Generally speaking, salvias do not have a reputation of being invasive. Most salvias prefer full sun, but there are a few types that will do well in filtered shade. A deciduous sage that spreads slowly by tuberous roots, this plant won the prestigious Award of Garden Merit from RHS. It does get red flowers in the fall, but generally only in warmer Southern regions. Even as blooms fade, the deep-blue calyxes remain, keeping the stalks looking vibrant and full.
Surprise! These “Native” Plants Are Actually Garden Tourists
This hardy salvia has a compact mounding habit suitable for mass plantings and as border edging. In warmer climates, bright red flowers appear in mid to late fall before the first hard frost. The tubular flowers are deep pink with a dark purple calyx, providing striking contrast in the landscape.
Purple Sage
Blue salvia is a perennial that grows in a clumping pattern. Butterflies and hummingbirds are very fond of this species, which has velvety, grayish-green leaves. Another good cultivar is ‘Pink Dawn’, a shorter plant (18 inches) with pink flowers. Removing the spent flowers keeps the plant looking tidy.
- Salvia is a flowering plant in the mint family, and is also related to rosemary and culinary sage.
- Hummingbird sage (Salvia spathacea) earned its name for the exact reason you’d expect–hummingbirds love it.
- The circumscription of individual species within Salvia has undergone constant revision.
- A light application of a balanced fertilizer or compost in early spring can be sufficient.
- Autumn sage (Salvia greggii) is a perennial, shrubby salvia plant that blooms with hot pink flowers from summer through early fall.
PLANTING & SALVIA CARE
It is also the species burned for traditional spiritual ceremonies. Its silvery foliage is visually striking, while its pine-like flavor adds depth to dishes. Culinary sages, primarily derived from Salvia officinalis, are kitchen staples.
Is salvia a perennial?
Many gardeners think flopping is a sign that it is time to prune or divide their salvia. There are a variety of reasons salvias flop, including too much water, from rain or irrigation, not enough sun, or too much fertilizer. Most salvias are light feeders and only occasionally need fertilizer. When planting in groups or amongst other plants, determine the spacing based on their mature size.
- It flowers profusely all summer, from late spring to frost, and tolerates periods of drought.
- It’s an excellent salvia plant for growing as an annual in containers, especially in northern areas.
- Ornamental sages are showstoppers in the garden.
- ‘Evolution’ has a long blooming season and is a perfect choice for meadow or cottage-style gardens, planted in containers, window boxes, beds and borders.
- Adored by butterflies and hummingbirds, gardeners love this salvia for its low care requirements and brilliant blooms.
- Don’t fuss with supports—sage plants are pretty self-sufficient and don’t need staking.
Plants in the genus Salvia are herbs, shrubs, or subshrubs and are generally perennial and aromatic. Some members are important as sources of flavouring, and many are grown as garden ornamentals. However, certain species can be a problem in specific regions. Among the perennials, there are old-world types that come from Europe and Asia, as well as American natives that come from the western half of the U.S. Pollinator House recipe includes Rockin’® Fuchsia salvia, Luscious® Berry Blend™ lantana, ‘Pardon My Cerise’ bee balm, Supertunia® Really Red, and ‘Cat’s Pajamas’ catmint.
SALVIA CARE
Varieties 1 to 6 feet tall & wide, with most averaging 2 to 3 feet. Most varieties can be used as perennials in zones 5-9, with some varieties cold hardy to zone 4 or heat tolerant to zone 10. Their drought-resistant nature and low maintenance make them a perfect choice for an easy-care garden. Most varieties are native to hot, dry climates and can be grown as perennials. Most Salvia Information Salvia species are non-toxic. Sage is a perennial in many areas, returning year after year.
‘Mystic Spires Blue’ Salvia
Some salvias are perennial in most zones, coming back from year to year. Densely compact plants are versatile in beds, borders and moon gardens. Color Spires® ‘Violet Riot’ (Salvia nemorosa) produces an abundance of vivid violet-blue flower spikes from late spring to early summer. Rockin’® Playin’ the Blues® (Salvia longispicata x farinacea) is a standout variety that charms with true-blue flowers above dark green foliage.
David Beaulieu is a landscaping expert and plant photographer, with 20 years of experience. There are many ways to use salvia in your landscape. They tend to be slow to develop new growth in spring, so be patient. It depends on your climate and how hardy your salvia variety is.
It blooms, but the white summertime flowers aren’t particularly significant, although they do attract bees and butterflies. An eye-catcher for the sunny garden, ‘Hot Lips’ salvia (Salvia microphylla ‘Hot Lips’) features spikes of white flowers in summer. This biennial has lovely leaves the first year and then blooms with clusters of white flowers in summer the second year. Hummingbirds and butterflies love this plant’s two-lipped bright red flowers that appear in stunning contrast to its yellow leaves in fall.
Should I deadhead salvia?
Autumn sage (Salvia greggii) is a perennial, shrubby salvia plant that blooms with hot pink flowers from summer through early fall. Expand your garden’s color combinations with this plant; its flowers are several shades lighter than other blue salvias. May Night salvia (Salvia sylvestris), also known as meadow sage, is a fast-growing perennial with dark purple-blue flowers. Blue salvia (Salvia azurea) is a stunning sage plant with vibrant blue blooms that invite bees and butterflies to your garden.
Planting Salvia
Whether you grow it for its flavor or ornamental looks, it can easily be included with other perennials in borders or rock gardens. Variegated sage (Salvia officinalis ‘Icterina’) features gray-green leaves irregularly edged in chartreuse. Be sure to plant it where you can walk by and brush the foliage to release its herbal, pine-like scent. There are also annual and biennial types of salvias, and some are woody shrubs. This plant is a perennial that comes back each year in areas where it’s hardy. However, despite its small size, Yugoslavian cut leaf sage still makes a strong statement in your garden.
In especially hot, dry areas, it may go dormant for the summer unless you keep it well-watered. Prairie salvia (Salvia azurea) is great for cutting and a wonderful accent to mums, kale, and asters. Plant it with lavender to revel in a wonderful soft scent and bold, bright colors.
What is salvia?
It’s also heat and drought tolerant, and adds interest in the fall. Does not set seed, so continues to bloom all season. Easily trim to the size and shape you want, and it will become thicker and have more flowers. Another tough salvia loved by pollinators.
If your salvia plant has become leggy and flopped over you can either provide support for the plant with stakes or deadhead the flowers and let new ones grow in. Salvia plants don’t need rich soil, but they must have good drainage. Picking the right spot for your salvia can make a difference in how well the plant grows and flowers. Ornamental salvias are also a relative of common sage, the culinary herb used for cooking. With close to 1,000 species worldwide, salvias are members of the mint family which also includes rosemary, thyme, lavender, and basil.
East friesland salvia (Salvia nemorosa) is another salvia plant with generous bloom periods, showing off their spiky purple flowers for the entire summer. Gentian sage (Salvia patens) has stunning two-lipped blue flowers, with bloom periods between mid-summer to mid-fall. Common sage (S. officinalis), a woody perennial growing 60 cm (2 feet) tall, bears aromatic leaves that are the source of the culinary herb. Deer tend to steer clear from salvias and other sages, as they don’t like plants with a strong scent. This colorful perennial features vivid violet-blue flower spikes over aromatic, mounded foliage, ideal for mass planting.