Salvia sylvestris Rhapsody in Blue

Salvia sylvestris 'Rhapsody in Blue', is a magnificent perennial, with the appearance of a charming weed and extremely floriferous, producing beautiful clusters of large, very pure light blue-lilac flowers in airy spikes from May to August. Hardy and cold-resistant, this plant has a compact habit and tall floral stems that can reach a height of 75 cm (30in), emerging from a fairly dense and densely leafy clump. It is one of the easiest plants to successfully grow, ideal for borders or mass plantings, in full sun or partial shade.

Savia sylvestris is a perennial species, very hardy, that tolerates sun and drying soils. The variety 'Rhapsody in Blue' is distinguished by a fairly compact habit. Its foliage is semi-evergreen, forming clumps that can cover 1m (3ft) in diameter. It produces multiflorous spike inflorescences in spring, reaching a height of 75 cm, with flowers of great purity in blue-lilac hues. The flowers bloom from May and constantly renew until the heart of summer, and are highly prized by butterflies and bees. The leaves, deciduous, are ovate to oblong, rough, with crenate edges, forming beautiful foliage.

The wood sage 'Rhapsody in Blue' is vigorous enough to outcompete weeds. It excels on slopes, contributing to their stability with its deep anchoring roots, which allow it to draw moisture even in hot weather. In this regard, it is perfect for maintaining the soil in rock gardens or along the banks of water features. It is a very resistant plant, enduring prolonged periods of drought and Spartan growing conditions. It tolerates limestone well, even growing on chalky slopes, and endures harsh winters without weakening. In borders, pair it with clary sage, common sage, old-fashioned roses, and Nepeta x faassenii, lychnis coronaria.

With over 900 species of annuals, perennials, and woody shrubs, distributed all over the globe, except for very cold regions and tropical forests, the genus Salvia is the richest in the mint family.