SALVIA African Sky

There are about 900 salvias distributed through most part of the world, making it the largest genus in the mint family. Hundreds of varieties are also now in cultivation as ornamental, culinary herbs, or as both (the name salvia derives from the Latin salve meaning to heal, as the aromatic leaves of many species have long been used for medicinal purposes). Salvia flowers are two-lipped and have among their representatives some of the best blues, purples and most intense reds to be found among garden plants. They are also generally hardy and free flowering, and attract either bees or birds to the garden. A truly versatile group. Most are best grown in a sunny position in free draining soil with moderate soil moisture. The shrubby species generally tolerate only light frosts while perennial species are often more frost hardy. African Sky is a New Zealand hybrid with parents thought to be S. scabra and S, chamelaeagnea. It is smaller than the latter parent, only reaching a meter in flower in my garden so far, but it seems to be just as tough, Best in either a sunny or partly shaded position in well drained soil. It is tolerates periods of dryness as well as frost and coastal conditions. Prune back by two thirds after flowering to encourage new growth and more flowers.