Salvias 39
Salvia plants are very much of the moment, with gardeners now realising the potential of these long repeat blooming plants that can keep going well into autumn. A huge genus with an exciting number of new varieties appearing in the market right now, salvias are a must-have for any garden. We have trialled and tested what we believe to be the best to introduce to British gardeners. Salvia plants come in many colours and forms: annual, biennial, herbaceous perennial and woody subshrubs. All are fantastic plants for bees and butterflies and perform well in sun, shade, dry and moist conditions. Many salvias can be used in the kitchen too – as well as culinary sage, Salvias apiana, elegans, microphylla and many more types can be used to flavour foods and scatter onto salads, all with slightly different flavours.
It's not too late
Autumn is one of the very best months to plant perennials, climbers and shrubs. The soil is still warm, but cooler, wetter weather means less watering. Plant now for roots to establish before winter and for strong growth next spring.
-
Are salvia plants hardy?
Not all salvias are fully hardy. All Salvia nemerosa types are hardy, and most varieties of S. greggii / microphylla / jamensis are hardy too, provided the soil is very well drained. The following are more tender and will not survive the winter outside, so bring them undercover and keep frost-free until spring: Salvias ‘Amistad’, ‘Pink Amistad’, ‘Animo’, ‘Amigo’, ‘Amante’, ‘Black and Blue’, ‘Hadspen’, ‘Jezebel’, ‘Love and Wishes’, ‘Kisses and Wishes’, ‘Wendy’s Wish’ and the ‘Lake’ series.
-
What plants go well with salvias?
Salvias are excellent planted under roses as they seem to prevent black spot, and other fungal diseases due to their sulphur content. They also come into their prime once the old-fashioned roses are going over, so you get a double benefit.
-
Can you grow salvias in pots?
Yes, and this can make overwintering a little easier, as you can move the whole pot into a greenhouse or frost-free environment.
-
Can salvias grow in clay soil?
Salvias prefer free-draining soil. If your garden has heavy clay, improve drainage with plenty of organic matter and grit, or grow them in containers.
