Salvia

Black and Blue Salvia Salvia guaranitica

There are numerous favorites in my garden. But some of my very, very favorites are Salvias. Being born in Oahu, I have a special affinity for pineapple anything ... So, Pineapple Sage (Salvia elegans — reseeds itself; usually grown as an annual; bright red flower stalks in late summer; leaves offer a sweet pineapple fragrance when rubbed between your fingers) is a very favorite.

The Salvia genus includes more than 900 species of shrubs, herbs, herbaceous perennials and annuals. Its name, Salvia (also referred to as Sage), comes from salveo, which means "save," referring to the medicinal value associated with this genus. A native plant of Mexico, and all are easy to grow and attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

Other Salvias in my gardens:

• Meadow Sage 'May Night' (Mainacht) Salvia de la Pradera
• Red Salvia Salvia splendens
• 'Lady in Red' Salvia Salvia coccinea (if the seeds from last year germinate ...)
• Common Sage Salvia officinalis
• Black and Blue Salvia Salvia guaranitica (new variety for me)
• Golden Sage Salvia officinalis aurea
• Salvia greggii pink preference

One other Salvia I plan to include: Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) Probably because I enjoy the folklore (and the aroma of the pet deodorizer I use by Mrs. Meyers ...): Clary sage has an interesting history that reveals itself in the names which were applied to this plant. Medieval authors called the herb "clear eye" and considered it beneficial in healing visual problems. The name "clary" is derived from the Latin word "clarus" meaning clear. Nicholas Culpepper, an early herbalist, said the sticky mucilage from the seeds, when put into the eyes, would clear away any foreign objects. In the middle ages it was known as "Oculus Christi" the "eyes of Christ". Source