Salvia nutans seeds - Nodding Sage

The Slender Sage, in Latin Salvia nutans, is a perennial plant which is interesting for its graceful and prolonged flowering as well as its great resistance to cold and drought. Originating from Eastern Europe and Central Asia, it adapts well to harsh environments. It is recognised by its branched floral stems adorned with blue-violet flowers whose tops delicately lean towards the ground. It will bring a wild and natural touch to flower beds. It thrives in the sun in any well-drained soil.

Belonging to the Lamiaceae family, Slender Sage (Salvia nutans) originates from the steppes of Eastern Europe, Russia, and Asia. It is mainly found in dry and sunny areas, where it grows in well-drained soils. This perennial, with an upright habit and slender stems, reaches between 50 and 70 cm high in flower, or even more. It forms a basal rosette of puckered leaves, of irregular size, which do not persist in winter. Its leaves are generally triangular, 5 to 10 cm long, medium to dark green, and slightly velvety to the touch. Flowering occurs from June to late September, depending on the climate. It takes the form of incredibly graceful branched floral stems. Each branching carries a spike composed of bright bluish-purple tubular flowers, leaning downwards. These flowers measure about 1 to 2 cm. The very hardy Slender Sage can withstand temperatures down to -25°C. This plant also copes well with dry periods. Its roots don't like excess moisture.

Salvia nutans thrives in the sun in flower beds and borders with soil that does not retain excess water. Its natural appearance blends perfectly with light grasses like Feather Grass or Muhlenbergia capillaris which blooms pink in late summer. Also consider Panicled Baby's Breath 'Snow Flake' which forms clouds of small white flowers and the Persian Cornflower (Centaurea dealbata) whose bright pink flowers complement the purple and grey tones of the Slender Sage.

With over 900 species of annuals, perennials, and bushes, distributed all over our planet, except in very cold regions and tropical forests, the Salvia genus is the richest in the Lamiaceae family. The name Salvia, dating back to Roman times, derives from the Latin salvus "healthy" alluding to the medicinal virtues of common sage.