Salvia: Plant Care and Growing Guide
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
Gardening with salvia can add vibrant color, attract pollinators, and provide drought-tolerant options for ornamental and culinary use.
What is Salvia?
Salvia is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae, along with culinary herbs like basil, rosemary, thyme, or lavender, and medicinal herbs such as catnip, and bee balm.
Diversity: With over 900 species, Salvia is a diverse genus of plants, most of which are native to the Americas. This versatility means that there is a type of Sage plant suitable for almost any garden condition, from full sun to partial shade and from moist to dry soil.
Growth habit: Salvia encompasses various species with distinct growth habits, including annuals, perennials, and shrubs. They come in varying sizes, from low ground covers to tall shrubs that can reach several feet in height. They feature square stems, opposite leaves, and typically have flowers arranged in spikes or clusters at the end of the stem.
Flowers: The flowers come in a variety of vibrant colors, such as blue, purple, pink, red, and white. Some species even display multicolored blooms or flowers that shift in color as they mature.
Leaves: The plants are prized for their aromatic leaves, which have medicinal and culinary uses. Common sage (Salvia officinalis) leaves are usually dried and added as seasoning to a range of dishes, such as meats, soups, and vegetables.
Blooming period: Sage plants typically bloom from late spring through summer and into fall, and some species may continue to flower until the first frost.
Fragrance: The plants have a wide range of fragrances, which can vary from sweet and fruity to pungent and earthy.
Uses: Salvia plants are versatile and suitable for various garden settings, such as mixed borders, rock gardens, and container plantings. Additionally, some species are valuable for medicinal or culinary purposes.
Hardiness: The plants have varying hardiness levels depending on the species and cultivar, with some hardy in USDA zones 4-10 and others only in zones 10-11. It's important to choose a species that is suitable for your climate and provide winter protection if necessary.
Medicinal properties: Salvias have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, in addition to their ornamental and culinary uses. Several species contain compounds with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties that are used to treat a range of health conditions.
Pollinators: The flowers are known for attracting a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, with their brightly colored flowers and sweet fragrances.
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 |
Plant Family | Salvia - Sage |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
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 | Deer, Drought, Rabbit |
Attracts | Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Landscaping Ideas | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers, Wall-Side Borders |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden, Prairie and Meadow |
Jorge Salcedo, Shutterstock
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 |
Plant Family | Salvia - Sage |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
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 | Deer, Drought, Rabbit |
Attracts | Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Landscaping Ideas | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers, Wall-Side Borders |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden, Prairie and Meadow |