Salvia nutans
nodding sage
Central and eastern European steppes
Overview
Salvia nutans is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the mint family, forming a basal rosette of large, wrinkled, heart-shaped to oblong dark green leaves 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) long. From the rosette rise tall, slender, branching flower stems 24-40 inches (60-100 cm) high that arch and nod at the tips, the habit that gives the species its name. In early to midsummer the stems carry whorls of small, two-lipped violet-blue flowers about 1/3 inch (8 mm) long, packed into nodding spikes that straighten as the flowers open. The flowers draw bees and other pollinators. The plant grows from a stout rootstock and forms a low mound of foliage topped by airy, see-through flower stems. After flowering, the stems can be left for their dark calyces or cut down. One limitation is that the tall stems may lean or flop in rich soil or shade, and the plant is short-lived on heavy, wet ground where the crown rots in winter.
Native Range
Salvia nutans is native to the steppes and dry grasslands of central and eastern Europe, including Ukraine, Romania, and southern Russia. It grows on open, sunny slopes and in well-drained, often calcareous soils.Suggested Uses
Used in gravel gardens, dry sunny borders, and naturalistic steppe and prairie plantings. The tall, airy flower stems combine with grasses, sea hollies, and other drought-tolerant perennials. It is grown for its see-through height toward the front or middle of plantings.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 3'4"
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Flowering runs from early to midsummer, mainly June and July, over about 4-6 weeks. Nodding spikes of violet-blue flowers open along tall, branching stems above the foliage. Cutting back spent stems can prompt a lighter second flush in late summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Dark greenGrowing 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
Grow Salvia nutans in full sun in lean, well-drained soil, including poor and chalky ground. The plant is drought-tolerant once established and declines in rich, wet, or heavy soil, where the crown rots over winter. Water during establishment, then only in extended drought. A neutral to alkaline pH of 6.5 to 8.0 suits it, and rich feeding produces soft, floppy growth. Cut spent flower stems back to the rosette after bloom. Plants are sometimes short-lived, so self-sown seedlings or division maintain the planting.Pruning
Cut the tall flower stems back to the basal rosette after bloom to tidy the plant and limit self-seeding, or leave the dark calyces for later interest. Clear dead foliage in early spring. Divide congested clumps in spring every few years.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons