S. horminum |
Genus: |
Salvia |
Family: |
Lamiaceae |
Native Location: |
Mediterranean |
Cultivation: |
Well-drained to dry, neutral to alkaline soil in sun. Salvia miltiorhiza needs moist, sandy soil; tolerates partial shade. Most sages dislike damp conditions and low light in winter; they are often hardier in dry, sunny positions. Sages grown in a greenhouse are prone to spider mite, aphids, and whitefly. Many sages become woody and sparse with age and should be replaced every 4-7 years. |
Propagation: |
By seed sown in spring (species and annuals only); by basal or softwood cuttings in spring and summer; by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer and early autumn; by division (S. miltiorhiza). Salvia lyrata, S. sclarea and S. viridis may self-sow freely. Salvia greggii is grown as an annual in areas with cold winters. |
Harvest: |
Leaves are picked for immediate use, or before flowers open for oil distillation and drying; dried leaves are used in infusions, liquid extracts, and tinctures. Roots are lifted in late autumn and winter, and dried for pills, decoctions, and tinctures. Ripe seeds are dried for use in macerations, or pressed for oil. Flower spikes are cut in summer. Galls (S. pomifera) are picked in spring, and candied. |
Height: |
45-50cm (18-20in) |
Width: |
23cm (9in) |
Variations: |
Claryssa Has a compact, branched habit and blue-purple, pink, and green-veined white bracts. Height: 40cm (16in) |
|
Hardiness: |
Hardy |
Parts Used: |
Leaves, flowering spikes, seed, oil. |
Properties: |
An aromatic, antiseptic herb. |
Medicinal Uses: |
Externally for sore gums and as snuff. |
Culinary Uses: |
Seeds and leaves are used to flavor food. |
Economic Uses: |
Oil is used to flavor wine and beer. |
Bibliography: |
Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pp 353-356 |