Salvia pratensis var. tenorii & 'Baumgartenii' (Sage) — Clump-forming or bushy, upright

Overview

Salvia pratensis var. tenorii & 'Baumgartenii' 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. It typically grows around 1.0 m tall. Salvia pratensis var. tenorii & 'Baumgartenii' 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. It is native to Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region, Flanders and Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

About

Salvia pratensis var. tenorii & 'Baumgartenii' is a clump-forming perennial sage with aromatic, often textured or felted leaves and an upright habit. It grows to about 1.0 m and produces flowering spikes from June to September. Position in full sun on sharply drained light loam, sand or chalk with a neutral to alkaline pH. A south- or west-facing, sheltered site reduces the risk of winter wet, the usual cause of loss.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Salvia pratensis

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 pratensis var. tenorii & 'Baumgartenii' is a perennial in the Lamiaceae, recorded from regions of Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. It forms upright, clump-forming growth to around 1.0 m and carries aromatic, often textured or felted foliage. Flowering occurs from June to September. Plant in a sunny, south- or west-facing spot on light loam, sand or chalk; neutral to alkaline soils suit it best. Good drainage is essential — the usual cause of failure is winter wet — so avoid clay or waterlogged positions. The plant prefers a sheltered exposure and performs within USDA zones 5–10. UK hardiness varies by form: shrubby types fall in H3–H5 (borderline to hardy), while the hardy herbaceous forms are H6–H7 (very hardy to fully hardy), so select the form appropriate to your location and winter conditions. Use the clump to add upright structure at the back or middle of a sunny border where alkaline, sharply drained soils occur. Expect plants to reach roughly 1.0 m in height and to carry their flowers through the early summer into early autumn (June to September).

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 pratensis var. tenorii & 'Baumgartenii' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming or bushy, upright
Foliage: Deciduous, semi-evergreen or evergreen; aromatic, often textured or felted
Height: 1.0 m
Native to: Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region, Flanders, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Salvia pratensis var. tenorii & 'Baumgartenii'

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 pratensis var. tenorii & 'Baumgartenii'?

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 pratensis var. tenorii & 'Baumgartenii'?

Salvia pratensis var. tenorii & 'Baumgartenii' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Salvia pratensis var. tenorii & 'Baumgartenii' need?

Salvia pratensis var. tenorii & 'Baumgartenii' 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 pratensis var. tenorii & 'Baumgartenii'?

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.

How big does Salvia pratensis var. tenorii & 'Baumgartenii' grow?

Salvia pratensis var. tenorii & 'Baumgartenii' reaches a height of 1.0 m.

Is Salvia pratensis var. tenorii & 'Baumgartenii' hardy in the UK?

Salvia pratensis var. tenorii & 'Baumgartenii' 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 pratensis var. tenorii & 'Baumgartenii'?

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 →