Salvia, commonly known as Sage, is known for its aromatic foliage, vibrant blooms, and storied history. Sage captivates the senses and beckons enthusiasts into a world of fragrant allure and visual splendor. This versatile genus, encompassing an array of species and cultivars, carries an ancient legacy of culinary and medicinal uses, while its presence in the garden bestows an exquisite tapestry of colors and textures that elevate outdoor spaces to realms of natural enchantment.
Our Selection Of Sage
At Martin Garden Center, we love Sage. It blooms from Spring to first frost. We can’t get enough of it and we grow and carry numerous varieties mostly in 4″ containers but sometimes in 6″ and 1-gallon containers.
Some of the most popular perennial salvia that we both grow and carry include:
- Salvia guaranitica (aka, anise sage) including the ever-popular Black & Blue Sage, and its friends Black & Bloom and Purple & Bloom sage
- Salvia nemerosa (aka, meadow sage and woodland sage) including May Night, the Marvel series and the Lyrical series
- Salvia greggi (aka, autumn sage) including Radio Red and the Mirage Series … love the gorgeous blooms and the compact nature of the Mirage series but see the end of our summary for concerns
- Salvia leucantha (aka, bush sage) including Mexican bush sage
- Salvia farinacea (aka, mealy sage – what a horrendous name) including the Sally Fun Series, Arctic Series, Victoria Series, Blue Chill and Icon Blue Bi-color
- Salvia microphyla (aka, little leaf sage) including Hot Lips Sage (this is a super pollinator bee attractor)
- Salvia Yangii (formerly Perovskia atriplicifolia and aka, Russian sage) including the common Russian Sage and varietals such as Blue Jean Baby, Lacey Blue, Blue Steel and Denim N Lace.
There are also a wealth of hybrids which are crosses between different sage varieties and which are AMAZING. We grow and carry the Skyscraper Pink and the Bodacious Hummingbird Falls (trailing) and Bodacious Jammin Jazz which resemble the Salvia guaranitica species.
Some of our most popular Annual Salvia that we grow and carry include:
- Wendy’s Wish (4″ Containers)
- Love & Wishes (4″ Containers)
- Embers Wish (4″ Containers)
- Amistad (4″ Containers)
- Rockin Blue Suede Shoes (4″ PW Container)
- Rockin Fuschia (4″ PW Container)
- Unplugged White (4″ PW Container)
- Salvia splendens in flats, 3″ and 4-packs including
- Red Hot Sally
- Vista Red, Purple & White
- Saucy Series
How to Grow and Care For Salvia
Sage is a hardy and adaptable plant that thrives in various climates and soil types. While, preferred growing conditions vary depending on the species and cultivar, we have compiled some tips to help Salvia flourish in your garden:
- Select a planting location that receives full sunlight, as Salvia thrives in well-lit areas. Ensure the soil is well-drained. Note that Salvia Yangii prefers slightly alkaline to neutral soil conditions but the remaining types are not picky about pH as long as the soil is well-drained.
- Planting in the early spring is ideal, allowing the plants to establish themselves before extreme temperatures. Space the plants according to their mature size, providing adequate airflow to reduce the risk of diseases.
- Salvia is drought-tolerant once established, but consistent watering is crucial during the initial stages of growth. Water deeply, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Mulching around the base of the plants helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
- Applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring is generally sufficient. Salvia appreciates lean soil, so avoid excessive fertilization.
- Regular pruning is beneficial for maintaining the shape and vigor of Salvia. Since most of the perennial salvia varieties are continuous bloomers, pruning back one branch every 3 weeks will help promote bushier growth. For annual varieties and for varieties that have less attractive aging blooms, pruning after the first flush of blooms encourages bushier growth and can lead to a more attractive flowering season.
Leaves and Flowers
Salvia’s distinct charm resides not only in its blossoms but also in its aromatic leaves. The leaves are often lance-shaped or oval, with a textured surface that contributes to their distinctive appearance. These leaves exude an earthy, slightly woody fragrance, a characteristic that has contributed to sage’s longstanding use in culinary and medicinal applications.
The flowers come in a breathtaking array of colors, including shades of blue, purple, red, pink, orange, white and bi-color. They are typically tubular and are arranged in striking whorls or spikes, creating a visually arresting display. The flowers serve as beacons for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, contributing to the garden’s ecological health. Note that the more tubular flowers found in the Salvia guaranitica and hybrid types (both perennial and annual) are the better hummingbird attractors.
Uses in the Garden
The range of sizes, colors, and growth habits of Salvia make it suitable for various landscape styles and garden themes.
- Low-growing varieties can be used as ground covers or border plants, while taller salvias make striking focal points or background plantings.
- The fragrant foliage and stunning blooms make sage a standout choice for sensory gardens, where visitors can savor its visual and olfactory delights.
- Sage also has practical applications in garden design; its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in challenging conditions make it a valuable addition to sustainable and water-efficient landscapes.
- Many sage varieties are amazing pollinators. Our favorites include Black & Blue Sage & Hot Lips Sage, as well as the Bodacious Hummingbird Sage which is one of the first trailing sages that is perfect for baskets that attract Hummingbirds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Saliva an Annual or Perennial?
Salvia is a diverse genus that includes a wide range of species, and whether it is a perennial depends on the specific species and the local climate. Some Salvias are perennials, meaning they can live for over two years, while others are annuals or biennials.
Is Salvia Toxic to Dogs?
Many plants in the Salvia genus, including common sage, contain compounds that may be toxic to dogs if ingested in large quantities. The specific poisonous compounds in salvia plants are thujone and camphor, which can cause various symptoms if consumed in significant amounts. Common symptoms of salvia toxicity can include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and, in severe cases, central nervous system depression.
Do Deer Eat Salvia?
Salvia plants are generally considered to be deer-resistant. Salvia possesses aromatic foliage, making it less attractive to deer. However, deer preferences can vary, and hungry deer may nibble on a wider range of plants during periods of food scarcity.