Create Your Garden

Salvia (Sage)

Salvia azurea, Blue Sage, Salvia columbariae, Wild Chia, Salvia elegans, Pineapple Sage, Salvia fulgens, Cardinal Sage, Salvia guaranitica, Hummingbird Sage, Salvia involucrata, Roseleaf Sage, Salvia leucantha, Mexican Bush Sage, Salvia microphylla, Baby Sage, Salvia nemorosa, Woodland Sage, Salvia officinalis, Common Sage, Salvia patens, Gentian Sage, Salvia rosmarinus, Rosemary, Salvia sclarea, Clary, Salvia spathacea, California Hummingbird Sage, Salvia splendens, Scarlet Sage, Salvia uliginosa, Bog Sage

Salvia, Sage, Blue Sage, Wild Chia, Pineapple Sage, Cardinal Sage, Hummingbird Sage, Roseleaf Sage, Mexican Bush Sage, Baby Sage, Woodland Sage, Gentian Sage, Rosemary, Clary, Scarlet Sage, Bog Sage

Salvia is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae, along with culinary herbs like basilrosemarythyme, or lavender, and medicinal herbs such as catnip, and bee balm.

What is Salvia?

Diversity: Salvia includes over 900 species of plants, many of which are native to the Americas. This diversity means that there is a Sage plant for almost any garden situation, from full sun to partial shade and from moist to dry soils.

Growth habit: Salvia includes a wide variety of species with different growth habits and can be annuals, perennials, or shrubs. Plants vary widely in size, from low-growing ground covers to tall shrubs that can reach several feet in height. They have square stems and opposite leaves, and the flowers are typically arranged in spikes or clusters at the end of the stem.

Flowers: The flowers are often brightly colored, including blue, purple, pink, red, and white. Some species even have multicolored blooms or flowers that change color as they mature.

Leaves: Sage plants are also valued for their fragrant leaves, which are often used in traditional medicine and as culinary herbs. The leaves of Salvia officinalis (common sage) are typically dried and used as a seasoning for a variety of dishes, including meats, soups, and vegetables.

Blooming period: Sage plants typically bloom from late spring through summer and into fall, with some species continuing to produce flowers until the first frost.

Fragrance: The fragrance of Sage plants can vary widely depending on the species and cultivar. Some species, such as Salvia elegans (pineapple sage) and Salvia apiana (white sage), have a strong, sweet scent that is often used in aromatherapy and natural perfumes. Other species, such as Salvia officinalis (common sage), have a more pungent and savory scent and are often used as a seasoning in cooking.

Uses: Sage plants are versatile and can be used in a variety of garden situations, including mixed borders, rock gardens, and container plantings. Some species are also used for medicinal or culinary purposes.

Hardiness: The hardiness of Sage plants can vary depending on the species and cultivar. Some species, such as Salvia officinalis (common sage), are hardy in USDA zones 4-10 and can tolerate temperatures as low as -30°F (-34°C). Other species, such as Salvia splendens (scarlet sage), are tender perennials that are hardy in USDA zones 10-11 and may not survive temperatures below 30°F (-1°C). Most species fall somewhere in between, with hardiness ranging from USDA zones 5-10. It is important to choose a Salvia species that is appropriate for your climate and hardiness zone and to provide appropriate winter protection if necessary.

Medicinal properties: In addition to their ornamental and culinary uses, Salvia plants have been used for their medicinal properties for centuries. Many species contain compounds that have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties and are used to treat a variety of health conditions. Some species, such as Salvia miltiorrhiza (Chinese sage), are used in traditional Chinese medicine to improve cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation.

Pollinators The brightly colored flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Deer/rabbit: The plants are generally not preferred by deer and rabbits.

Guide Information

Hardiness 3 - 12
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A1, A2, A3, H1, H2
Plant Type Annuals, Perennials, Shrubs
Genus Salvia
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height 1' - 6' (30cm - 180cm)
Spread 1' - 6' (30cm - 180cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Birds
Landscaping Ideas Patio And Containers, Wall-Side Borders, Beds And Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden, Prairie and Meadow

Beautiful Species of Salvia

Salvia Growing tips

  • Light: Plants prefer full sun to partial shade. Choose a location that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
  • Soil: Plants prefer well-draining soil. If your soil is heavy or clay-based, amend it with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage.
  • Watering: Plants prefer moderate watering and should be watered deeply once a week or when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
  • Fertilizing: Plants do not require a lot of fertilizer, but can benefit from a light application of balanced fertilizer in the spring.
  • Pruning: Many species benefit from regular pruning to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Prune back spent flowers and stems to the nearest set of leaves, or prune the entire plant back by one-third to one-half in late summer to promote fall blooming.
  • Mulching: Plants benefit from a layer of organic mulch, such as bark or shredded leaves, to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  • Propagation: Plants can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. To propagate from cuttings, take stem cuttings in the summer and root them in a well-draining potting mix.

Recommended Companion Plants

Achillea (Yarrow)
Eryngium (Sea Holly)
Helenium (Sneezeweed)
Hemerocallis (Daylilies)
Rudbeckia hirta (Black-Eyed Susan)
Coreopsis (Tickseed)
Echinacea (Coneflower)
Nepeta (Catmint)
Agastache (Hyssop)

Garden Examples

A Lovely Spring Border Idea with Peonies
A Captivating Perennial Planting with Rudbeckia, Salvia, Verbena and Antirrhinum
A Prairie Planting Idea with Echinacea, Penstemon and Salvia
A Pretty Duo to Try: Asclepias and Salvia
An Eye-Catching Border with Allium, Salvia and Lavender
An Eye-Catching Border with Roses, Salvia and Geranium
A Long-Lasting Summer Garden Idea with Marigold and Sage
Compare All Salvia (Sage)
Compare Now
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Salvia (Sage)
Guides with
Salvia (Sage)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Guide Information

Hardiness 3 - 12
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A1, A2, A3, H1, H2
Plant Type Annuals, Perennials, Shrubs
Genus Salvia
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height 1' - 6' (30cm - 180cm)
Spread 1' - 6' (30cm - 180cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Birds
Landscaping Ideas Patio And Containers, Wall-Side Borders, Beds And Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden, Prairie and Meadow
Compare All Salvia (Sage)
Compare Now
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Salvia (Sage)
Guides with
Salvia (Sage)

Related Items

Please Login to Proceed

You Have Reached The Free Limit, Please Subscribe to Proceed

Subscribe to Gardenia

To create additional collections, you must be a paid member of Gardenia
  • Add as many plants as you wish
  • Create and save up to 25 garden collections
Become a Member

Plant Added Successfully

You have Reached Your Limit

To add more plants, you must be a paid member of our site Become a Member

Update Your Credit
Card Information

Cancel

Create a New Collection

Sign Up to Our Newsletter

    You have been subscribed successfully

    Join Gardenia.net

    Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

    Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

    Join now and start creating your dream garden!

    Join Gardenia.net

    Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

    Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

    Join now and start creating your dream garden!

    Find your Hardiness Zone

    Find your Heat Zone

    Find your Climate Zone