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Salvia

Basic Details

Description

Floral Formula

Features

Translations

Basic Details

NameSalvia

DescriptionDiverse and valuable genus featuring tubular flowers in vibrant shades of blue, red, purple, pink, and white arranged in whorled spikes that attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. Aromatic foliage releases pleasant scents when brushed, ranging from sage to pineapple to fruit. With nearly 1,000 species including culinary sage, ornamental salvias, and medicinal varieties, this genus offers options for every garden from drought-tolerant perennials to showy annuals.

FamilyLamiaceae

GenusSalvia

TribeMentheae

Floral Formula & Features

Floral Formula% ⚥ K(5) C(5) A2+2 G(2)

Bilaterally symmetrical, bisexual, 5 fused sepals forming calyx, 5 fused petals forming two-lipped corolla, 4 stamens in 2 pairs (didynamous - 2 long, 2 short), 2 fused carpels with superior ovary typical of Lamiaceae

Features

Name 'Salvia' derives from Latin 'salvare' meaning 'to save' or 'to heal,' referring to medicinal properties. Common sage (S. officinalis) has been used medicinally for thousands of years. Largest genus in mint family with nearly 1,000 species
Distinctive two-lipped tubular flowers arranged in whorls along square stems. Upper lip forms a hood; lower lip serves as landing platform for pollinators. Flowers have specialized mechanism where stamens swing down to deposit pollen on visiting insects
Growth habits vary: herbaceous perennials (die back in winter), woody perennials (retain stems), and tender perennials grown as annuals in cold climates. Blooms spring through fall depending on species. Most have aromatic foliage
Height ranges from 1-6 feet (30-180 cm) depending on species. Dwarf varieties stay under 18 inches; large species reach 6 feet. Lifespan of 3-10 years for perennials. Propagated by seed, cuttings, or division
Native to temperate and tropical regions worldwide, with major centers of diversity in Mediterranean region, Central/South America, and western North America. Found in diverse habitats from dry hillsides to moist meadows
Most species prefer full sun (6-8 hours daily) and well-drained soil. Many are drought-tolerant once established. Mediterranean types need dry conditions; tropical species prefer more moisture. Generally hardy and low-maintenance
Culinary sage (S. officinalis) used in cooking for savory dishes. Many species used in herbal medicine for memory, digestion, and antimicrobial properties. Excellent cut and dried flowers. Essential oils used in aromatherapy and cosmetics

Names in Different Languages

Latin / ScientificSalvia

English (Alternate)Sage, Scarlet Sage, Mealy Cup Sage, and Ornamental Sage

Hindiसाल्विया (Sālviyā), सेज (Ṣeja)

Tamilசால்வியா (Cālviyā)

Teluguసాల్వియా (Sālviyā)

Malayalamസാൽവിയ (Sālviya)

Kannadaಸಾಲ್ವಿಯಾ (Sālviyā)

Sanskritसल्विया (Salviyā), सुगन्धिपुष्पम् (Sugandhipuṣpam)

Bengaliসালভিয়া (Sālabhiẏā)

Frenchsauge

Russianшалфей (shalfey)

Spanishsalvia

GermanSalbei

What is Floral Formula?

A floral formula is a symbolic representation of a flower's structure using letters, numbers, and special symbols. It provides a concise way to describe the arrangement and number of floral parts.

Example Formula

% K(6) C1+2+(2) A(9) G₂

This formula describes the flower's symmetry, sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels in a standardized format.