Salvias - Marina Christopher

Marina enthralled a large audience on Thursday evening with an informative and knowledgeable insight into a variety of salvias (the scientific name for sage). As a marine biologist and ecologist who has a fascination of pollinators, Marina shared various tips and advice on the ecosystem, taking salvia cuttings, pruning and their growth habits. Sadly, Phoenix Perennial Plants is no longer open to the public but Marina now specialises in salvias which offer a wealth of colour with approx. 900 varieties, are both perennials and annuals and inter-breed promiscuously so are a breeder’s delight. They can be grown in sun, shade, wet or dry conditions and are loved by bees with the exception of red colours as they see green, blue and ultraviolet. Marina introduced us to a couple of varieties which have been awarded the AGM i.e. Blue Metallica and Skylark and explained the different groups and colours which have evolved across the globe. The evening was a huge success and finished with a demonstration on a variety of tools, a Q and A session and an extensive plant sale.