Salvia Plant

The genus Salvia includes nearly 500 different species of perennial, annual, biennial and shrub plants in a range of colors and sizes to fit flower and herb gardens.

Select a variety that is hardy in your region, as varieties are not hardy to all regions.

Plant Characteristics

Flowering and herb salvias produce small, tubular flowers that bloom throughout the summer. Plants are available in various shades of red, pink, white, blue and violet.

Many varieties of the plant are fragrant and attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Salvia is heat and drought tolerant and can grow from eighteen inches to almost five feet in height, depending on variety.

Salvia is low maintenance and produces a bounty of beautiful cut flowers. It is virtually pest and disease-resistant, making it a popular plant for low-maintenance gardening.

Growing Conditions

Salvia plant works well with a number of other bedding plants, including alyssum, verbena and lobelia. It makes an impressive display as a mass planting by itself.

Many varieties prefer full sun, but there are some that tolerant or even prefer light shade. Seed packs and plant tags will provide specific sunlight needs for the variety you choose.

Seeds can be started indoors in late winter to early spring, in a light sandy soil. In about two weeks, the seeds will germinate.

When they are big enough to handle, place four or five seedlings in a four-inch pot until ready to transplant outdoors.

Alternately, seeds can be directly sown in the ground after all danger of frost, in loose, well-drained soil.

In spring, space plants in the garden one to three feet apart. Check seed package or plant tag for specific variety.

Plant the root ball level with the top of the soil bed and tamp down the soil around the plant.

Water the new plants thoroughly, at least an inch per week. Apply a fresh layer of compost each spring to perennial beds.

Every three or four years, divide perennial salvia plants when new growth begins. Dig up the plants, divide the root ball into clumps and replant, allowing space for growth.

Compost and mulch will provide food, retain moisture and keep the weeds down. Each spring, or as new beds are planted, apply a thin layer of compost and a one to two-inch layer of mulch.

If you are growing a salvia variety for use as an herb, use organic methods for planting and care.

Salvia plant has been a favorite in old-fashioned gardens, and continues to be one of the most popular bedding plants for home gardeners. Its growth habits and array of colors and sizes provide gardeners with variety within a single genus.