Sage

Meadow sage occurs here primarily in warmer regions, especially in southern Moravia and northern and central Bohemia. It grows on sunny meadows and hillsides and along paths. Fragrant leaves form a basal rosette, from which several less leafy branched stems grow. The inflorescences are composed of striking bilabiate flowers, which are a great attraction for bees and bumblebees. Rose Rhapsody has light pink flowers.

Sage 'Nachtvlinder' is a true jewel among portable container plants, which will win you over with its unusual color and endurance. The original species *Salvia greggii* comes from the sunny and dry semi-desert regions of Texas and Mexico, where it grows on rocky and poor soils. Thanks to this, it is very undemanding regarding watering here as well and loves full sun. In our conditions, we most often grow it as a portable plant in pots on terraces or balconies, because its frost resistance reaches only -12 °C. For the winter, we therefore recommend hiding it in a frost-free bright place, or carefully covering it in the warmest regions of the country. The 'Nachtvlinder' variety, whose name translates as night moth, will enchant you with velvety flowers in a deep shade of plum purple. Its huge advantage is the incredibly long flowering period, which starts in May and often ends only with the arrival of stronger frosts in November. The entire plant is strongly aromatic and releases a pleasant spicy scent when touched. Furthermore, the flowers are edible and sweet, so they are perfectly suited as an unconventional garnish for summer salads or desserts. It will also attract a large number of bees and other beneficial insects to your garden.

Sage 'Blue Note' is a truly tireless bloomer among flowering plants, which will delight you with its flowers from May until the first frosts in November. The original species of this sage come from the dry and sunny regions of Texas and Mexico, making it a lover of sun and heat. In our conditions, it is best utilized as a portable plant in containers on terraces and balconies, where its compact growth and flood of tiny blue-purple flowers will stand out. Although it can withstand temperatures dropping to -12 °C, in colder areas we recommend wintering it in a protected frost-free place, or providing careful winter covering if you plant it in the ground in a sheltered spot. The leaves have a pleasant spicy scent, and the entire plant acts as a magnet for bees and other pollinators. 'Blue Note' is valued primarily for its unique flower shade, which hovers on the border between dark blue and purple. Growing it is easy even for beginners; it just needs well-drained soil, a sunny location, and occasional watering. Thanks to its edible flowers, you can also colorfully enliven summer salads or desserts.

The 'Amethyst Lips' Sage is a true perennial that adorns the garden or terrace for an incredibly long time, from May until the first frosts. The original species Salvia greggii originates from the semi-desert regions of Texas and Mexico, which endows it with a love for the sun and good drought tolerance. This cultivar will enchant you with its bi-colored flowers that combine dark purple and pure white. Interestingly, the color ratio can change depending on the air temperature and day length, so in the hot summer, the flowers can be almost entirely purple, while white increases as it cools down. The aromatic leaves smell of blackcurrant when rubbed, which also makes it a great sensory experience. In our conditions, it is primarily grown as a portable plant in containers, as its frost resistance only reaches down to -12 °C. It is an ideal choice for sunny terraces and balconies, where it will form a rich, compact bush in a pot, growing to a height of about half a meter. The flowers are a magnet for bees and bumblebees, they are edible, and thanks to their sturdy stems, they are also suitable for cutting into smaller bouquets.

Salvia Hot Trumpets is a beautiful cultivar of a short-lived, originally wild perennial native to Mexico and Texas. At first glance, it impresses with radiant crimson-red flowers. Also noteworthy are the dark green leaves with purple veins, which, like the whole plant, are fragrant. As an attractive curiosity, it is suitable for growing in containers and beds on sunny terraces in a community of drought-loving perennials and grasses.

The 'Joy' Sage brings to plantings exactly what its name suggests – the joy of untiring blooming that lasts from late spring to autumn. This subshrub species differs from classic herbaceous sages by its woody base and requires specific conditions mimicking its homeland in the southwestern part of North America. Excellent drainage is crucial for successful cultivation, as the plant cannot tolerate winter waterlogging, and therefore it thrives in gravel beds or in containers with good water drainage. The 'Joy' variety will enchant you with its delicate shade of light pink flowers, which look very tender and airy. The leaves are tiny, stiff, and emit an intense fragrance when rubbed, making any sitting area nearby more pleasant. The plant grows to a height of around 40 to 60 centimeters and forms compact bushes, which should be pruned in the spring to maintain a dense shape. Although it is not intended for cutting into a vase, its value lies in its long-lasting visual effect and ability to attract beneficial insects to the garden.