Salvia sylvestris and Salvia nemorosa are both popular perennial plant , but there are some notable differences between the two metal money . As a bed horticulture prof with a heat for perennials , I can shed some light on these distinctions .
One central conflict rest in their reproductive abilities . Salvia x sylvestris is a sterile loanblend , meaning it can not produce feasible seeds . This entail that if you want to propagate this special species , you could not rely on semen propagation . On the other paw , Salvia nemorosa is mostly ejaculate propagated , mean it can be well grown from source . This take a crap it a more accessible option for gardener looking to elaborate their aggregation or share the plant with others .
Another difference deserving noting is their growth habit . Salvia sylvestris incline to have a more upright and bushy emergence habit , with sturdy stems that can reach heights of 2 to 3 feet . Its leaf is usually gray - green in color , supply a lovely backdrop for its vibrant flowers . In dividing line , Salvia nemorosa generally has a more compact and clump - forming growth use , with shorter stems pasture from 1 to 2 ft in height . The leaves of S. nemorosa are often narrower and dark unripe compared to S. sylvestris .
When it come to flower characteristics , both mintage exhibit beautiful bloom , but there are subtle differences . Salvia sylvestris typically produces larger flowers , often in shades of blue , purple , or white . The flowers are arranged in whorl along the upper portion of the stems , make a striking presentation . On the other hand , Salvia nemorosa tends to have smaller , dumbly packed flowers in a wider range of colors , including refinement of pink , over-embellished , and blue . These flowers also forge in ringlet but are more compact and create a more delicate overall appearance .
In terms of hardiness and adaptability , both Salvia sylvestris and Salvia nemorosa are in the main easy to grow and can tolerate a range of conditions . They are both deliberate to be drought - patient of once established and attract pollinator such as bees and butterflies . It ’s deserving mention that while S. sylvestris is have it away to be more heating plant - large-minded , S. nemorosa tends to be more dusty - hardy and can resist harsher winters .
In my own experience , I have found both species to be delightful additions to any garden . Salvia sylvestris , with its upright growth habit and showy flowers , makes a fantastic focal point in borders or motley perennial beds . On the other hand , Salvia nemorosa ’s compact phase and long - survive blooms are perfect for edge , rock gardens , or even container plantings .
While Salvia sylvestris and Salvia nemorosa portion similarity as perennial plants , there are decided differences between them . S. x sylvestris is unfertile and can not be raised from seed , while S. nemorosa is predominantly seed propagate . They dissent in development habit , flower characteristics , and hardiness , provide gardeners a range of options when choosing which Salvia species to incorporate into their landscape painting .
Caroline Bates
