Salvia × superba is a widely grown Salvia hybrid. Its origins are unknown, though it first appeared in cultivation, and its parents are believed to include Salvia × sylvestris and Salvia amplexicaulis. Salvia nemorosa has also been suggested as a direct parent or close relative, but with so many similarities between these species and hybrids, there is no conclusive evidence. It is often mistakenly called Salvia superba.[1][2]

Salvia × superba
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Lamiales
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Salvia
Species:
S. × superba
Binomial name
Salvia × superba

Salvia × superba grows about 1 m (3.3 ft) tall, with flowers ranging from violet-blue to pale pink. The flowers grow in whorls that are a bit more separated than in their parents. Selected cultivars include the confusingly named 'Superba', and 'Rubin'.[2] The cultivar 'Rubin'[3] has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[4]

References

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  1. ^ Clebsch, Betsy; Barner, Carol D. (2003). The New Book of Salvias. Timber Press. pp. 208–209. ISBN 978-0-88192-560-9.
  2. ^ a b Sutton, John (2004). The Gardener's Guide to Growing Salvias. Workman Publishing Company. pp. 61–62. ISBN 978-0-88192-671-2.
  3. ^ "RHS Plant Selector - Salvia × superba 'Rubin'". Retrieved 2 June 2013.
  4. ^ "AGM Plants - Ornamental" (PDF). Royal Horticultural Society. July 2017. p. 94. Retrieved 12 October 2018.