Salvias: A Complete Guide to the Top 10 Varieties

Salvias – often hailed as the crown jewels of the ornamental garden – are among the most versatile and rewarding plants for gardeners seeking colour, fragrance, and ecological impact. With their fiery spikes of scarlet, calming drifts of violet, and honeyed whispers of sage-green foliage, these plants transform outdoor spaces into dynamic habitats. A member of the mint family, salvias aren’t just visually striking; their aromatic leaves release a therapeutic scent when brushed, and their nectar-rich blooms act as a magnet for pollinators, sustaining bees, and butterflies through the seasons.

Salvias - A complete guide to growing in the UK.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener crafting a structured border or a novice experimenting with your first container display, this complete guide to salvias unlocks the secrets to cultivating these resilient plants. From drought-tolerant varieties that thrive in parched soils to moisture-loving species ideal for rain gardens, salvias offer solutions for every plot and climate. Their adaptability spans formal herb gardens, wildflower meadows, and even balcony pots, ensuring no space is too small or challenging for their vibrant charm.

Beyond their beauty, salvias carry a legacy of practical uses. Historically cherished for medicinal and culinary purposes (think Salvia officinalis, the common sage), modern hybrids now prioritise prolonged blooms and frost-hardiness, making them a low-maintenance staple for contemporary gardens. In this guide, you’ll discover how to harness their full potential: selecting the right species for your soil, mastering seasonal care, and designing eye-catching displays that flourish from late spring until the first frost. Let’s delve into the world of salvias – where horticultural artistry meets effortless gardening..

Key Takeaways

Diverse varieties: Over 900 species, ranging from hardy perennials to annuals.
Pollinator-friendly: A favourite of bees, and butterflies.
Low maintenance: Drought-tolerant and pest-resistant once established.
Versatile uses: Ideal for borders, containers, and wildlife gardens.
Long blooming: Flowers from late spring to first frost.

What Are Salvias?

Salvias, part of the Lamiaceae (mint) family, are herbaceous plants prized for their spiky flowers and fragrant foliage. Native to regions from the Americas to Eurasia, they thrive in sunny, well-drained spots. Their name derives from the Latin salvare, meaning “to heal,” reflecting their historical medicinal uses.

Top 10 Salvias for Your Garden

1. Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’

Features: A hardy perennial with upright, striking violet-blue spikes that rise above clumps of aromatic, grey-green foliage. Blooms from June to September, offering long-lasting colour.
Care: Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Tolerates UK winters (hardy to -20°C) but dislikes soggy roots—add grit to heavy clay soils. Trim back spent flower stems in autumn to encourage a tidy shape.
Perfect for: Adding vertical interest to cottage gardens or mixed borders. Pairs beautifully with pink Dianthus or golden Achillea. Drought-resistant once established, making it ideal for sunny, low-maintenance plots.

2. Salvia officinalis (Common Sage)

Features: A woody-stemmed evergreen shrub with wrinkled, grey-green leaves. Prized as a culinary herb for roasts, stuffings, and teas, with subtle earthy notes.
Care: Plant in free-draining soil (chalk, loam, or sand) in full sun. Drought-tolerant once established—overwatering in winter is a common killer in the UK’s damp climate. Prune lightly in spring to prevent legginess.
Perfect for: Herb gardens, patio pots, or as a fragrant edging plant. Combines well with rosemary and thyme.

3. Salvia leucantha (Mexican Bush Sage)

Features: Frost-tender perennial with velvety purple-and-white flower spikes and silvery foliage. Blooms late summer to autumn, providing late-season nectar for bees.
Care: In the UK, grow in containers with gritty compost and place in a sunny, sheltered spot. Bring indoors or into a greenhouse before the first frost. Water sparingly in winter.
Perfect for: Adding exotic texture to patio displays. Pair with Canna lilies or Pelargoniums for a Mediterranean vibe.

4. Salvia greggii (Autumn Sage)

Features: A compact, semi-evergreen shrub with small but prolific flowers in red, pink, coral, or orange. Blooms from midsummer to first frost.
Care: Requires full sun and sharp drainage—ideal for raised beds or gravel gardens. Shelter from cold winds in winter; mulch roots with horticultural grit to protect from excess moisture.
Perfect for: Hot, dry spots (e.g., south-facing walls) or patio containers. Attracts butterflies and bees.

5. Salvia microphylla ‘Hot Lips’

Features: A bushy evergreen with bi-coloured red-and-white blooms that resemble “kisses.” Fragrant foliage releases a minty aroma when crushed.
Care: Prune lightly in April to remove frost-damaged tips and encourage bushiness. Hardy to -5°C but may lose leaves in harsh winters—recover quickly in spring.
Perfect for: Informal hedging or mixed borders. Combines well with Verbena bonariensis for a pollinator-friendly display.

6. Salvia patens (Gentian Sage)

Features: Tuberous perennial with rare true-blue flowers, a sought-after hue for gardeners. Tall stems (up to 90cm) create a dramatic focal point.
Care: Lift tubers in autumn and store in dry compost over winter in frost-prone areas. Plant in rich, moist but well-drained soil in sun or light shade.
Perfect for: Cottage gardens or woodland edges. Pair with yellow Rudbeckia for a striking contrast.

7. Salvia elegans (Pineapple Sage)

Features: Tender perennial with bright red tubular flowers and pineapple-scented leaves. Blooms in late summer—ideal for herbal teas or garnishes.
Care: Grow in pots with loam-based compost. Move to a frost-free greenhouse or windowsill in winter. Pinch back stems in spring to promote bushy growth.
Perfect for: Sensory gardens or container displays near seating areas, where its fragrance can be enjoyed.

8. Salvia guaranitica ‘Black and Blue’

Features: Tall perennial with cobalt-blue flowers and striking black calyces. Vigorous grower, spreading via rhizomes.
Care: Plant in moist but well-drained soil in full sun. In the UK, it may die back in winter but often re-emerges in late spring. Contain spread by planting in large pots or using root barriers.
Perfect for: Jungle-themed gardens or as a backdrop to white Cosmos or Nicotiana.

9. Salvia uliginosa (Bog Sage)

Features: Airy perennial with delicate sky-blue flowers and slender stems (up to 1.5m). Thrives in damp soil.
Care: Ideal for poorly drained areas or pond edges. Tolerates UK winters if soil isn’t waterlogged. Cut back to ground level in late autumn.
Perfect for: Naturalistic planting schemes. Pair with moisture-loving Iris pseudacorus or Lythrum salicaria.

10. Salvia splendens (Scarlet Sage)

Features: Tender perennial (usually grown as an annual) with vibrant red blooms. Compact varieties suit containers, while taller types work in borders.
Care: Sow indoors in March or buy plug plants after frosts. Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering. Discard after first frost or overwinter in a greenhouse.
Perfect for: Summer bedding or patio pots. Mix with white Petunias or purple Heliotrope for bold contrast.

Growing Salvias Successfully

Planting Tips

Soil: Well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
Sunlight: Minimum 6 hours daily.
Spacing: 30–60cm apart, depending on variety.

Watering & Feeding

Establishment: Water weekly for the first season.
Mature plants: Drought-tolerant; avoid overwatering.
Fertiliser: Use a balanced feed in spring; avoid high nitrogen.

Pruning & Maintenance

Deadheading: Encourage repeat flowering by removing spent blooms.
Winter care: Mulch tender varieties; cut back hardy types in early spring.

Common Issues with Salvias

Leggy growth: Prune back by one-third in late spring.
Powdery mildew: Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering.
Slugs/snails: Use organic pellets or copper tape for young plants.

FAQs About Salvias

Q: Are salvias perennial?
A: Many are, but some tender varieties are grown as annuals in cooler climates.

Q: Do salvias attract wildlife?
A: Yes! Their nectar-rich blooms are beloved by bees, and butterflies.

Q: Can salvias grow in shade?
A: Most prefer full sun, but Salvia nemorosa tolerates light shade.

Q: Are salvias deer-resistant?
A: Generally yes, due to their aromatic foliage.

Key Takeaways

What Are Salvias?