Salvia FASHIONISTA™ 'MOULIN ROUGE' hybrid meadow clary
Salvia
Salvia is a large genus, containing about 900 species. In our climate mostly common (evergreen) sage is grown for culinary uses. Also popular are those of subtropical origin that are used here as annuals with long flowering season, especially in public areas. We concentrate on herbaceous perennials which are reliable and trouble-free plants offering stunning colour display with little care.
Meadow clary is a species of sage with tall stems and showy flowers. Its native habitat is Europe where it is found in sunny meadows from cold northern areas down to hot southern countries, and it is believed to be native in North Africa, too, especially in Morocco. It is often crossbred with other species to achieve larger flowers of deeper colours. Those hybrids are stunning but are often short-lived.
Do you know Moulin Rouge? It is an iconic Parisian cabaret founded in 1889, which became a symbol of the Belle Époque thanks to its extravagant parties and famous can-can dance. Its provocative atmosphere contributed to its reputation as a "den of vice," but at the same time, it was a cultural beacon where artists, writers, and intellectuals gathered. After a fire in 1915, it was reopened and gradually evolved into a prestigious venue, hosting stars like Edith Piaf and Frank Sinatra. Today, Moulin Rouge is a popular tourist attraction that offers spectacular shows while preserving the charm of Parisian history.
Moulin Rouge is also the cultivar name of this extravagant sage from the FASHIONISTA™ series, developed by American perennial specialist Hans A. Hansen from Walters Gardens in Michigan. It was created through a targeted breeding program, crossing meadow sage with other species to achieve the most vibrant flower colours and – drumrolls – mission accomplished, with flair! Here we have a botanical masterpiece! This variety took ordinary meadow clary, gave it a dramatic makeover, and sent it strutting onto the garden stage in neon-pink heels. The flowers of Moulin Rouge emerge from deep purple buds into a neon-bright pink hue. They are arranged in verticils on sturdy, well-branched, green stems, reaching 40-60 cm in height.
The leaves are medium green, heavily wrinkled, aromatic, and broadly lanceolate, forming a basal rosette. The plants are dense, and their stems with unopened buds droop before blooming—not due to water deficiency but as a natural growth pattern, straightening up as they flower. If the plant is cut back closely above the healthy basal leaves after blooming, it will regrow into a lush clump within a month and may even produce a second abundant flowering in mid-summer. It requires no special care. Under good conditions, a few vital seedlings may appear near the parent plant. Patent No. PP32387 was granted in 2020.
Sage will grow in almost any well-drained soil. For best results grow it in light, humus-rich, well-drained soil in full sun or light shade. It needs no fertilizing, only in very poor or compacted soils it will benefit from occasional feeding with a balanced fertilizer. Meadow clary requires warm and free-draining soil. In early spring remove all above-ground parts except for rosette of new or over-wintered, healthy leaves lying flat on the ground. It is perfectly hardy to about -34 °C (USDA zone 4) and will grow in outdoor pots, too.
Last update 27-05-2025
