Hardy Perennial Salvias (Sage)

Main Species

Salvia nemorosa, Salvia officinalis, and Salvia sylvestris are three noteworthy species within the large Salvia, or sage, genus.

• Salvia nemorosa, often known as woodland sage, is a hardy perennial native to Europe and Asia. It has a compact growth habit, typically reaching 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) in height. This plant is valued for its showy, violet-blue flowers that appear in spikes from late spring to early summer. The leaves are grey-green, lance-shaped, and aromatic. It’s a great choice for borders and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
• Salvia officinalis, commonly known as common sage or culinary sage, is a small evergreen subshrub native to the Mediterranean. It grows up to 18 inches (45 cm) tall and 24-30 inches (60-75 cm) wide, with woolly, grey-green leaves used widely in cooking. In late spring or early summer, it produces blue to purplish flowers attractive to pollinators. It’s drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, ideal for herb gardens, borders, or containers.
• Salvia sylvestris, or woodland sage, is a hardy, clump-forming perennial native to Europe. It typically reaches 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) in height and is loved for its dense, upright spikes of deep violet-blue flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. The grey-green leaves are lance-shaped and slightly aromatic. It’s an excellent choice for borders or cottage gardens, attracting a range of pollinators.

All three species prefer full sun to light shade and well-drained soil. They’re resistant to pests and diseases, relatively low maintenance, and provide lovely splashes of color in the garden.

Why Should I Grow a Hardy Perennial Salvia?

Garden Design with Hardy Salvia

Designing a garden with hardy perennial salvias can create an enchanting and vibrant space due to their lush foliage and beautiful blooms. Here are some ideas for incorporating these plants into your garden design:

• Mixed Borders: Salvias are excellent for mixed borders. They can be paired with other perennials that flower at the same time for a colorful display. Some good companions can include roses, daylilies, or phlox.
• Cottage Gardens: With their relaxed, informal style and emphasis on diversity, cottage gardens are a perfect setting for salvias. They can be mixed here with other traditional cottage garden plants like lavender, hollyhocks, and foxgloves.
• Rock Gardens: Some smaller salvia varieties can work well in rock gardens. Their drought-tolerant nature makes them a good fit for these dry, well-draining conditions.
• Wildlife Gardens: If your goal is to attract pollinators, consider a wildlife garden design. Salvias, particularly those with blue or purple flowers, attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
• Mediterranean Gardens: Salvias, particularly the grey and silver-leaved varieties, fit well into a Mediterranean garden design, which emphasizes drought-tolerant, sun-loving plants.
• Color-Themed Gardens: With flowers that range from soft blues and purples to vibrant reds and pinks, salvias can play a starring role in a color-themed garden.
• Structural Interest: Tall varieties of salvia can provide vertical interest in a border, while the more compact varieties can serve as ground cover.

Salvia Companion Plants

Salvias are versatile plants that can be successfully paired with a variety of other plants to create stunning garden compositions. Here are some companion plants for salvias that complement their form, color, and growing conditions:

• Roses: Particularly English Roses, their romantic flowers and varied colors make a perfect contrast with the spiky salvia blooms.
• Echinacea (Coneflower): The bold, daisy-like flowers of echinacea pair well with the vertical lines of salvia.
• Rudbeckia (Black-Eyed Susan): The golden yellow of rudbeckia creates a striking contrast with the cool tones of many salvias.
• Penstemon (Beardtongue): Penstemon and salvia both appreciate similar conditions, and their flower shapes complement each other well.
• Ornamental Grasses: The feathery texture of grasses contrasts beautifully with the bold flowers of salvia.
• Sedum (Stonecrop): Autumn Joy Sedum, with its broccoli-like flower clusters in late summer, is a great partner for fall-blooming salvia.
• Nepeta (Catmint): The soft, mounded form of catmint can help offset salvia’s upright growth.
• Phlox: Phlox and salvia bloom around the same time and can create a dynamic display of color.
• Lavender: Both prefer well-drained soil and full sun, and their purple blooms complement each other beautifully.
• Yarrow (Achillea): The flat-topped flowers of yarrow provide a nice contrast to the spikes of salvia.

Remember that companion plants should have similar sunlight and watering needs to make maintenance easier and keep all the plants healthy.

Growing Tips

• Location and Sunlight: Salvias are sun-loving plants, so choose a location in your garden that gets full sun. Some species tolerate a little shade but may not bloom as profusely.
• Soil: Most Salvias prefer well-drained soil. They do not do well in waterlogged conditions. While they can adapt to a range of soil types, they generally prefer soil that is on the lighter side, with plenty of organic matter.
• Planting: Plant salvias in spring or early fall. Dig a hole twice as wide and about as deep as the plant’s root ball. Place the plant in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole and gently firm the soil around the plant’s base. Water thoroughly after planting.
• Watering: Once established, salvias are relatively drought-tolerant but will appreciate regular watering during dry periods. Overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root rot.
• Feeding: Use a slow-release fertilizer in the spring to encourage strong growth and abundant blooms. However, avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers as they can promote leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
• Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage a second bloom. Cut back the previous year’s growth in late winter or early spring to make way for new shoots.
• Pests and Diseases: Salvias are generally disease-resistant, but watch out for pests like aphids, slugs, and snails. Fungal diseases can be an issue in wet, poorly drained conditions.
• Propagation: Perennial salvias can be propagated by division in the spring or by taking cuttings in late summer.

Remember, the specific care for your salvia can vary depending on the species, so it’s important to know the specific needs of the variety you’re growing.