Salvia canescens var. daghestanica
Daghestan sage
Caucasus Mountains, Dagestan region of southern Russia; rocky limestone slopes at mid-elevations
Overview
Salvia canescens var. daghestanica spp. is a compact clumping sub-shrub perennial growing 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) tall and 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) wide. Densely woolly (tomentose) silver-gray aromatic foliage carries small ovate leaves 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm) long. Soft lavender-blue hooded flowers 0.5-0.75 inch (1.3-2 cm) in whorled terminal spikes. Semi-evergreen; the silver foliage persists through mild winters. Square stems characteristic of the mint family (Lamiaceae spp.). Native to rocky limestone slopes in the Caucasus Mountains (Dagestan region of southern Russia). The variety has cold hardiness to zone 5, hardy among silver-foliaged Salvia spp. species. The woolly silver foliage rots in wet winter conditions or humid climates, the primary cultivation limitation. Sharp drainage and low humidity are required. Clay soil and summer irrigation are not tolerated. Four weeks of bloom (June through July). Aromatic foliage carries a sage-like scent. Deer-resistant. Drought-tolerant once established. Non-toxic. Zones 5-8. Full sun. Growth rate is slow.
Native Range
Native to the Caucasus Mountains, Dagestan region of southern Russia. Found on rocky limestone slopes at mid-elevations.Suggested Uses
Grown in rock gardens, gravel gardens, Mediterranean plantings, troughs, and containers of at least 3 gallons (11 L) with sharp drainage. Silver foliage plant for alkaline soil. Deer-resistant. Drought-tolerant. Non-toxic. Zones 5-8.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 1'
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Early to midsummer (June-July). Soft lavender-blue hooded flowers in whorled terminal spikes. 4 weeks of bloom. Bee- and butterfly-pollinated. The silver foliage is the primary year-round display.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Soft lavender-blue; hooded; 0.5-0.75 inch (1.3-2 cm); in whorled terminal spikesFoliage Description
Silver-gray; small ovate; woolly-textured (tomentose); aromatic; 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm) longGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Sited in full sun (6+ hours). Sharp-drained lean soil at pH 6.5-8.5; rocky, sandy, or alkaline. Clay is unsuitable. Summer irrigation is not used. The woolly foliage rots in wet or humid conditions. Old woody stems are left intact since new growth may not regenerate from bare wood. Semi-evergreen. Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 5-8.Pruning
Spent flower spikes are sheared after bloom (August) to maintain the compact silver mound. Light trimming in early spring (March) shapes the plant. Old woody stems are left intact since new growth may not regenerate from bare wood.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summerearly spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons