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The Perennial Garden: Salvia

Salvia, Blue Sage. Salvia Azurea and Pitcheri bloom in September, they appear their finest when grown in masses and planted close together; young plants must be set 6 inches apart; early support should be given by the use of inconspicuous wire stakes. Its habit of growth is slender and the weak stems droop easily, and therefore need support early in the season before the plants become crooked. They like a sunny exposure and rich soil in which to grow. Salvias seed themselves freely but they may also be increased by division of the roots made in spring only. If seed is purchased it will be advisable to start it in the seed bed, in June or July, and the young plants may be moved in spring to the garden for bloom in September. Like Eupatorium Salvia appears late in spring, and therefore the space occupied by the plants, should be marked with a row of stakes in the fall before their tops die down to prevent the roots from being dug up in spring at the time of the annual digging, its space should be left untouched until top growth commences. Varieties. Azurea, pale sky blue flowers, lovely variety. Pitcheri, darker blue.

Statice, Sea Lavender. Statice blooms in July [78] and August; each plant forms a bushy clump of attractive foliage and the flower heads are densely covered with tiny blooms of purplish blue and white. The effect is very similar to that given by the perennial gypsophila. It is excellent for use in rockeries and in the garden, but it should be planted with judgment and used sparingly. They are deep-rooted plants and prefer being left undisturbed for a number of years, the best bloom coming from plants that are two or three years old. They are easily grown from seed.

Varieties. Latifolia, purplish blue, Eximia. Fl.

Alba, white.

Thalictrum, Meadow Rue. Thalictrum will grow in any good soil that is well drained. It is excellent for shady situations where it will grow well provided the shade is not too dense. Propagation is best done by division of the roots made in early spring just as growth starts. Its flowers are dainty, giving a feathery appearance and the fine, graceful foliage of the varieties mentioned below is both ornamental and pretty.

Varieties. Adiantifolium, white, flowers in June and July. Aquiligifolium, rosy purple, late May and June. Flavum, pale yellow, July.