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Hardy Perennial Salvias (Sage)

Wood Sage, Salvia x superba, Salvia nemorosa, Salvia x sylvestris

hardy salvia, perennial salvia, Wood Sage, Salvia x Superba, Salvia Nemorosa, Salvia x Sylvestris, Salvia Mainacht, Salvia Caradonna, violet flowers, fragrant flowers
Salvia, Rose, Lady's mantle, Fence

Salvia is a large genus in the Lamiaceae, or mint family, comprising about 900 species and hundreds of hybrids. It includes an incredible variety of plant sizes, flower sizes and colors, foliage forms, and hardiness.

What is Hardy Perennial Salvia?

Hardy perennial Salvias, also known as Sage, are a diverse group of plants native to a wide variety of habitats, ranging from mountainous regions to semi-arid desert lands across the world.

  • Habit and Size: These herbaceous perennials generally exhibit a compact growth habit and can range in size from low-growing groundcovers to taller species that reach up to 3 feet (90 cm).
  • Foliage: Their foliage is typically aromatic, with leaves that can be either semi-evergreen or deciduous, depending on the specific variety and climate.
  • Flowers: These plants are beloved for their spikes of small, tubular flowers that bloom in various colors, including blue, purple, pink, and white. The blooming period varies by species, but many begin in late spring and continue into the fall, providing long-lasting color in the garden.
  • Hardiness: Hardy perennial Salvias are generally rated for USDA hardiness zones 3-9, making them a versatile choice for many gardens.
  • Uses: They’re often used in borders, rock gardens, cottage gardens, or as specimen plants
  • Pollinators: They are highly attractive to pollinators like bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.
  • Deer and Rabbit: They are typically resistant to deer and rabbits due to their aromatic foliage.
  • Species: The most common hardy species include Salvia nemorosa, Salvia officinalis, and Salvia sylvestris.

Guide Information

Hardiness 3 - 9
Heat Zones 4 - 9
Climate Zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials
Genus Salvia
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 1' - 3'
(30cm - 90cm)
Spread 1' - 3'
(30cm - 90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Dry Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Landscaping Ideas Wall-Side Borders, Beds And Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden, Prairie and Meadow
Salvia nemorosa ‘Amethyst’ (Sage)
Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’ (Sage)
Salvia nemorosa ‘Ostfriesland’ (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.

Salvia nemorosa ‘New Dimension Blue’ (Sage)
Salvia nemorosa ‘Rose Marvel’ (Sage)
Salvia nemorosa ‘Pink Dawn’ (Sage)

Why Should I Grow a Hardy Perennial Salvia?

Hardy perennial salvias make a wonderful addition to your garden for several reasons:

  • Prolific and Long-lasting Blooms: Salvias produce stunning, vividly colored flowers from late spring to early autumn. The prolonged blooming period provides color to your garden for many months.
  • Drought-Tolerant: Once established, most salvias are incredibly drought-tolerant, making them an excellent choice for gardens in drier climates or for gardeners wanting to conserve water.
  • Pollinator-Friendly: Salvias are fantastic for attracting pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. This benefits the ecosystem and adds a dynamic element to your garden.
  • Versatility: There are many species of salvia available, with varying sizes, bloom types, and colors. This makes it easy to find a variety that suits your specific garden design.
  • Easy to Care For: Salvias are generally low maintenance, being resistant to most pests and diseases.
  • Aromatic Foliage: Many salvias have aromatic leaves, adding another sensory dimension to your garden.
  • Seasonal Interest: Some varieties of salvia also offer appealing foliage, adding to the plant’s seasonal interest.
  • Edible and Medicinal Varieties: Some salvias, like Salvia officinalis, also have culinary and medicinal uses.
Salvia x sylvestris ‘Mainacht’ (Wood Sage)
Salvia x sylvestris ‘Blue Hill’ (‘Blauhugel’ Sage)
Salvia x sylvestris ‘Tanzerin’ (Wood Sage)

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 officinalis (Garden Sage)
Salvia officinalis ‘Purpurascens’ (Purple Sage)
Salvia officinalis ‘Tricolor’ (Tricolor Sage)

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.

Salvia nemorosa ‘Blue Marvel’ (Sage)
Salvia nemorosa ‘New Dimension Rose’ (Sage)
Salvia nemorosa ‘Bordeau Steel Blue’ (Sage)

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.

Recommended Companion Plants

Echinacea (Coneflower)
Sedum (Stonecrop)
Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender)
Achillea (Yarrow)
Rudbeckia hirta (Black-Eyed Susan)
Helenium (Sneezeweed)
Nepeta (Catmint)
Phlox paniculata (Garden Phlox)
Hemerocallis (Daylilies)

Garden Examples

A Fabulous Duo: Salvia ‘Caradonna’ and Penstemon ‘Rich Ruby’
A Lovely Spring Border Idea with Peonies
A Prairie Planting Idea with Echinacea, Penstemon and Salvia
An Eye-Catching Border Idea with Allium, Oriental Poppies 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
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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 - 9
Heat Zones 4 - 9
Climate Zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials
Genus Salvia
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 1' - 3'
(30cm - 90cm)
Spread 1' - 3'
(30cm - 90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Dry Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Landscaping Ideas Wall-Side Borders, Beds And Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden, Prairie and Meadow
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