What Does a Salvia Flower Look Like?

Petals

• The flowers of Salvia species all have five petals. However, when you observe an individual Salvia flower, it is difficult to see each petal because they are joined together. The petals don't form one long tube like a fuchsia flower. Instead, they're arranged to give the appearance of an upper and lower lip. Depending on the species, one lip will stick out further than the other. Sage flowers range in size from one-half to one and a half inches long.

Arrangement

• Each member in the Salvia genus bears more than a single flower. Rather than producing one bloom like a rose does, Salvia produces numerous flowers on a single stalk. The flowers are arranged in whorls to surround the stalk in tiny flowers. Some Salvia flowers crowd so tightly on the stalk that it resembles a dense spike.

Flower Structure

• Salvia flowers have five sepals to match their five petals. Sepals are the small green leaf-like structures that protect the flower bud before it opens. Most Salvia produce two stamens -- the male reproductive part of the flower. The petals, sepals and stamens all attach to the base of the flower's ovary. This arrangement is called a flower with a superior ovary.

Color

• Although all Salvia have a similar flower structure and arrangement, they vary greatly in the color of their petals. Flowers can range from Silver Sage's pale white or yellow flowers to Scarlet Sage's brilliant reds. Other Salvia bear pink, purple or blue flowers.