Salvia sylvestris Dear Anja

Salvia x sylvestris ‘Dear Anja' is a very beautiful perennial hybrid sage, with the appearance of a charming weed. It is highly floriferous. From July to August, it produces stunning clusters of blue-violet flowers, in airy and tight spikes. It bears tall floral stems that can reach 80cm (32in) in height, emerging from a densely leafy and erect clump. This hardy and robust perennial is one of the easiest plants to succeed with. It is ideal in borders or as mass plantings, in full sun or partial shade, in not too dry to moist soil.

Salvia x sylvestris is a horticultural hybrid obtained by cross-breeding S. nemorosa and S. pratensis, two very hardy sages native to Eurasia. These plants belong to the Lamiaceae family and have in common the ability to withstand cold, sun, and drought-prone soils. The 'Dear Anja' variety stands out for its vigour and magnificent long spike flowering. Its branched and upright clump spreads over a diameter of 30cm (12in). The plant produces summer inflorescences in spikes reaching 80cm (32in) in height, with flowers measuring 0.5 to 1cm (0.4in) in length. The blue to violet flowers bear purple or violet bracts. The flowers bloom from July and continue blooming until the end of August. They are highly prized by butterflies and bees. The deciduous leaves, measuring 5 to 10cm (2 to 4in) in length, are oval to oblong, and are rough with crenate edges.

'Dear Anja' is vigorous enough to outcompete weeds. It excels on embankments, contributing to their stability with its deep anchoring roots, allowing it to draw moisture even during heatwaves. In this regard, it is perfect for maintaining soil in rockeries or banks near water bodies. It is a highly resistant plant, tolerating periods of drought once well established, even if the beauty of its foliage may suffer. It withstands spartan growing conditions. It tolerates limestone well, even growing on chalky hillsides, and endures harsh winters without faltering. In borders, plant it with clary sage and common sage, along with old roses, Nepeta x faassenii, and Lychnis coronaria.

With over 900 species of annuals, perennials, and softwood shrubs distributed throughout the world, except in very cold regions and tropical forests, the Salvia genus is the most diverse in the Lamiaceae family.