Our plant of the week this week is Salvia nemorosa, also known as Meadow Sage or Woodland Sage. Sage is in the mint family, giving their leaves a fresh, minty smell as well. This is a species of sage that’s native to Northwest Louisiana and produces violet, pink, or white flowers depending on the cultivar. It grows up to 3 feet high and 2 feet wide, with flowering stalks that attract bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. It’s considered hardy and drought tolerant, growing deep root systems like most native plants. Their leaves aren’t often eaten by deer or rabbits and are rarely damaged by them.
Meadow sage prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight in order to flower properly, as well as well-draining soil that’s rich in nutrients. It’s recommended to add topsoil or compost to clay or sandy soil when planting. Apply fertilizer when it comes out of dormancy and a second time in early summer for healthy blooms. When the stems turn brown after a bloom cycle, cut it down to around 1/3 of its size to encourage more blooming. If you have any questions, let us know!