Salvia

( SAL - vee - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of flowering evergreen and deciduous shrubs and perennials is commonly called Sage. These plants need full sun and moderate to regular water. The flowers will attract pollinators to your garden, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. They are known as the quintessential drought-tolerant shrub, and are commonly grown in the West. All sages have squared stems and whorls of two-lipped flowers in a variety of colors. Many have foliage that is aromatic. Grow Sage in mixed plantings, herb beds, in containers, as specimen plants, or simply to bring pollinators to your yard.

Salvia Species and Varietals

The genus Salvia includes 1,000 species and is a member of the plant family Lamiaceae. The first to document and categorize Salvia plants was George Bentham, who organized the genus into four subgenera: Salva, Sclarea, Calosphace, and Leonia. Salvia represents the largest genus in the Mint family. The best growing zones for Sage are dependent on the species grown; for more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Salvia apiana (California White Sage, Bee Sage)
This is an evergreen shrub that does well in zones 7-9, 11, and 13-24. It is native to Southern California down to Baja California, and reaches 3-5 feet tall and wide. Foliage is wooly, silvery-green and aromatic, and flowers are white with a blush of lavender. This plant is attractive at night, as both flowers and foliage reflect moonlight and garden lighting. To keep this species neat, shear lightly after flowers fade. Drought-tolerant.

Salvia argentea (Silver Sage)
This species does well in zones 1-24 as a short-lived perennial. It is native to southern Europe and northwestern Africa. Leaves are silky and scalloped on the edges. It forms a rosette 2 feet wide, and in summertime sends up 3-4 feet tall stems bearing hooded white flowers (that are sometimes flushed with uellow or pink). Cut back to the ground after flowers fade. Protect this species from slugs and snails. These plants make handsome additions to the front of border gardens. Variety 'Hobbit's Foot' grows into a foot-tall mound with furry basal leaves.

Salvia azurea grandiflora (Salvia pitcheri) (Prairie Sage, Pitcher Sage)
This species takes the form of a shrubby perennial, growing well in zones 1-24. It is native from Colorado to Texas, eastward to Michigan and Georgia. It has slender, unbranched stems that reach 5 feet tall and form a clump 2-3 feet wide. This plant needs support, especially in areas that get windy. Leaves are medium to deep green and hairy, and flowers are pure blue and have a white blotch on their lower lip. Blooms appear from summertime through the first frost of the year. In wet winters, these plants may die and need replacing.

Salvia 'Bee's Bliss'
This groundcover variety is evergreen, and grows well in zones 7-9 and 14-24. It is drought-tolerant, and reaches 1.5 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide. Leaves are narrow and grey-green. Flowers are lavender-blue and form in whorls above foliage in spring through summertime. Great on slopes or for spilling over rock walls. Needs little to moderate water; avoid giving overhead water to stave off powdery mildew issues.

Salvia blepharophylla (Eyelash Sage)
Best in zones 14-24, this shrubby perennial is native to northeastern Mexico, and spreads indefinitely by creeping rhizome. Reaches 1.5-2 feet tall. Stems are thin, purplish and hairy (the hairs resembling eyelashes), and flowers are scarlet, blooming from springtime through to the first frost of the year. Makes a good groundcover in partially shaded areas.

Salvia brandegeei (Brandegee Sage, Baja Sage, Santa Rosa Island Sage)
This species of Sage takes the form of an evergreen shrub and grows well in zones 15-17 and 19-24. It is native to Santa Rosa Island and the coastal areas of Baja California. It has a sprawling habit, reaching 4-5 feet tall and 5-7 feet wide. Leaves are scalloped and shiny, dark green on top and wooly white underneath. Flowers are pale lavender with greyish calyxes and bloom in early springtime. They make great additions to cut flower arrangements. This species is drought tolerant. Variety 'Pacific Blue' has dark lavender-blue blooms.

Salvia buchananii (Buchanan Sage)
This shrubby perennial grows well in zones 14-24 and is thought to be a native of Mexico. It has a rounded growing habit to 1-2 feet tall and wide. Leaves are glossy and dark green, and flowers are magenta. Blooms pop in summer and fall, sporadically throughout the rest of the year. Does not set seed and needs to be propagated from cuttings. It is great in pots.

Salvia chamaedryoides (Germander Sage)
This species of Salvia is a perennial and grows well in zones 8, 9, 12, and 14-24. It is native to Eastern Mexico and forms a rounded plant 1-2 feet tall and 2-3 feet (or more) wide, spreading via underground runners. Leaves are silvery and flowers are a brilliant true blue, appearing in late spring and fall in the largest numbers. Deadhead to encourage the plant to rebloom. Great at the front of border gardens. Drought tolerant, but will bloom more profusely and over a longer period if given moderate water.

​Salvia chiapensis (Chiapas Sage)
This perennial species grows well in zones 15, 17, 23 and 24 and is native to forested areas in Chiapas, Mexico. Reaches 2 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide (or more). Leaves are glossy and dark green and flowers are dee hot pink, blooming from early summer through winter. Will reseed freely. Great with moderate water, and likes to have wet foliage. Good as a groundcover in dry shaded areas, and wonderful in containers. Needs partial shade in warmer climates.
Salvia clevelandii (Cleveland Sage, California Blue Sage)
This species is great in zones 8, 9, and 12-24, forming an evergreen shrub 3-5 feet tall and 5-8 feet wide. It is hardy to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, and is native to Southern California and northern Baja California. It has a rounded, arching habit and wrinkled, fragrant, greyish green leaves. Foliage can be used to make teas and added to potpourri mixes. Flowers are lavender to violet-blue and appear in early summer. Deadhead to encourage rebloom. Varieties include 'Winnifred Gilman' (3 feet tall and wide, with dark red stems and calyxes and dark violet-blue flowers), 'Allen Chickering' (with bright lavender-blue flowers), and 'Aromas' (with darker blue flowers).

​Salvia coahullensis (Coahuila Sage)
This shrubby perennial grows well in zones 8, 9, and 12-24, and is native to the mountains of Coahuila, Mexico. It reaches 2.5 feet tall and just as wide. It has upward-sweeping woody branches, olive-green leaves and deep violet flowers that bloom heaviest in summer and fall. In wintertime, shear to 8 inches. Needs moderate water.
Salvia coccinea (Tropical Sage)
This short-lived perennial is great in zones 12-24, H1 and H2, and is grown as an annual in all zones. It is native to Mexico, and has a bushy upright habit to 2-3 feet tall and a little less wide. Leaves are dark green, hairy and heart-shaped. In summer, flowers (with a larger lower lip) bloom in a variety of colors, including red, orange, pink and white; flowers can be bicolored or single colored. These are used as bedding plants and fillers for border gardens. Shelter this species from wind as the stems are brittle. Deadhead to encourage a repeat bloom. Fertilize when new spring growth begins. Cut back to 4-6 inches if the plant survives winter; and then remove after the second year. Reseeds. Popular varieties include 'Lady in Red' (scarlet), 'Spanish Dancer' (scarlet), 'Brenthurst' (also called 'Lady in Pink', with salmon-colored flowers), 'Coral Nymph' (white with coral lower lip), and 'Snow Nymph' (with pure white flowers).

​Salvia confertiflora
This perennial species is best in zones 16, 17 and 22-24, and is native to Brazil. Reaches 4-6 feet tall and wide, with dark green leaves that have a yellow tinge. Foliage has an unpleasant smell when bruised or crushed. Flowering stems and calyx tubes are clothed in reddish brown velvet, and flowers are dark orange. Blooms appear in autumn, and will continue through winter if climate is mild. May need staking and shelter from wind to stay upright. Not frost-hardy.

​Salvia corrugata
This evergreen shrub grows well in zones 14-24 and is from the higher elevation areas in South America. It has a dense, upright habit to 5-6 feet tall and wide. Leaves are quilted, deep green on top and hairy underneath. Spikes of deep blue flowers appear in summertime through fall. Great companions for roses or in shrub borders; also wonderful in pots. Give deep irrigation weekly through blooming season.

​Salvia 'Costa Rica Blue'
This evergreen shrub grows in zones 15-17 and 19-24, and reaches 8 feet tall and wide. Leaves are bright green and hairy, and flowers are a brilliant true blue. They bloom from the end of summer through to the first frost of the year. This species needs support and shelter from both wind and cold to perform well. Variety 'Omaha Gold' has foliage edged in yellow-green; a violet-flowering form is also available.

​Salvia 'Dara's Choice'
This species takes the form of an evergreen shrub and is great in zones 7 and 14-24. It has a bushy, spreading habit to 2-3 feet high and 3-6 feet wide. Roots where stems touch ground. Leaves are medium greyish-green and flowers are violet blue, popping in springtime. Great as a bank cover or trailing over a wall. Best in coastal areas. Drought tolerant. Variety 'Mrs. Beard' has greyer foliage and reaches just 2 feet tall with a resistance to verticillium wilt.

​Salvia darcyi (Darcy Sage)
Perennial that is best in zones 8, 9, 12, and 14-24; native to northeastern Mexico. Reaches 3-4 feet tall and 3 feet or wider (spreads by rhizomes). Leaves are light green and soft, and flowers are coral-red, blooming early summer through to late fall. Stems are brittle and need shelter from wind. Protect this species from slugs and snails. Will die back to the ground in winter, and can tolerate partial shade conditions.

​​Salvia 'Dark Dancer'
Semi-evergreen shrub best in zones 8-24, this species dies to the ground in winter, but will regrow. Reaches 3 feet tall and wide, with raspberry-colored flowers and green leaves.
Salvia elegans (Pineapple Sage)
Best in zones 5-24 and native to Mexico and Guatemala, this species varies in habit, flowering season, and leaf fragrance. Choice garden varieties are listed and described below.
'Scarlet Pineapple'
The most commonly grown variety of this species. 3-4 feet tall and wide with brittle stems. Leaves are bright green, hairy, and smells of ripe pineapple. Leaves are used to flavor drinks and salads. Flowers are scarlet, forming in loose clusters in late fall through the first frost. 
'Frieda Dixon'
Pink-red flowers.
'Golden Delicious'
1-3 feet tall with yellow-green eye-catching foliage and red flowers. Blooms over a long period.
'Honey Melon Sage'
1.5-2 feet tall with a rapid spreading habit, forms a great groundcover. Blooms in early summer through fall in red. Leaves smell of honeydew. 
'Tangerine' ('Scarlet Tangerine')
3 feet tall and wide, with scarlet flowers.
Salvia farinacea (Mealycup Sage, Texas Violet)
This perennial is great in zones 7-10, 12-24, H1 and H2, and is grown as an annual elsewhere. It is native to southern New Mexico, Texas and Mexico. Reaches 3-4 feet tall and half as wide. Leaves are green above, and woolly white underneath. Flowers range in color from dark purple to white. Varieties bloom more heavily than the species, and include those listed here:
'Blue Frost'
1-2 feet tall and 1 foot wide, with white-marked blue flowers.
'Evolution'
20 inches tall, 14 inches wide, with purple flowers.
'Saga Blue'
10 inches tall and wide, with blue flowers.
'Texas Violet'
4 feet tall and 2 feet wide, with grape-scented deep blue flowers with white sepals.
Salvia greggii (Autumn Sage)
This species grows well in zones 8-24 and dies to the ground in the coolest winters, but will come back the next growing season. Native to southwest Texas and northern-central Mexico, this psecies reaches 1-4 feet tall and wide, with a founded, branching habit. Leaves are glossy and green, and flowers bloom from summer through fall in various colors from purple and red through rose, pink and white. Prune and remove dead flower stems frequently to neaten appearance. Before new spring growth begins, shorten and shape plants. Great as a low hedge. Drought-tolerant but does best with moderate water, and needs full sun to partial shade.

​Salvia guaranitica (Salvia ambigens) (Anise-Scented Sage)
This species is a perennial in zones 8, 9, and 14-24 and is grown as an annual elsewhere. Native to South America, this plant reaches 4-5 feet tall and almost as wide. Spreads by underground runners. Mint-green leaves smell of licorice and  cobalt-blue flowers bloom in early summer through to the first frost of the year. Needs support. Great as a container plant. Tolerates partial shade especially in warm climates. Varieties include 'Argentine Skies' (with light blue flowers), 'Black and Blue' (with deep blue flowers that have dark purple calyxes).

Salvia 'Indigo Spires'
This shrubby perennial grows well in zones 8, 9 and 14-24. It reaches 6-10 feet wide with a sprawling habit, but can be kept at a more compact size via pruning (3-4 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide). Leaves are greyish above, white and soft underneath. Flowers are violet-blue and bloom from the beginning of summer through to the first frost of the year. This species makes excellent cut flowers. 
Salvia x jamensis (Jamé Sage)
This species is an evergreen shrub and grows well in zones 8-24. They are native to Mexico and generally top out around 3 feet tall and will root where they touch soil, spreading indefinitely. Flowers come in many colors, including violet, wine, orange-red, hot pink, coral, salmon, yellow and white. Bicolored forms are available. Best in moderate climates and can tolerate drought, but prefers moderate water. Varieties are described below.
'Cienega de Oro'
With creamy yellow flowers. 1.5-2 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide.
'Sierra de San Antonio'
Flowers are light peach with pastel yellow lips. ​1.5-2 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide.
'San Isidro Moon'
Horizontal, open habit to 2 feet tall and twice as wide, with two-tone flowers in shades of light orange and peach.
Salvia leucantha (Mexican Bush Sage, Velvet Sage)
This evergreen shrub grows well in zones 12-24, H1 and H2 and is native to Mexico. It reaches 3-4 feet tall and 3-6 feet or wider. Leaves are dark grey-green and flowers are white with purple calyxes. Blooms pop from fall through to the first freeze of the year. Cut back close to the ground before spring growth resumes, and prune in the middle of summertime. Limit watering to every 2-3 weeks and remove blossoms as soon as they fade in summertime. Varieties include 'Midnight' (with purple flowers and calyxes), 'Santa Barbara' (to 2.5 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide) and 'Waverly' (a hybrid variety to 5 feet tall with white flowers). This species is hardy to about 25 degrees Fahrenheit.

​Salvia mexicana (Mexican Sage)
This species takes the form of a shrubby perennial and is best in zones 9, 14-17 and 19-24. It is native to central Mexico and reaches 10 feet tall and 3-5 feet wide. Leaves are medium green and smooth on top, fuzzy and grey-green underneath. Foliage has a pine fragrance. Flowers are dark blue to violet with reddish-purple calyxes. Flowers pop from early fall through the first frost. Remove flower stems and shape plant when blooms fade. Can tolerate shade, and is good under tall-branching trees. Variety 'Limelight' grows 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide, with chartreuse bracts and blue flowers.
Salvia microphylla
This evergreen shrub does well in zones 7-24 and is native to southern Arizona through southern Mexico. It needs full sun to partial shade and moderate water. Varieties are more widely grown than the species; they are listed below.
'Belize Form'
5 feet tall, 8 feet wide, with bright green leaves and red flowers.
'Berzerkeley'
2 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide, with pink-red blossoms.
'Hot Lips'
Upright growth to 1.5-2 feet tall with red, white, and red-and-white bicolored flowers.
'San Carlos Festival'
2-3 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide, with pink flowers.
'Maraschino'
Hybrid with Salvia greggii, reaches 3-4 feet tall and 6 feet wide with cherry-red flowers.
'Plum Wine'
Purple pink flowers, 3-4 feet tall and 2.5-3.5 feet wide. Hybrid with Salvia greggii.
Salvia microphylla microphylla
(Salvia grahamii)
Wiry-looking plant 3-4 feet tall and 3-6 feet wide, with dark green triangular leaves. Rose-red flowers with a split lower lip; blooms heavily in spring and fall.
Salvia microphylla neurepia
3-5 feet tall and wide, with open-branching habit and brilliant red flowers that bloom over a long season.
Salvia nemerosa
This perennial is best in zones 2-10 and 14-24 and hails from eastern Europe to central Asia. It reaches 1.5-3 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide, forming a rosette of wrinkled, dull green leaves. Flowers come in violet, purple, pink or white and have purple or green bracts. Blooms summer through fall if deadheaded regularly. Varieties include 'Caradonna' (with violet blossoms), 'Rosenwein' (with rosey blooms), 'Ostfriesland' (also called 'East Friesland', with intense violet blooms), 'Marcus' (12 inches tall and 18 inches wide, with intense violet flowers), and 'Sensation Rose' (with pink flowers).
Salvia officinalis (Garden Sage, Common Sage)
This shrubby perennial is best in zones 2-24, H1 and H2, and is native to the Mediterranean. It is used for culinary and medicinal purposes, and reaches 1-3 feet tall and 1-2.5 feet wide, with rooting stems. Leaves are grey-green on top, hairy underneath, and flowers are lavender-blue (though some varieties have blooms in violet, red-violet, pink, or white). Replace plants every 3-4 years, when they get leggy. Give afternoon shade in warmer climates. Commonly grown varieties are listed and described below.
'Aurea' (Golden Sage)
Creamy gold variegation on foliage.
'Berggarten' ('Mountain Garden')
Compact variety to 16 inches tall; longer lived than the species.
'Compacta' ('Nana', 'Minimus')
Mini version of the species, about half the size.
'Icterina'
Grey-green leaves bordered with gold; does not bloom.
'Purpurascens' ('Red Sage')
Leaves are blushed with red and violet tones when new, and mature to greyish-green.
'Tricolor'
Greyish-green leaves have an irregular cream border, and new foliage has tones of purple and pink.

Salvia patens (Gentian Sage)
This perennial is best in zones 9, 14-24, H1 and H2 and hails from central Mexico. Grows 2-3 feet or more and 1-2 feet wide. Leaves are bright green and flowers are brilliant blue, peaking in early summertime. Deadhead to prolong bloom. Great in mixed plantings; this species needs partial shade in warmer climates. Variety 'Cambridge Blue' has light sky-blue flowers.

​Salvia 'Purple Majesty'
This is a shrubby perennial that grows well in zones 9 and 14-24, reaching 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide. Leaves are yellow-green and flowers are royal purple with dark calyxes. Flowers pop from summer until frost. Evergreen in mild-winter areas.

Salvia regia (Mountain Sage)
This is an evergreen or deciduous shrub, depending on where it is grown, and is best in zones 7-10 and 14-24. They are native to western Texas and central Mexico, and grow to 4-6 feet tall and wide. Leaves are fan-shaped and flowers are orange-scarlet. These shrubs bloom profusely from fall through the first frost of the year.

Salvia roemeriana (Cedar Sage)
This perennial grows in zones 7-24 and is native to south-central Texas and northeastern Mexico. Reaches 1-2 feet tall and wide, forming a basal clump of foliage that has a cedar fragrance. Flowers are sparse and scarlet-colored. Deadhead to prolong the blooming season, which can last from spring through fall. Reseeds freely and forms colonies. Needs rich soil and at least a half day of shade. Variety 'Hot Trumpets' reaches 10 inches tall and 8 inches wide, with profuse scarlet flowers.

​Salvia sclarea (Clary Sage)
Biennial or short-lived perennial that is best in zones 2-24 and is native to southern Europe and southwestern/central Asia. Forms a 2-3 foot wide foliage clump of grey-green unpleasant smelling foliage (when bruised or crushed). Branched flower stalks appear in late spring to early summer that hold lilac to lavender-blue flowers with aromatic bracts. Leaves, flowers and bracts are used to flavor wines and liqueurs, the oil made form this plant are used in perfumes and potpourris. Needs little to moderate water. Variety 'Turkestanica' (pictured) is a vigorous selection with white bracts (that are blushed with pink at the edges) and blooms. 

​Salvia semiatrata (Bicolor Sage)
This species is an evergreen shrub that grows well in zones 16, 17 and 21-24. It is native to the cool mountains of southern Mexico, and reaches 3-6 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide. Stems are woody and brittle. Leaves are yellowish green and flowers are dusky lavender-blue with blackish upper lips and throats, as well as a dark mark on the lower lip. They bloom summer through fall. Pinch regularly and prune lightly 2-3 times each year, but avoid hard pruning. Protect from slugs and snails. Needs perfect drainage in wintertime and afternoon shade in hotter climates. Great as a container plant.

Salvia sinaloensis (Sinaloa Sage)
This perennial is best in zones 15-17 and 20-24, and is native to western coastal Mexican foothills. It is a low, mounding plant reaching 1-2 feet wide or more. Makes a wonderful groundcover. Leaves are toothed and purple when new, maturing to green. Full sun will preserve the purple foliage color. Blooms are blue with white patches on the lower lip and have wine-colored calyxes. Bloom occurs in summertime, and can repeat in autumn. Shear back to near the ground in early spring just before growth emerges.

​Salvia sonomensis (Sonoma Sage, Creeping Sage)
Best in zones 7, 9 and 14-24, this species is native to the foothills of the California Coast Ranges and Sierra Nevada. Forms a mat 8-12 inches high and spreads to 3-4 feet (or more), with notched dull green leaves. Flowers are lavender, appearing in late spring to early summer. This species needs great drainage and gritty soil to perform well. It is drought-tolerant and is best with some high shade in warmer climates.

Salvia spathacea (Hummingbird Sage, Pitcher Sage)
This species of Sage is a perennial and grows well in zones 7-9 and 14-24, and is native to the foothills of the Coast Ranges in California. These shrubs are hardy to 20 degrees Fahrenheit and reach 1-2 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide (or more). Leaves are evergreen and wrinkled, pale green above and paler/hairy underneath. and flowers are magenta to rose-red with maroon calyxes and bracts. Blooms pop through the spring season and sometimes in fall. Hummingbirds love these plants. They need rich soil and partial shade, and are drought-tolerant but prefer moderate waterings. Variety 'Kawatre' has magenta blooms that age to a reddish-orange color and is hardy to 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

​Salvia x superba
This species is a perennial that grows well in zones 2-10 and 14-24, and forms a tight foliage clump of scalloped-edged green leaves. Flowers are violet-blue and bracts are reddish-purple. It will bloom from the middle of summer to fall if deadheaded regularly. This plant will sprawl to 5-6 feet wide if not staked. Variety 'Adora Blue' reaches 14 inches tall and wide.
Salvia x sylvestris
This perennial does best in zones 2-10 and 14-24 and has medium-green scalloped leaves that are wrinkled and somewhat hairy. Flowers will bloom from summer through fall if deadheaded. Varieties are listed and described below.
'Blauhugel' ('Blue Hill')
Reaches 2 feet tall with medium-blue flowers.
'Blue Queen'
Reaches 18 inches tall and wide.
'Mainacht' ('May Night')
2-2.5 feet tall, with indigo flowers that have green bracts that fade to purple at the base. Bloom starts in the middle of spring.
'Rosakonigen' ('Rose Queen')
2 feet tall with purple-pink flowers and crimson bracts.
'Schneehugel' ('Snow Hill')
White flowers with green bracts. Plant reaches 2 feet tall.
'Viola Klose'
This plant reaches 18 inches tall and wide, and has lavender-blue blooms.

​S​alvia uliginosa (Bog Sage, Blue Spike Sage)
This species is a perennial; great in zones 6-9 and 14-24. It is native to the moist lowlands of South America, and has an upright dense habit to 406 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide. This species will spread aggressively by rhizome. Leaves are toothed and green, decreasing in size toward the top of the plant. Flowers are sky blue with white throats and lower lips and bloom from summer through fall.

Salvia verticillata (Whorled Clary)
This perennial grows well in zones 2-10 and 14-24 and is native to central Europe and western Asia. It forms a foliage clump 2.5 feet wide and 3 feet tall Leaves are medium green and have wavy edges. Flowers are violet-blue and have purple-tinged calyxes, blooming from the beginning of summer through to fall if deadheaded regularly. Varieties include 'Endless Love' (to a foot tall and 18 inches wide, with lavender and bluish-purple flowers), and 'Purple Rain' (to 1-2 feet tall and purple blossoms and calyxes).

​Salvia 'Wendy's Wish'
This evergreen shrub is best in zones 20-24 and H1 bur can be grown as an annual anywhere. This species reaches 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide, with dark green leaves and purple-red flowers that pop out of pink/brown calyxes. This species needs regular to moderate amounts of water for best performance. 

Caring for and pruning salvia shrubs

Plant Salvia in full sun (they should be getting at least 6 to 8 hours of sun per day). Choose a place for your Salvia plant that also gets great air circulation; this will help with mildew and other fungal disease issues. Most plants also require great drainage, especially in wintertime. Work in organic matter to heavy soil before planting. Salvia prefers its soil it have a pH of between 5.5 and 6.5. Provide deep waterings during dry spells; even those plants described above as being 'drought-tolerant' need monthly deep soakings. If hard pruning is needed, wait until late winter or early spring, before new growth emerges. Otherwise, prune lightly and pinch branch tips to encourage a more bushy habit. Do not cut branches back by more than one third during the growing season. Salvia plants do not need to be fertilized, but if they are growing in particularly poor soil they may benefit from a feeding with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring or early summertime to support the year's flowering and foliage growth. Many species of Salvia are not winter-hardy, and will need either protection or to be brought indoors over the cooler months of the year.

Propagation

Salvia can be propagated either by using cuttings or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the cutting method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. Perennial types of Salvia can be divided through division. To propagate your shrub, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Salvia by Cutting
  1. Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand.
  2. In spring or early summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
  3. Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
  4. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new shrub.

Propagating Salvia by Seed
  1. Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand. You will also, after a few weeks, need individual 3-inch pots for each seedling that grows.
  2. Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 7-14 days from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
  3. Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.

Propagating Salvia by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil (any kind will do, though it does need to be well-draining), compost, gloves and other protective wear (to prevent skin contact) and pots (12 inch pots will do, and these are only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in spring or fall. To propagate by division, follow these steps:
  1. Gather your materials. Using a shovel, dig up your existing plant. Start from the outside and work your way in to avoid damaging the tuber roots. Once you have worked it up out of the ground, lay it out.
  2. Start to tease apart the roots with your gloved fingers. Once the roots are untangled, separate your plant into segments, ensuring that each one has at least one thick tuberous section.
  3. Prepare your pot(s) or new planting site(s) with amended, well-draining soil. You can either bring in new soil or simply amend your existing soil with compost to complete this task. Then, plant your divided plants.
  4. Apply a thick layer of mulch over the new planting to protect it from cold weather as it acclimates to its new home. Then, enjoy watching it sprout.
Salvia seed pods are left on the plant after flowers have been pollinated and faded away.
Salvia seeds.

Problems and Pests

Sage plants are generally resistant to pests and diseases, but can occasionally be affected by the following issues:
  • Verticillium Wilt
  • Slugs
  • Snails
  • Mexican Giant Whitefly
  • ​Aphids
  • Powdery Mildew
  • Mealybugs
For more information on these issues, see the links below:

Gallery

Salvia plants stand out in mixed beds.
Salvias do well when planted amongst other low water-use plants.
Salvias make great, colorful borders for walkways and grass areas.

Videos

How to prune and care for Salvia plants.
All about Salvia shrubs.
An overview of different species of Salvia.
How to propagate Salvia plants from cuttings.

Resources

Salvia: Plant Care and Growing Guide
How to Plant, Grow and Care for Salvia Plants
How to Grow and Care for Salvia
Salvia
Wikipedia: Salvia
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 583 - 589, Salvia
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
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