Salvias and Sages for Blooming Gardens
Tough Annuals Perennials and Herb Flowering Plants to Grow
Nov 13, 2009
Sage is the common name for Salvia. Within the Salvia genus are plants gardeners grow as annuals, perennials and herbs for ornamental and culinary uses. Bees, butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to Salvia for their long tubular shaped flowers. Meanwhile the plants withstand times of drought, a desirable characteristic wanted in many types of gardens.
Meadow Sage Perennial
Meadow sage, botanically known as Salvia nemorosa, is a perennial plant generally hardy in zones 3 – 9. Salvia nemorosa is a clump forming plant with oblong leaves at the base and along the upright stems. The leaves are wide rather than narrow and green or gray-green with a pubescent underneath and rough pebbly top. The spike-shaped flowers are most often purples and blues although some cultivars are white and pink. Popular cultivars of perennial Salvia are:
- S. ‘May Night’ is liked for its compact habit, up to 18” tall. The flowers are deep purple. Salvia nemorosa ‘May Night was named Perennial Plant of the Year in 1997.
- S. ‘Caradonna’ is most valued for its bicolor, indigo flowers on deep purple almost black stems. The plant grows 2’ tall.
- S. ‘Marcus’ has blue flowers and gray-green foliage. The plant is shorter, growing to10 - 12” tall.
Salvia argentea is primarily valued for its very unusual white fuzzy foliage. Although still a perennial sage, it thrives best in full sun and often treated as an annual because it is hardy only to zone 6. Salvia argentea ‘Hobbits Foot’ needs room to spread at least 18” wide.
Annual Salvia Guaranitica
The annual Salvia guaranitica ‘Black and Blue’ is a tall plant, growing up to 36” tall. Northern gardeners value it for its blue blooms that look like they are turning black. It flowers July through the first frost, although this sage is hardy in zones 7 – 10 too.
Salvia splendens is often referred to as annual red salvia. However, today there are so many more colors ranging from light and dark shades of red and magenta to yellows and purples. Beginning gardeners will be successful with these plants because they are easy to start from seed and quickly grow. All gardeners like them for attracting butterflies.
Culinary Sage Plants
Culinary sage plants can be planted in all types of gardens but are more often used in herb plantings or vegetable gardens. Salvia elegans is pineapple sage that is a native plant in Mexico. Called a tender perennial because it is only hardy in zones 7 and 8, gardeners will over winter it as a houseplant to keep for next spring. The vividly red flowers against the dark green narrow leaves on a 4’ tall plant is a favorite of hummingbirds.
In contrast, Saliva officinalis is common sage. It is a hardy perennial from zones 4 – 8 and native in the Mediterranean. It is for the leaves many gardeners grow it, both for ornamental and culinary reasons. Salvia officinalis suggestions include:
- S. ‘Golden Leaf Sage’ grows to 12” tall with variegated yellow and green foliage.
- S. ‘Purpurascens’ has purple foliage on a large plant.
- S. ‘Tricolor’ is variegated with cream, purple and pink leaves.
Tips for Growing Salvia and Sage
Salvia and sage plants are grown best in full sun. Sage will survive drought conditions when planted in well draining soil. The plants tolerate cooler temperatures.
Perennial Salvia will bloom more often when dead flowers are removed during summer. Plants should be spaced according to the cultivar’s needs to avoid powdery mildew issues.
Salvias and sages are excellent plants for flower, herb and vegetable gardens. Another flower with a similar plant habit and bloom shape is Veronica, a perennial worth adding to flower gardens.
Permission received for all photos used in this article.
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