Salvia nemorosa Colourspires Crystal Blue - Woodland Sage

The Salvia nemorosa 'Crystal Blue' is a new variety of wood sage from the Colorspires series that stands out from the others with its astonishing light blue colour during its long summer flowering period. This adorable sage forms long spikes bearing hundreds of small sky blue flowers, translucent in full light. They dominate a particularly branched tuft, dressed in pleasantly aromatic dark greenish-grey foliage. Not too tall, hardy, remarkable for its colour in borders as well as in flowering pots, this robust, floriferous and easy to grow perennial will not disappoint.

Salvia nemorosa is a perennial from the lamiaceae or labiate family. It is a species native to central Europe and western Asia. 'Crystal Blue' is a cultivar discovered in 2010 in Illinois, USA, growing in a field of the 'Mainacht' variety. This variety obtained third place at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2017. Its adult size will not exceed 55 cm (22in) in height when in bloom, with 35 cm (14in) for the foliage, and 60 cm (0 and 24in) in width. This perennial develops from a prostrate rosette of oval, rough, dark greenish-grey leaves with toothed edges, aromatic when crushed. It has a more bushy habit than 'Mainacht', very branching and sturdy. Flowering begins in June and continues until August-September, depending on the climate, in the form of thin and slender terminal clusters, bearing many small flowers (0.5 to 1 cm (0in)) of a very bright light blue. The beautiful spikes with nectar-rich flowers bring joy to butterflies and bees.

Salvia nemorosa 'Crystal Blue' blends wonderfully with all other wood sages, creating beautiful scenes in shades of blue. It also has a striking effect when paired with a red rose for a strong contrast (Knockout), or with grey foliage of artemisias in dry soil, or purple foliage, such as that of Physocarpus opulifolius 'Lady in Red' in moister soil. It also pairs well with light pink flowers, such as the hastate verbena 'Rosea', which in terms of height will dominate the shrubby mallow 'Barnsley', or the Penstemon 'Evelyn'. This plant will find a place in the composition of borders and beds alongside Perovskia, Lychnis coronaria Oculata, or coronillas. With its wheelbarrows of sky blue flowers, this plant makes an excellent alternative to Nepetas in wet and heavy soil. It is also an excellent candidate for ornamenting terraces and balconies, and a privileged guest in low-maintenance beds. Easy to grow, this plant is also one of the hardiest sages, and as such, a wonderful garden perennial that will not disappoint. It resists everything, even wind, cold, heat, and poor soils.

With over 900 species of annuals, perennials, and softwood shrubs, spread across the globe, except for in very cold regions and the tropical forest, the Salvia genus is the richest in the lamiaceae family. The name Salvia, which dates back to Roman times, derives from the Latin salvus "healthy" in reference to the medicinal virtues of the common sage.