Salvia officinalis Albiflora

Salvia officinalis 'Albiflora' is the pure white flowered form of the officinal sage, a robust perennial plant famous for its medicinal properties and highly aromatic foliage. It blooms in spring, in the form of upright spikes that attract many pollinating insects. This plant is appealing for its simplicity, floribundance, fragrant grey-green foliage that remains beautiful and aromatic all year round, and its accommodating nature. It is very hardy, quite drought-resistant, and only requires rich soil and a warm, sunny exposure to thrive.

Like all salvias, Salvia officinalis belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It is native to Western Asia. The plant forms a beautiful clump composed of hairy woody stems at the base, bearing small lanceolate leaves, which are tender green to grey on the upper side and lighter on the underside. It reaches a height of 50 to 60cm (20 to 24in), with a diameter of about 40cm (16in), sometimes much more in fertile soil. The nectar-rich and honey-bearing flowering takes place in May-June, early or late depending on the climate. The upright floral spikes are square-sectioned stems, bearing white flowers surrounded at the base by a velvety, light green sheathing calyx. The pure white flowers are composed of two lips. The evergreen foliage consists of thick, ovate, narrow, velvety leaves with toothed edges. The plant tissues contain a highly studied essential oil with interesting properties.

In the garden, mix different genres by planting some aromatic plants like sage in the middle of your perennial beds or even in rock gardens. They will integrate perfectly and fill in empty spaces without requiring much maintenance. Their scent can repel insects that may attack more delicate plants, such as certain roses or lilies. It possesses ornamental qualities that can be utilised in a natural-style garden or an herb garden. It can also be planted with, for example, California poppies, cosmos, Echinops, and Erigeron karvinskianus. These fast-growing plants will compose a beautiful decor in the space of a season.

"He who has sage in his garden has no need of a doctor" is a saying that demonstrates the medicinal properties of the plant, which is also called 'the saving plant'. Sage is renowned for its diuretic, tonic, antiseptic, antiperspirant, and antispasmodic properties. In cooking, fresh or dried leaves flavour fish, poultry, sauces, and vegetables. Add the leaves at the end of cooking to preserve their aroma. They can also be used in infusions.

With over 900 species of annuals, perennials, and soft-wooded shrubs distributed throughout the world, except in very cold regions and tropical forests, the Salvia genus is the richest in the Lamiaceae family. The name Salvia, which dates back to Roman times, derives from the Latin word salvus, meaning "healthy," alluding to the medicinal properties of officinal sage.