The genus Salvia or Sage includes about 700 species, distributed in both temperate and tropical regions of both hemispheres. The generic name goes back to the Latin “salvus”, which means “to be healthy”. This name is given for the medicinal properties of some species of the genus Salvia. In the Middle Ages, decoctions of sage leaves were used to treat various diseases: from colds to poisoning.

In Russia, in the 17th century, various types of sage (Salvia officinalis, S. nemorosa, S. pratensis) begin to grow first in monastery courtyards, and then in royal gardens, as a medicinal plant. Various types of sage are brought from Moscow gardens and to the Summer Garden of St. Petersburg. Some of them are grown in the open field, some in greenhouses.

Currently, various types of sage are used not only as a medicinal plant, but are widely used to decorate flower beds in gardens. Large-flowered tropical sage species are often used for these purposes.

Now in the Summer Garden, on the beds of the Red Garden, you can see lush sage (Salvia x superba). It is a natural hybrid between Salvia sylvestris and S. villicaulis. Mealy sage (S. farinacea) was planted on the rabatka in front of the Mikhailovsky Castle and in the flower beds of the Mikhailovsky Garden. This species was brought from Texas in our region and is grown as an annual.

Enjoy your walks in the gardens of the Russian Museum. You can find out about the working hours of the gardens on our website. Link below.

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