Salvia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Salvia |
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Salvia is a large group of plants that belong to the mint family, known as Lamiaceae. You might know some of these plants as Sage. When most people talk about "sage," they are usually thinking of the common cooking herb called common sage (Salvia officinalis).
This amazing group of plants includes many different types. Some are shrubs, which are like small, woody bushes. Others are herbs that grow back year after year; these are called perennials. There are also annuals, which means they complete their whole life cycle in just one year.
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What is Salvia?
The name Salvia comes from the Latin word salvere, which means "to heal" or "to save." This name was given because some Salvia plants have been used in traditional medicine for a very long time.
There are over 1,000 different kinds of Salvia plants found all over the world. They grow in many different places, from cool mountains to warm, sunny deserts. This wide variety means you can find a Salvia plant that fits almost any garden.
Different Types of Salvia
Salvia plants come in many shapes, sizes, and colors. Some grow tall, while others stay low to the ground. Their leaves can be green, gray, or even purple. The flowers are often bright and colorful, attracting many helpful insects.
- Shrubs: These are woody plants that live for many years. They often have a strong scent.
- Perennials: These are plants that die back in winter but grow new stems and leaves from their roots each spring.
- Annuals: These plants grow from a seed, flower, produce new seeds, and then die, all within one year.
Uses of Salvia Plants
People grow different kinds of Salvia for many reasons. Some are grown as useful herbs for cooking or for their special properties. Others are grown just because they are beautiful ornamental plants that make gardens look lovely.
Salvia as Herbs
Many Salvia species are famous for their use in the kitchen.
- Common Sage: This is probably the most well-known. Its leaves have a strong, earthy flavor. It's often used in cooking, especially with meats like turkey or chicken, and in stuffings.
- Clary Sage: This type of Salvia is used to make essential oils. These oils are sometimes used in perfumes or for their calming scent.
- Mexican Bush Sage: While beautiful, some varieties are also used in traditional drinks.
Salvia in Gardens
Many Salvia plants are grown just for their amazing flowers. They add a splash of color to gardens and can bloom for a long time. These ornamental types are usually called by their scientific name, Salvia.
- Bright Colors: Salvia flowers come in shades of blue, purple, pink, red, and white.
- Attracting Wildlife: The bright flowers are a favorite of pollinators like bees, hummingbirds, and butterflys. They help these important creatures find food.
- Easy to Grow: Many ornamental Salvia varieties are quite easy to care for, making them popular with gardeners.
Growing Salvia
Most Salvia plants like sunny spots and soil that drains well. They are often quite tough and can handle different weather conditions once they are established. Some types need more water, while others are very good at living in dry places.
To grow Salvia, you can plant seeds or small plants. They don't usually need a lot of special care, which is why they are a great choice for many gardens. Pruning them (trimming them back) can help them grow bushier and produce more flowers.
Images for kids
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Male digger bee probing a male-stage flower of Salvia hierosolymitana. The stamens deposit pollen on the bee's back.
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Patch of Dominican sage (Salvia dominica) growing in Israel
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Salvia farinacea × Salvia longispicata 'Mystic Spires Blue'
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Salvia. × sylvestris 'Mainacht'
See also
In Spanish: Salvia para niños
