Salvia × superba
Encyclopedia
Salvia × superba is a widely grown Salvia
hybrid. Its origins are unknown, though it first appeared in cultivation, and its parents are believed to include Salvia × sylvestris and Salvia amplexicaulis
. Salvia nemorosa
has also been suggested as a direct parent or close relative, but with so many similarities between these species and hybrids, there is no conclusive evidence. It is often mistakenly called Salvia superba.
Salvia × superba grows about 1 m (3.3 ft) tall, with flowers ranging from violet-blue to pale pink. The flowers grow in whorls that are a bit more separated than in their parents. Selected cultivars include the confusingly named 'Superba', and 'Rubin'.
Salvia
Salvia is the largest genus of plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae, with approximately 700-900 species of shrubs, herbaceous perennials, and annuals. It is one of several genera commonly referred to as sage. When used without modifiers, sage generally refers to Salvia officinalis ; however, it is...
hybrid. Its origins are unknown, though it first appeared in cultivation, and its parents are believed to include Salvia × sylvestris and Salvia amplexicaulis
Salvia amplexicaulis
Salvia amplexicaulis is a herbaceous perennial that is native to southeastern Europe. It is a close relative of Salvia nemorosa. Its specific epithet, amplexicaulis, refers to the "stem-clasping" stem leaves which have no stalks. Violet-blue flowers grow closely together in whorls, forming a nearly...
. Salvia nemorosa
Salvia nemorosa
Salvia nemorosa is a hardy herbaceous perennial plant native to a wide area of central Europe and Western Asia.It is an attractive plant that is easy to grow and propagate, with the result that it has been passed around by gardeners for many years...
has also been suggested as a direct parent or close relative, but with so many similarities between these species and hybrids, there is no conclusive evidence. It is often mistakenly called Salvia superba.
Salvia × superba grows about 1 m (3.3 ft) tall, with flowers ranging from violet-blue to pale pink. The flowers grow in whorls that are a bit more separated than in their parents. Selected cultivars include the confusingly named 'Superba', and 'Rubin'.