In the heart of summer, when the sun is brightest, its rays sketching contrasting shadows, defining the splendour outdoor spaces, there's a seasonal treasure that epitomises the magic of cottage gardens. Salvia, Boma's July Outdoor Plant of the Month is shrouded in mystique and romance. Salvia’s tale is one of ancient legends, love, healing powers, and an allure that transcends time.
Salvia 'Rockin Deep Purple' at Boma
The Enigmatic Tale of Salvia
Legend speaks of an Italian noblewoman, Isabella, living in the 16th century, whose garden was renowned across Europe for its unparalleled beauty and serenity. Isabella was a visionary, her green thumb transforming ordinary plants into botanical marvels. Among her most treasured flora was Salvia, a plant she believed to possess an otherworldly charm.
Isabella’s garden became a haven for artisans. Among them was the young poet, Giovanni, who was captivated by the ethereal beauty of Isabella and her garden. Giovanni often visited, penning verses inspired by the vivid blooms of Salvia, which seemed to whisper secrets of love and longing.
One fateful evening, under the twilight’s embrace, Giovanni presented Isabella with a sonnet he had composed, titled “Whispers of the Sage.” The poem spoke of Salvia’s blooms as silent messengers of the heart, each petal a word of unspoken affection, each fragrance a breath of romance. Touched by his words, Isabella revealed that she had planted the Salvia with the hope that it would one day inspire such beauty and love.
“Nel giardino dove sboccia la Salvia,
L’amore sussurra nell’aria profumata,
Ogni petalo custodisce un segreto d’amante,
Nella cura gentile del crepuscolo.”
Their bond blossomed along with the plethora of Salvia in Isabella’s garden paradise, their story intertwined with the plant’s legacy.
Salvia became the national symbol of a love that thrived, renowned throughout the surrounding region and Italy, much like the perennial nature of the plant itself, returning year after year with renewed vigour and beauty.
The Healing Powers of Salvia
“Salvia” comes from the Latin word “salvare,” which means “to save” or “to heal.” This reflects the plant’s historical use in medicine and its perceived healing properties. The name “salvia” thus highlights its role as a medicinal herb, often referred to as “sage” in English.
Salvia’s medicinal properties have been recognized and celebrated throughout history. In ancient Greece, Hippocrates, known as the “Father of Medicine,” praised sage for its ability to treat a range of ailments, from digestive issues to sore throats. Similarly, the Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder documented Salvia’s benefits for memory enhancement and longevity in his encyclopedic work, “Naturalis Historia.” During the Middle Ages, Salvia was a staple in monastic gardens, with Hildegard of Bingen, a renowned German herbalist, extolling its virtues for treating respiratory infections, menstrual pain, and digestive issues.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Salvia miltiorrhiza, known as Danshen, has been used for centuries to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and treat cardiovascular diseases. The Compendium of Materia Medica, written by Li Shizhen in the 16th century, highlights Salvia’s benefits for heart health and blood flow. Modern research supports these traditional uses, confirming that compounds in Salvia possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, making it a powerful herb for cognitive support and overall well-being.
The Charismatic Charm of Salvia
Salvia’s magic extends beyond its historical and mystical allure. Today, it graces gardens with an ethereal beauty, each variety whispering its unique tale. Boma celebrates the month of July with some gorgeous varieites.
Salvia 'Blue Marvel' at Boma
• Hot Lips: With blossoms that flicker red and white like playful kisses, Hot Lips adds a flirtatious charm to garden beds.
• Roman Red: Bold and captivating, these vibrant red flowers call to mind ancient Roman valour and passion.
• Greggii Deep Purple: Dramatic, vivid purple blooms that beg for attention and compel passers-by to take a second look.
• Pink Amistad: Deep pink blooms that conjure images of secret gardens and twilight romances.
• Lyrical White: Ethereal white flowers that seem to glow under the moon, evoking a sense of serene magic.
• Royal Bumble: Crimson blossoms that add a touch of regal elegance, perfect for borders and containers.
• Lighthouse Purple: Tall, stately spikes of purple that command attention and add dramatic flair.
• Blue Marvel: Compact yet striking, with vivid blue flowers ideal for small spaces and planters.
• Rockin Deep Purple: Vivid, continuous deep purple blooms with black calyces that attract pollinators and provide a stunning focal point in any garden
Salvia 'Lyrical White' at Boma
Weaving Salvia into Your Garden
Salvia is a versatile enchantress, thriving in various garden settings and bringing a touch of magic wherever it is planted. Whether adorning beds, borders, or containers, Salvia’s presence transforms ordinary spaces into realms of beauty and intrigue.
In Beds and Borders: Plant Salvia in well-drained soil, where it can bask in full sun. Its vibrant hues and varied heights make it perfect for creating layers of colour and texture.
In Containers: For those with limited space, Salvia’s compact varieties such as Blue Marvel thrive in planters, troughs, and window boxes. Move them around to catch the best light, and let their blossoms enchant visitors.
Along Fences: Salvia’s taller varieties like Lighthouse Purple and Roman Red make excellent companions for fences, adding vertical interest and a splash of color.
Salvia 'Roman Red' at Boma
The Care and Magic of Perennial Salvia
Salvia’s enchantment does not wane with the seasons. As perennials, they promise to return year after year, bringing their timeless beauty back to your garden with minimal effort. Simply provide them with good drainage and sunlight, and they will reward you with their resilient charm.
Boma also offers a selection of planters, troughs, and window boxes that perfectly complement Salvia, creating an ideal home for all urban outdoor spaces, to thrive and enchant.
Let the magic of Salvia infuse your garden this July. Embrace its ancient whispers, and allow its beauty to transform your outdoor space into a haven of romance and mystique. Visit Boma Garden Centre in Kentish Town to enjoy the current Salvia Special Offers, exclusively available in store.
