Salvia nemorosa 'East Friesland' (Sage) — Clump-forming or bushy, upright

Overview

Salvia nemorosa 'East Friesland' is a clump-forming or bushy, upright perennial in the genus Salvia, part of the Lamiaceae family, with deciduous, semi-evergreen or evergreen; aromatic, often textured or felted foliage. Salvia nemorosa 'East Friesland' grows best in full sun, and tolerates light loam and sand or chalk soils and neutral to alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3–H5 for shrubby kinds, H6–H7 for the hardy herbaceous species. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and containers. It is native to Central Europe.

About

Salvia nemorosa 'East Friesland' is a clump-forming, upright perennial sage noted for its aromatic, often textured leaves. It flowers from June to September. It favours full sun on light, sharply drained soils with a neutral to alkaline pH and a south- or west-facing, sheltered spot. Avoid winter wet, which is the usual cause of loss.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Salvia nemorosa

About the genus

Salvia is the largest genus of plants in the sage family Lamiaceae, with just under 1,000 species of shrubs, herbaceous perennials, and annuals. Within the Lamiaceae, Salvia is part of the tribe Mentheae within the subfamily Nepetoideae. One of several genera commonly referred to as sage, it includes two widely used herbs, Salvia officinalis and Salvia rosmarinus.

Wikipedia contributors, "Salvia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Salvia

In the garden

Salvia nemorosa 'East Friesland' belongs to the Lamiaceae and is native to Central Europe. As a perennial it forms compact clumps of leafy stems and carries aromatic, frequently felted foliage that adds tactile interest through the seasons. Flowering occurs from June to September, offering a summer display when sited correctly. Place this Salvia in full sun on light loam, sand or chalk with a neutral to alkaline soil reaction. It needs sharply drained conditions; winter waterlogging is the common reason plants fail, so choose free-draining soil or a raised planting position. A south- or west-facing aspect in a sheltered spot reduces exposure to cold, wet winter winds and suits this cultivar. Translate the hardiness guidance for gardeners: the hardy herbaceous Salvia species fall in H6–H7 (very hardy to fully hardy), and it also matches USDA zones 5–10. Use it in mixed borders, rock gardens or containers where good drainage can be managed. In containers use a free-draining compost and avoid sitting pots in water over winter. Avoid heavy, poorly drained ground to reduce the risk of loss from winter wet.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Salvia

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Light loam, sand or chalk
Soil pH: Neutral to alkaline
Soil moisture: Sharply drained; winter wet is the usual cause of loss
Aspect: South or west facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H3–H5 for shrubby kinds, H6–H7 for the hardy herbaceous species

Plant details

Salvia nemorosa 'East Friesland' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming or bushy, upright
Foliage: Deciduous, semi-evergreen or evergreen; aromatic, often textured or felted
Suggested uses: Borders, rock gardens, containers
Native to: Central Europe
Fragrance: Mildly aromatic leaves

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Salvia nemorosa 'East Friesland'

Cultivation: Drainage matters more than cold — most losses come from sitting wet through winter rather than from low temperature. Give the sunniest, sharpest-draining spot available, delay cutting back until spring so old growth shelters the crown, and take insurance cuttings of anything tender.
Pruning: Leave the top growth intact over winter, then cut back to a low framework of live buds in mid-spring once the frosts have passed. Deadhead through summer to extend flowering.
Propagation: Softwood and semi-ripe cuttings root very easily from spring to late summer, which is the standard insurance against winter losses. Divide hardy herbaceous kinds in spring.
Pest resistance: Aromatic foliage deters most pests; capsid bug and leafhopper occasionally cause spotting.
Disease resistance: Robust in dry conditions. Powdery mildew and root rot appear only where the soil stays wet.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Salvia nemorosa 'East Friesland'?

Drainage matters more than cold — most losses come from sitting wet through winter rather than from low temperature. Give the sunniest, sharpest-draining spot available, delay cutting back until spring so old growth shelters the crown, and take insurance cuttings of anything tender.

Where is the best place to plant Salvia nemorosa 'East Friesland'?

Salvia nemorosa 'East Friesland' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Salvia nemorosa 'East Friesland' need?

Salvia nemorosa 'East Friesland' grows best in light loam and sand or chalk soil. It prefers neutral to alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays sharply drained; winter wet is the usual cause of loss.

How do I prune Salvia nemorosa 'East Friesland'?

Leave the top growth intact over winter, then cut back to a low framework of live buds in mid-spring once the frosts have passed. Deadhead through summer to extend flowering.

Is Salvia nemorosa 'East Friesland' hardy in the UK?

Salvia nemorosa 'East Friesland' has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.

How do I propagate Salvia nemorosa 'East Friesland'?

Softwood and semi-ripe cuttings root very easily from spring to late summer, which is the standard insurance against winter losses. Divide hardy herbaceous kinds in spring.

More in the Salvia genus

Browse all Salvia →