Perennial Salvias (also known as "sage") are mainstays of the midsummer garden border—blooming summer to autumn! Planted in the spring, these aromatic beauties are great for cutting and beloved by bees and butterflies—plus, they're drought-tolerant! See how to plant, grow, and care for Salvia.
Part of the mint family (Lamiaceae), salvias appear as a colorful spike of densely-packed flowers with tubular blossoms atop square stems and velvety leaves.
The common kitchen herb garden sage—Salvia officinalis—is actually a type of salvia; it's a relative of the many ornamental species and has a few attractive ornamental varieties itself.
Hummingbirds and butterflies love salvia's tubular flowers and they're adored by bees, too, so plant them if you wish to attract these pretty pollinators!
Fortunately, salvia does not tend to attract deer or rabbits. It is the distinctive, pungent odor of their leaves that acts as a repellent to garden pests.
Salvia are heat- and drought-tolerant, making them survivors in the summer garden. They grow 18 inches to 5 feet tall, depending on the variety.
Salvias of all types can be grown in containers, too.
Take care when choosing salvias, because not all plants are hardy in all regions; some are best treated as annuals, but perennial varieties are also available.
Planting
For the adventurous gardener, salvia cuttings can be taken in the spring or early fall.
Some salvias often self-propagate, so you might find seedlings you can use in other parts of your landscape!
Before flower buds have developed, take cuttings (remove stems) from vegetative (non-flowering) branches that are about 3 inches long. Remove the lower leaves and trim each cutting just below a node.
Insert cuttings into a pot of pre-watered compost. Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag—try to avoid the bag touching the foliage.
Place cuttings in a cool greenhouse and put up shading to prevent scorching from strong sunlight. After three weeks, cuttings should be ready to pot on.
Pests/DiseasesPests and diseases are rarely an issue for salvia growers. Here are possible issues:
There are over 900 species of salvias and many of the tender perennial species are popular as annuals in regions where they are not fully winter hardy.
The following common salvias are usually grown as annuals. They may be grown as perennials in warmer regions.
The following salvias are usually grown as perennials.
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