COMPREHENSIVE CROP REPORTS

are sometimes referred to as tender perennials or as half hardy perennials (Armitage, 1989). Although of cosmopolitan distri- bution, are generally character- Comprehensive ized as growing in dry or stony soils (Liberty Hyde Bailey Hortorium, 1976). One notable exception is bog sage (S. uliginosa Benth.), which is Crop native to wet soils in Brazil, Uraguay, and Argentina (Griffiths, 1994). Although about 140 species are in cultivation, only a few salvias are Reports commonly found in commerce and gardens. Common sage is a culinary herb grown for commercial herb pro- mexican bush sage (S. leucantha Cav.). duction, home kitchen use, and as : An Old A few salvia species are known as clary decorative foliage in the garden. The Standby and (S. sclarea L.), meadow clary (S. chromosome number for this species pratensis L.), and wild clary (S. is 2n = 14 (Goldblatt and Johnson, Promising verbenaca L.) and at least two have 1998). There is an extensive literature, neither clary nor sage in the common mostly from Europe, on the chemical Newcomer name: jupiter’s-distaff (S. glutinosa L.), composition, production, and extrac- and cancerweed (S. lyrata L.) (Liberty tion of essential oils from common Hyde Bailey Hortorium, 1976). Clary sage and related species (Serrato- Louis B. Anella1 also has its linguistic roots in the ’s Valenti et al., 1997) but these topics usage; S. sclarea was used for afflictions will not be covered in this review. of the eye and therefore called clear- Scarlet sage, is one of the leading eye or clary (Stearn, 1992). 25 bedding . Much of the litera- ADDITIONAL INDEX WORDS. sage, bedding plant, crop production, floriculture, Salvia is the largest genus in the ture on ornamental production of salvia clary family Labiatae (), the mint focuses on scarlet sage (2n = 44, family (Clebsch, 1997; Griffiths, Goldblatt and Johnson, 1996) and thus 1994). Like many members of the many references discuss salvia without alvia L. is a large genus com- mint family, salvias are characterized distinguishing between species. prised of about 900 species by square stems (cross section), oppo- Mealycup sage (2n = 18, Goldblatt and S of annual, biennial, or perennial site , flowers formed in false Johnson, 1990), a native of the south- herbs, subshrubs, or shrubs (Griffiths, whorls (verticillasters), and aromatic western United States, is used for bed- 1994). Over 140 species are used as foliage. Salvia flowers are disposed in ding or in a mixed border. As native garden plants, culinary and medicinal terminal or axillary racemes, spikes, plant gardening increases in popularity, herbs, cut flowers, and for habitat gar- panicles, or cymes. The calyx has two the number of salvia species found in dening (Griffiths, 1994). Salvia, the lips, the lower deeply two-toothed, commerce increases but most of the Latin name for this group of plants, the upper three-toothed. The corolla scientific literature has focused on the also functions as a common name and is also two-lipped, the upper hooded, species mentioned above. erect or plane and the lower spreading is presumably derived from salvus CULTIVAR DEVELOPMENT meaning well, safe, or sound; referring with three lobes. Salvia is also charac- to the plant’s medicinal uses. The com- terized by having two stamens, in- Of the ornamental salvias, culti- mon name for most species in the cluded or excerted, and fruit contain- var development has been most exten- genus Salvia is sage and is usually ing four ovoid, three-angled nutlets sive for scarlet sage. Novartis Seeds preceded by at least one modifier, such (Griffiths, 1994; Liberty Hyde Bailey (Downers Grove, Ill.) and as common sage (S. officinalis L.), or Hortorium, 1976). , PanAmerican Seed Co. (West Chi- bees, , and bee-flies har- cago, Ill.) have contributed to cultivar vest nectar from salvias and thereby act development for this species. Dwarf Approved for publication by the director, Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station. This research was as pollinators (Boring et al., 1995). cultivars, such as those in the Sizzler supported under project OKL02441. The information Some species, such as scarlet sage series, flower in the pack yet tend to given in this publication is for educational purposes develop scorch and pigment only. Mention of a trademark, proprietary product, or (S. splendens Sell ex Roem. & Schult.), vendor does not constitute a guarantee or warranty of are perennial herbs in their native habi- bleaching during high summer tem- the product, nor does it imply approval or disapproval tat but are used as annuals in temperate peratures. Cultivars like ‘Vista’ and to the exclusion of other products or vendors that may also be suitable. The cost of publishing this paper was climates. Additionally, mealycup sage ‘Empire’ may not flower in time for defrayed in part by page charges. Under postal regula- (S. farinacea Benth.) is a perennial spring sales but are superior garden tions, this paper therefore must be hereby marked herb in its native Mexico and southern plants showing greater tolerance of advertisement solely to indicate this fact. Texas but is grown as an annual summer heat and sun. Color also af- 1Assistant professor, Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Oklahoma State University, throughout the more temperate re- fects leaf scorch: purple, burgundy, 360 Agricultural Hall, Stillwater, OK 74078. gions of the United States. Such plants rose, and red cultivars are scorch resis-

800 ● October–December 2000 10(4) Table 1. Salvia species and their landscape characteristics (Boring et al., 1995; Clausen and Ekstrom, 1989; Clebsch, 1997; Griffiths, 1994; Still, 1994; Wasowski and Wasowski, 1997).

Common Scientific Ht Native Propagation Flower name name ft (m) habitat mode color

Texas salvia, tropical sage Salvia coccinea 2–3 (0.6–0.9) South Carolina to Mexico Seed or cuttings Red, pink, or rarely white Culture and landscape use Annual Part to full sun Tolerant of a wide range of soils Self-seeds readily Sow seeds in fall or spring Used for massing or as a tall groundcover

Dorri sage, purple sage, desert sage Salvia dorrii 2–3 (0.6–0.9) Desert-southwest U.S. Seed or cuttings Tubular blue flowers nestled in pink to violet bracts. Culture and landscape use Semievergreen shrub Well-drained soil Drought tolerant Attracts hummingbirds

Mealycup sage Salvia farinacea 1–2 (0.3–0.6) Texas and Mexico Seed or cuttings Lavender-blue or white flowers Culture and landscape use Perennial herb used as an annual Full sun Well-drained soil Hardy to Zone 8, evergreen perennial in Zone 9 Common bedding plant Good container plant or cut flower

Gregg sage, autumn sage, cherry sage Salvia gregii 2–3 (0.6–0.9) Texas and Mexico Cuttings Red, pink, white, or coral Culture and landscape use Perennial herb or shrub Part to full sun Well-drained soil Blooms from spring to frost tant, while white (white cultivars of found 18 to be quantitative short day, tion and development. Mexican bush scarlet sage tend to be cream-colored), 11 to be day neutral, and 14 to be sage can be grown as a cut flower in 11 salmon, and bicolor cultivars tend to quantitative long day plants (one cul- to 15 weeks by providing 3 to 5 weeks develop leaf scorch (Armitage, 1994; tivar did not flower at all). Recom- of long days followed by 8 to 10 weeks J. Nau, personal communication). mended photoperiod length for opti- of short days (Armitage, 1993). mum production can vary by cultivar Scarlet sage, texas salvia (S. CROP PRODUCTION and with temperature: Weiler (1972) coccinea Juss. ex Murray.), and and Weiler and Lai (1973) reported mealycup sage should be grown at 57 Production of scarlet sage requires ‘St. John’s Fire’ to be day neutral when to 59 °F (14 to 15 °C) (Nau, 1993), high light. Supplemental photosyn- grown at either 75 °F (24 °C) or 60 °F while scarlet sage grows best with night thetic lighting of seedlings accelerates (16 °C) while Carlson (1978) listed it temperatures of 55 to 59 °F (13 to 15 development and limits excessively as a long day plant when grown at 70 °C) and day temperatures of 70 to 75 leggy growth (Armitage, 1994), but to 75 °F (21 to 24 °C). ‘St. John’s Fire’ °F (21 to 24 °C) (Armitage, 1994). photoperiod requirements for flower- had an increased response to daylength Scarlet sage responded strongly to a ing are cultivar dependent. Carlson at 75 °F (24 °C) over 60 °F (16 °C) difference between day and night tem- (1978) suggested three categories for indicating that temperature may ac- peratures (DIF), a response that can be the photoperiod response of scarlet count for differences in reported pho- used to regulate plant height (Barrett sage cultivars: 1) cultivars that flower toperiod requirements (Weiler, 1972). and Erwin, 1994). Internode length faster under short days (facultative short Mexican bush sage is a short day was greatest for scarlet sage with a day plants), 2) cultivars that flower in plant that flowers in autumn (Armitage, cooler night than day temperature (DIF the same length of time under either 1993). This perennial herb, native to = +6 °F [+3.3 °C]), was intermediate long or short days (day neutral plants), Mexico and tropical America, requires with a constant temperature, and short- and 3) cultivars that flower faster un- long days and warm temperatures for est with a higher night than day tem- der long days (facultative long day vegetative growth and short days and perature (DIF = –5 °F [–2.8 °C]). plants). Of 44 cultivars studied, Carlson warm temperatures for flower initia- Using temperature to reduce intern-

● October–December 2000 10(4) 801 COMPREHENSIVE CROP REPORTS

Table 1. Continued.

Common Scientific Ht Native Propagation Flower name name ft (m) habitat mode color

Mexican bush sage Salvia leucantha 4 (1.2) Mexico Cuttings or division White or purple flowers surrounded by purple to lavender-blue calyces Culture and landscape use Perennial herb or shrub used as an annual Full sun Well-drained Drought tolerant Good cut flower

Common sage, garden sage Salvia officinalis 1–2 (0.3–0.6) Mediterranean region Cuttings or division Lilac-blue Culture and landscape use Perennial subshrub Full sun Well-drained Hardy to Zone 4 Tricolor, purple, and variegated cultivars

Scarlet sage, red salvia Salvia splendens 0.5–2.5 (0.2–0.8) Brazil Seed Scarlet, purple, lavender, red, cream, or Culture and landscape use Perennial or annual herb used as an annual Full sun Well-drained soil Common bedding plant

Perennial salvia Salvia ×superba 2–3 (0.6–0.9) Of garden origin Cuttings and division Violet or purple Culture and landscape use Perennial herb Clump forming Full sun Well-drained soil Drought tolerant Hardy to Zone 5 ode length is most effective if the tem- (Armitage, 1994), while perennial spe- in a growing media. Germination also perature drop (DROP) is rapid, occurs cies may be produced from either seed failed after scarlet sage ‘Red Hot Sally’ at sunrise, and during high light inten- or cuttings. Autumn sage (S. greggii A. seeds were stored at 77 °F (25 °C) and sity. Gray.) does not remain true to type 75% relative humidity for 12 months Although scarlet sage cannot with- when grown from seed, thus named (Carpenter et al., 1995). Optimal ger- stand freezing temperatures, optimum cultivars should be propagated from mination occurred when seed was temperature for storage and transport cuttings. Certain cultivars of mealycup stored at a relative humidity between of plugs ranges from 45 to 55 °F (7 to sage come true from seed and there- 11 and 32% regardless of temperature 13 °C) (Heins et al., 1994); however, fore may be propagated by either (41, 59, or 77 °F [5, 15, or 25 °C]) but Armitage (1994) cautions that red- method (Clebsch, 1997). Salvia seeds seed storage is recommended below dening of foliage may occur below 50 should not be stored for greater than 59 °F (15 °C) (Carpenter et al., 1995). °F (10 °C). Perennial salvia (Salvia one year since they lose not only viabil- Temperature optima for germi- ×superba Stapf.), an herbaceous pe- ity but seedlings may have reduced nation are 75 to 77 °F (24 to 25 °C) for rennial of garden origin, is a cold hardy vigor (Dole and Wilkins, 1999). scarlet sage and mealycup sage, 70 to plant able to withstand root medium Germination of scarlet sage ‘Red 79 °F (21 to 26 °C) for texas salvia, 70 temperatures to – 14 °F (–10 °C); Hot Sally’ seed was 0% at pH 4.5 and °F (21 °C) for common sage, and 72 however, regrowth was limited when 5.0, 44% at 5.5, and 70% at 7.0 and 7.5 °F (22 °C) for perennial salvia (Nau, root medium temperatures were re- when germinated on filter paper (Shoe- 1993). Texas salvia, scarlet sage, and duced to – 10 °F (–12 °C) indicating a maker and Carlson, 1990). However, mealycup sage require light for germi- well-defined low-temperature thresh- when seed were placed in perlite of nation while common sage germinates old for this species (Iles and Agnew, varying pH, germination ranged from best when covered and perennial salvia 1993). 60 to 83% with no significant differ- may be grown under either condition ences among the treatments indicat- (Nau, 1993). PROPAGATION ing that pH may not be an important Postgermination night tempera- Scarlet sage is produced from seed factor when germinating salvia seeds tures for the above species range from

802 ● October–December 2000 10(4) 55 to 61 °F (13 to 16 °C) (Nau, 1993) as fertilizer levels increased suggesting tion). Increasing container size increased and Armitage (1994) recommended luxury consumption of these nutri- plant size, lateral growth, and plant day temperatures of 70 to 72 °F (21 to ents. Over watering, low calcium, high quality and decreased time to flowering 22 °C). Scarlet sage requires 5 to 6 calcium-inhibiting magnesium, low (van Iersel, 1997). Thus transplanting months from sowing to flowering in a phosphorus, or low magnesium can all plugs early may reduce the production 4-inch (10-cm) pot (Armitage, 1994) lead to poor root and root hair devel- duration of salvia. and mealycup sage reaches a marketable opment in scarlet sage (Koranski et al., Increasing greenhouse tempera- size in 5 months from seed in a 1-gal 1996). For high-quality salvia plants, tures 11 to 14 °F (6 to 8 °C) above (3.8-L) container (Knowles et al., the optimum leaf tissue nutrient levels ambient (86 to 100 °F [30 to 38 °C]) 1993). are (in percent) N, 3.0 to 4.5; P, 0.3 to retarded primary shoot growth, in- In vitro propagation has been used 0.7; K, 3.5 to 5.0; Ca, 1.5 to 2.5; and creased lateral shoot growth, percent- successfully for mexican bush sage Mg, 0.3 to 0.6 (values based on most age of flowering shoots, and mean length (Hosoki and Tahara, 1993). Shoots 1 recent fully developed leaf) (Nelson, of (Higuchi et al., 1987). inch (2.5 cm) long rooted well when 1994). Filtering light through copper sulfate transferred to a basal medium with or Mealycup sage had greater shoot (CuSO4) has also been tested as a means without IBA and shoot counts in- growth in a bark/sand mixture after of reducing growth. Incrocci et al. creased with increasing BA concentra- 21 weeks than in a perlite/vermiculite (1994) compared the height of scarlet tion. Since high BA concentrations [1 mixture (Knowles et al., 1993). Shoot sage grown under water-filled polycar- ppm (mg·L–1)] decreased shoot length growth was maximal in the bark/sand bonate panels (control) and panels filled and caused vitrification, Hosoki and mixture with either weekly fertigation with a CuSO4 solution. They reported Tamara (1993) recommended 0.1 ppm at 100 ppm N (as ammonium nitrate, no reduction in height for scarlet sage BA be added to obtain the maximum 34N–0P–0K) or preplant incorpora- but reported a 2-week delay in flower- 3 –3 number of normal shoots. Plantlets tion of 3 lb/yard (2 kg·m ) N (as ing for plants grown under the CuSO4 were successfully transferred to a sandy Osmocote, 39N–0P–0K, The Scotts filters. loam and bark mix under greenhouse Company, Columbus, Ohio). Dry Chemical control of height has conditions. weights did not significantly increase proven effective for scarlet sage and when these levels were exceeded and mealycup sage. Dole and Wilkins (1999) NUTRITION higher rates of N resulted in leggy listed amcymidol, chlormequat chlo- Plug production of scarlet sage is plants with excessive plant succulence. ride, daminozide, and ethephon as ef- common. Plugs should be fertilized Although K concentration does fective on salvia and paclobutrazol and with 50 to 75 ppm N (potassium ni- not appear to be important for the uniconazole as most effective. Armitage trate) at plug stages two and three and production of scarlet sage, increased K (1994) recommended two applications fertilized with 100 to 150 ppm N concentrations may aid in the of 5000 ppm daminozide or two to four complete fertilizer once transplanted postproduction quality of plants. Mois- applications of 750 to 1000 ppm (Armitage, 19994). Medium electri- ture stress conditioning, lowering chlormequat for height control of scar- cal conductivity should be maintained greenhouse temperatures, and increas- let sage. at 0.5 dS·m–1 during stages 1 and 2 and ing K fertilization rates were shown to Uniconazole was more effective can be raised to 1.5 dS·m–1 in stage 4 reduce transpirational water loss while than either paclobutrazol or daminozide (Koranski et al., 1996). When ammo- allowing plants to maintain photosyn- in reducing the height growth of indigo nium levels exceed 10 ppm, a dark thesis at lower leaf water potentials spires salvia (S. ‘Indigo Spires’) green cast occurs on immature leaves (Eakes et al., 1991a, 1991b). These (Rodrigues et al., 1993). Unrooted cut- with thick, protruded veins. There- treatments may maintain plant appear- tings were either soaked for 24 h, dipped fore, it is important to use fertilizers ance during the moisture stress often for 3 s, sprayed, or sprayed and then low in ammonium during early stages associated with transport and display resprayed 18 d later with various levels of plug production. Similarly, addi- of plants in a retail setting; however, of growth regulators. The 24 h soak and tions of sodium chloride (NaCl) caused fertilizing with K at 600 ppm also two sprays with 50 ppm uniconazole leaf abscission, slowed growth, low- resulted in small plant size compared were most effective at reducing plant ered leaf K concentration, and increased with 300 ppm. height. These treatments also reduced leaf thickness in seedlings of scarlet the number of flower spikes from 11 sage ‘Flare Path’ (Ibrahim et al., 1991). HEIGHT CONTROL (control) to 5 but the authors suggested Root and shoot weights were signifi- Plant size can be controlled during that the plants were still commercially cantly lower at 30 mM NaCl and total production with the use of growth regu- viable. The treatment effects were short leaf abscission occurred at 60 mM. lators, DIF, soil volume, and cultivar lived (less than 3 weeks) indicating that A positive linear relationship be- selection (van Iersel, 1997; Armitage, application of growth regulators during tween shoot nitrogen concentration 1994; Incrocci et al., 1994; Higuchi et production would not affect garden and shoot dry mass occurred for scarlet al., 1987). Scarlet sage cultivars are gen- performance or that repeated applica- sage ‘Top Red’ but no significant ef- erally divided into three groups: dwarf tions would be necessary if continued fect was indicated for phosphorous or (8 to 12 inch [20 to 30 cm]), medium growth retardation were desired for potassium (van Iersel et al., 1998). (12 to 16 inch [30 to 40 cm]), and tall plants in the landscape. Nor were significant differences in (>16 inch [40cm]) (Armitage, 1994). shoot growth observed at differing P Early flower production is related to size PESTS AND DISEASES and K fertilizer rates; however, P and K with the dwarf cultivars tending to flower In the greenhouse, salvia is suscep- concentrations increased in leaf tissue earlier (J. Nau, personal communica- tible to many common disease and in-

● October–December 2000 10(4) 803 COMPREHENSIVE CROP REPORTS sect problems, including aphids (Myzus mealycup sage, have been praised for for every garden. Timber Press, Portland, persicae Sulzer and other species), white- their drought tolerance and nutrient Ore. flies (Trialeurodes vaporariorum efficiency making them well adapted for Dole, J.M. and H.F. Wilkins. 1999. Flori- Westwood and Bemisia argentifolii Bel- low maintenance landscapes in the south culture: Principles and species. Prentice- lows & Perring), spider mites (Knowles et al., 1993). Native perennial Hall, Inc., Upper Saddle River, N.J. (Tetranychus urticae Koch.), common species are also prized for their wildlife gray mold (Botrytis cinerea P. Micheli ex value; hummingbirds and bees seek the Eakes, D.J., F.D. Wright, and J.R. Seiler. 1991a. Potassium nutrition and moisture Pers.), and damping off (Pythium flowers while birds eat the seeds (Boring stress tolerance of Salvia. HortScience Pringsh., Rhizoctonia DC., and et al., 1995). 26:422. Fusarium Link) (Armitage, 1994). Two As interest in native plants increases, cultivars of scarlet sage, ‘Carabiniere so too will the number of salvia species Eakes, D.J., F.D. Wright, and J.R. Seiler. Red’ and ‘Hot Line Red’, were slightly in cultivation and the need for produc- 1991b. Water relations of Salvia splendens susceptible to root-knot nematodes tion information, environmental re- ‘Bonfire’ as influenced by potassium nutri- tion and moisture stress conditioning. J. (Meloidogyne incognita [Kofoid & quirements, and postharvest research Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 116:712–715. White] Chitwood, race 3) when inocu- on those species (Knowles et al., 1993). lated with 200 eggs/cell while mealycup Even the most basic information, such Goldblatt, P. and D.E. Johnson. 1998. In- sage ‘Rhea’ and ‘Victoria Blue’ were as hardiness, has not been investigated dex to plant chromosome numbers 1994– resistant; however, dry weight was not for many of the native salvia species as is 1995. Monogr. Syst. Bot. Mo. Bot. Garden affected for any cultivar nor was dry evidenced by the conflicting hardiness 69:99. weight of common sage affected when ratings given by gardening books. Since Goldblatt, P. and D.E. Johnson. 1996. In- inoculated (Walker, 1995). A similar many salvia species are native to arid and dex to plant chromosome numbers 1992– study by McSorley and Frederick (1994) resource poor environments, the need is 1993. Monogr. Syst. Bot. Mo. Bot. Garden indicated no galling on scarlet sage ‘Bon- apparent for further research within this 58:134. fire’ by root-knot nematodes (M. incog- genus. New introductions will require Goldblatt, P. and D.E. Johnson. 1990. In- nita race 1) but did find eggs on a few evaluation in different soil types, re- dex to plant chromosome numbers 1986– individual plants inoculated with an- gions of the country, and in the culti- 1987. Monogr. Syst. Bot. Mo. Bot. Garden other species of root-knot nematodes vated landscape. 30:106. (M. javanica [Treub] Chitwood). Griffiths, M. 1994. Index of garden plants. Downy mildew (Peronospora lamii A. Timber Press, Portland, Ore. Braun.) and rust (Puccinia salviicola LITERATURE cITED Dietel & Holw.) have each been re- Armitage, A.M. 1987. The influence of Heins, R., N. Lange, T.F. Wallace, Jr., and ported on various salvia species but salvia spacing on field-grown perennial crops. W. Carlson. 1994. Plug storage. Green- is generally free of pest problems in the HortScience 22:904–907. house grower. Meister Publishing, Willoughby, Ohio. landscape (McMillan and Graves, 1994; Armitage, A.M. 1989. Herbaceous peren- Holcomb and Valverde, 1995). nial plants, A treatise on their identification, Higuchi, H., W. Amaki, M. Minami, and S. culture, and garden attributes. Varsity Press, Suzuki. 1987. Effects of high temperature CUT FLOWERS Athens, Ga. on lateral shoot growth of salvia and impa- Mexican bush sage may be grown tiens after pruning. HortScience 22:618– Armitage, A.M. 1993. Specialty cut flowers. 619. in the greenhouse or the field for the Varsity Press/Timber Press, Portland, Ore. specialty cut flower market. Plants should Holcomb, G.E. and R.A. Valverde. 1995. be spaced at least 15 inch (37.5 cm) Armitage, A.M. 1994. Ornamental bed- First report of rust on Salvia coccinea in apart but closer than 3 ft (90 cm) apart ding plants. CAB International, Wallingford, Louisiana. Plant Dis. 79:426 (abstr.). United Kingdom. since the large plants will use surround- Hosoki, T. and Y. Tahara. 1993. In vitro ing plants for support (Armitage, 1993; Barrett, J.E. and J.E. Erwin. 1994. Height propagation of Salvia leucantha Cav. Hort- 1987). should be har- control. In: E.J. Holcomb (ed.). Bedding Science 28:226. vested when white flower petals appear plants IV. Ball Publ., Batavia, Ill. Ibrahim, K.M., and J.C. Collins, and H.A. on the lower three to four individual Boring, J.K., E. Glasener, G. Keator, J. flowers. Cut stems last about 7 d when Collin. 1991. Effects of salinity on growth Knopf, J. Scott, and S. Wasowski. 1995. and ionic composition of Coleus blumei and floral preservatives are used. Individual Natural gardening. Time-Life Books, New Salvia splendens. J. Hort. Sci. 66:215–222. flowers will shatter if allowed to wilt York. (Armitage, 1993). Mexican bush sage Iles, J.K. and N.H. Agnew. 1993. Responses also makes good dried flowers. Carlson, W. 1978. Daylength and salvia of five container-grown herbaceous peren- varieties. Amer. Veg. Grower 26:20–21. nial species to laboratory freezing. Hort- CONCLUSION Carpenter, W.J., E.R. Ostmark, and J.A. Technology 3:192–194. Scarlet sage is by far the most widely Cornell. 1995. Evaluation of temperature Incrocci, L., G. Serra, and B. Lercari. 1994. cultivated species of salvia (Liberty Hyde and moisture content during storage on the Height control of a bedding plant (Salvia Bailey Hortorium, 1976) but has some- germination of flowering annual seed. Hort- splendens F. Sellow) by copper sulphate fil- times been maligned by horticulturists. Science 30:1003–1006. ters. Acta Hort. 361:491–493. It has been described as having limp, Clausen, R.R. and N.H. Ekstrom. 1989. Knowles, T.C., B.W. Hipp, and M.A. grass green foliage that is ordinary with Perennials for American gardens. Random Hegemann. 1993. Container medium and flowers that are strident in color (Clausen House, New York. slow-release nitrogen fertilizer influence and Ekstrom, 1989). In contrast, native Clebsch, B. 1997. A book of salvias, sages growth and quality of Salvia farinacea. perennial species of salvia, such as HortScience 28:623–625.

804 ● October–December 2000 10(4) Koranski, D., R. Kessler, M. Khademi, and Shoemaker, C.A. and W.H. Carlson. 1990. D. McNertney. 1996. Troubleshooting: pH affects seed germination of eight bed- Diagnose your plug problems. In: D. ding plants species. HortScience 25:762– Hamrick (ed.). Grower talks on plugs II. 764. Ball Publ., Batavia, Ill. Stearn, W.T. 1992. Stearn’s dictionary of Liberty Hyde Bailey Hortorium. 1976. plant names for gardeners. Cassell Publ. Hortus third: A concise dictionary of plants Ltd., London. cultivated in the United States and Canada. 3rd ed. Macmillan, New York. Still, S.M. 1994. Manual of herbaceous ornamental plants. Stipes Publ. Co., McMillan, Jr., R.T. and W.R. Graves. 1994. Champaign, Ill. First report of downy mildew of Salvia in Florida. Plant Disease 78:317 (abstr.). Van Iersel, M. 1997. Root restriction effects on growth and development of salvia (Salvia McSorley, R. and J.J. Frederick, 1994. Re- splendens). HortScience 32:1186–1190. sponse of some common annual bedding plants to three species of Meloidogyne. J. van Iersel, M.W., R.B. Beverly, P.A. Tho- Nematol. 26:773–777. mas, J.G. Latimer, and H.A. Mills. 1998. Fertilizer effects on the growth of impatiens, Nau, J. 1993. Ball culture guide. 2nd ed. Ball petunia, salvia, and vinca plug seedlings. Publ. Batavia, Ill. HortScience 33:678–682. Nelson, P.V. 1994. Fertilization, p. 151– Walker, J.T. 1995. Garden herbs as hosts for 175. In: E.J. Holcomb (ed.). Bedding plants southern root-knot nematode [Meloidogyne IV. Ball Publ., Batavia, Ill. incognita (Kofoid & White) Chitwood, race 3]. HortScience 30:292–293. Rodriquez, D., T.D. Davis, J.M. Parsons, and N. Sankhla. 1993. Use of growth retar- Wasowski, S. and A. Wasowski. 1997. Na- dants in the production of container-grown tive Texas plants: Landscaping region by Salvia farinacea ×longispicata ‘Indigo region. Gulf Pub. Co., Houston, Texas. Spires’. Plant Growth Reg. Soc. Amer. Quarterly 21:180–189. Weiler, T.C. 1972. The variable flowering response of Salvia splendens Sello. to Serrato-Valenti, G., A. Bisio, L. Cornara, daylength. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 97:355– and G. Ciarallo. 1997. Structural and his- 357. tochemical investigation of the glandular trichomes of Salvia aurea L. leaves, and Weiler, T.C. and C.H. Lai. 1973. Critical chemical analysis of the essential oil. Ann. daylength for inflorescence formation of Bot. 79:329–336. several cultivars of Salvia splendens Sello. HortScience 8:184.

● October–December 2000 10(4) 805