Salvia nemorosa Bumblesnow - Woodland Sage

The Salvia nemorosa 'Bumblesnow' is a variety of perennial sage characterized by a compact habit and generous pure white flowering. This neat little plant will delight enthusiasts of robust and countryside flowers that promote biodiversity. This perennial produces a multitude of small white flowers, clustered on long spikes, dominating a tuft of very dark green foliage, pleasantly aromatic. Not very tall, hardy, luminous, it is easy to associate in a border as well as in flower pots.

The Salvia nemorosa 'Bumblesnow' is a hardy perennial plant in the Lamiaceae or Labiateae family. Its wild ancestor, wood sage, is a species native to central Europe and western Asia. The cultivar 'Bumblesnow' was selected in the USA by Walters Gardens. It forms a branched clump, with an adult height not exceeding 30 cm when in flower and a width of 35-40 cm (14-16in). This perennial develops in spring, starting from a prostrate rosette of oval, rough leaves, very dark green, with toothed edges, pleasantly aromatic when crushed. It has a bushy, heavily branched and sturdy habit. Flowering begins from May to June and then continues from August until September, providing the soil does not dry out too much and faded flowers are regularly pruned. It takes the form of terminal clusters bearing numerous small (0.5 to 1 cm (0in)) white flowers with green bracts. The beautiful nectar-rich flower spikes are a delight for bees and butterflies. The vegetation of this sage will persist more or less during winter, its very cold-resistant stump does not fear harsh winters if the soil is properly drained.

Plant the 'Bumblesnow' sage in a border in association with carnations, coreopsis or catmints, for example. It is an excellent candidate for ornamenting terraces and balconies, as well as a preferred host for low-maintenance flower beds. Easy to grow anywhere, this plant is also one of the hardiest sages, and as such, a fantastic garden perennial that will not disappoint. It can withstand anything, even wind, cold, heat, and poor soils. Whilst this variety is particularly suitable for a white garden, for example as a border along a pathway, it easily blends with any other flowering plants. It will be gorgeous alongside pink-flowering plants like the 'The Fairy' rose, a red rose for a strong contrast (Rouge Cascade), or with perennial geraniums. It also pairs well with shrubby lavenders, Penstemons, peonies, etc.

With over 900 species of annuals, perennials, and soft-wooded shrubs distributed all over the globe, 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' in reference to the medicinal properties of common sage.