Evaluation of Colour Versions of Wild Sage (Salvia nemorosa L.)

Today, dynamic changes could be observed on the ornamentals plant market. The large usability, high-value ornamental species and varieties are preferred. Besides this, the global climate change also is a limiting factor for the ornamental plants cultivation. Most of applied ornamental plant species imported from other countries. Furthermore, adapting to different climates and adapting to the local conditions cause problems for these plants. The early autumn and late spring frosts and drought conditions are big challenges for the foreign ornamental plant species which are not able to provide features as promised by the catalogue. Meanwhile, the selected plants from native species have higher drought tolerance, disease and pest resistance could be adapted to the local conditions. Wild sage meets these requirements. Based on these facts, it could be noticed that, going back to native sources offer great possibility expanding the ornamental plant assortment (Kaprinyák et al., 2012). Wild sage, as an ornamental plant can grow within a highly capacity of adaptation. Because of excellent droughttolerant capability, it is suitable for extensive conditions. Roots can penetrate through the upper 30 cm layer of soil, therefore, it can utilize well the soil water supply. After planting, wild sage can provide sufficient coverage to inhibit the growth of weeds. Wild sage could be found in parks, along highways and in gardens, which is due to its excellent adaptability (Kaprinyák et al., 2012). Over 900 species of the Salvia genus exist in the world. Some species are used for medicinal or horticultural production (Ruffoni et al, 2004). Originally, wild sage inherits from Mediterranean region. Wild sage can be found in Europe from agricultural areas to hills and mountains of the Pontic-Pannonian flora (Hegi, 1926). From botanical point of view, wild sage has simple bracts and same size hairy sepals (Figure 1). On the long and spear-edged, leaves are not glandular hairs. The gray-green leaves have special sage smell (Király, 2009). Anthocyanin discoloration often can be seen on the erect branching stems at the beginning of the growth. The 8-14 mm long, usually purplish blue, sometimes white or pink upper lips have two pieces 5 mm long slightly drooped stamens (Cervelli, 1999). According to Soó (1968), the stem and the inflorescence axis Evaluation of Colour Versions of Wild Sage (Salvia nemorosa L.)