Salvia 1 to 30 of 37 total
Salvia 1 to 30 of 37 total
Salvia
Salvia is the largest genus in the mint family, with over 900 species known worldwide. There are annual, perennial and shrub salvia plants, and it can be easy to get confused between all 3. The plants can be either ornamental, or some varieties like salvia officinalis & salvia rosmarinus (commonly called sage and rosemary) are actually an edible herb or culinary herb.
Ornamental Salvia Varieties - Non-Edible Salvias
Perennial Salvia
Annual Salvia
Edible Salvia Varieties Culinary Sage
About Salvia
Genus
Species
Family
Salvia
Officinalis, splendens, nemorosa, farinacea, greggii, guaranitica, leucantha, microphylla, coccinea, sylvestris
Lamiaceae
Common Names:
Sage
Native To:
North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Plant Type:
Perennials
Foliage Type:
Semi-Evergreen, Deciduous, Herbaceous
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
4 - 10
Flower Color:
Purple, Blue, Red, Pink, White, Orange, Yellow
Flower Bloom Time:
Late spring to fall
Growth Habit:
Clumping, Spreading, Upright, Mounded
Attracts:
Bees, Hummingbirds, Butterflies
Tolerates:
Drought, Heat
Resists:
Deer, Rabbits, Voles, Moles, Diseases, Pests
How To Use Salvia In The Garden
Salvia, commonly known as sage, is a diverse genus encompassing over 900 species, each exhibiting unique characteristics. These plants are renowned for their aromatic foliage and extended blooming periods, which can span from late spring to fall. The flowers, arranged in spikes, come in a spectrum of colors including blue, purple, red, pink, and white. Some Salvia species are prized for their culinary and medicinal applications, notably Salvia officinalis, widely used in cooking.
Use their colorful flower spikes to add vertical interest to mixed borders and perennial beds. Certain species, such as Salvia officinalis, offer both ornamental and culinary value and are often added to herb gardens. Additionally, Salvias are effective in attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies, boosting pollination of nearby vegetable and fruit plants.
Salvia Care
Salvia species require well-draining soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Plant them in locations receiving at least six hours of sunlight daily. Water newly planted salvias thoroughly, then provide about 1 inch of water per week during the growing season, adjusting based on rainfall. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to support healthy growth.
Prune salvias by cutting back spent flower spikes to encourage reblooming. In late fall or early spring, trim back faded growth, which tidies the plant and makes room for new growth. For winter care, apply a layer of mulch around the base to protect roots from freezing temperatures. Grow salvias in containers with adequate drainage and enough room for root growth. During winter, move potted salvias indoors or to a sheltered location to prevent frost damage.
Learn More About Salvia Care
Ornamental Salvia vs Culinary Salvia
All salvias are technically considered ornamental due to the flowers they produce. However, some plants offer more benefits than just being ornamental because they are edible and have medicinal properties. In general, ornamental plants are typically called salvia or meadow sage, whereas edible salvia is referred to as sage or culinary sage.
Ornamental Salvia
Ornamental salvia has an important place in the garden. Visitors to your garden and pollinators will thank you for growing it due to the beautiful blooms that stand out on the hottest summer days. You will also be glad you planted these, because the plants are so easy to grow. Spend your time worrying about other things, rather than taking care of these plants, but still get the benefit of the beautiful flowers! There are three main types of ornamental salvia - Annual, Perennial and Woody Shrubs
Annual Salvia vs Perennial Salvia
Annual and perennial salvias are mostly determined by the hardiness rating. Perennial salvias are hardy down to zone 3, while annual salvias are only cold hardy to zone 9 (sometimes zone 8). Woody shrubs are a little larger than the perennials and typically will bloom on old wood each year (the stems grown the prior year). Perennial salvias sometimes become woody shrubs when the plants get larger. Annual salvias often re-seed after the flowering season, which is how the plants survive year after year.
Several hybrid salvias have been bred for better performance, including more drought tolerance, more prolific blooming, improved hardiness, and sterility. These are typically ornamental varieties and not edible.
Native Salvias
Salvias are native to three distinct regions: Central and South America, the Mediterranean, and Central and Eastern Asia. Salvias grow naturally on every continent except for Antarctica and Australia. Several sages are native to the United States around the Southwest region, including California, Utah, New Mexico, Texas, Nevada, Oregon & Arizona.
Is Russian Sage a Salvia?
Russian sage (previously known as Perovskia atriplicifolia) is also part of the mint family. Previously, it was not considered a salvia, but it was reclassified in 2017 and is now called Salvia yangii. Russian sage has a distinct fragrance when you crush or rub the flowers. It also tends to grow outward, while other salvias typically maintain upright growth.
Is Rosemary a Salvia?
In 2019, the Royal Horticultural Society determined that rosemary was closely related to sage. Previously, these plants were categorized separately, and Rosemary was known as Rosmarinus officinalis; after the reclassification, it was renamed Salvia rosmarinus. Its common name remains the same.
Salvia Companion Plants
Salvia companions must thrive in the same sun-soaked, well-drained soil and handle moderate drought as salvia does. Lilac delivers spring fragrance and blooms just as salvia’s foliage begins to emerge, while weigela’s bell-shaped flowers bridge the gap between spring and summer color. Catmint mirrors salvia’s airy spikes and long bloom season, and low-growing purslane forms a weed-suppressing mat that adds contrasting texture and seasonal flower accents at salvia’s feet.
