Trendsetting: Salvias

As horticultural trendsetters here we know a thing or two about outstanding genera of plants whether Pelargoniums or Begonias we spot them out and call attention to them for their unique beauty, characteristics, and easy care. 
Salvias are just such one of those such genera, it is the largest group of plants in the mint family, with approximately 700–900 species of shrubs, herbaceous perennials, and annuals. It is one of several genera commonly referred to as sage.
The genus is distributed throughout the Old World and the Americas, with the largest approximately 500 species, hailing from central and south America. These drought tolerant, critter resistant annuals for us here in zone 5 are outstanding performers in the garden. They are prolific bloomers that either add subtle or bold color and texture to the garden.
Here is a showcase of our favorite Salvias. We have plans to collect more varieties and species this winter to propagate and have even more Salvias to offer to you our plant geek friends and fans next season.

Salvia miniata (Belize Sage) is a herbaceous perennial shrub from Belize and the Mexican state of Chiapas. It typically grows on shaded mountain hillsides at 600 m elevation. The single flowers are clear red, with an orange undertone, about 2.5 cm long.
Salvia miniata
24-36"
Light Shade, Well Drained Soil
Zone 9-11

Salvia 'Wendy's Wish' is  prized for its flaming magenta tubular blooms held on dark maroon stems.  Large mid-green glossy foliage provides a rich contrast to the hot pink flaming blooms that do not fade in the hottest conditions. The blooms are sterile which contribute to the long  floriferous bloom time.
Salvia 'Wendy's Wish'
24-48"
Sun to Part Shade Well Drained Soil
Zone 8

'Indigo Spires' sage is a vigorous hybrid prized for its 12- to 15-inch-long, twisting spikes of dark violet flowers. It is a non-stop bloomer from early summer through fall. Blooming can be further encouraged by pinching stem tips early in the growing season and deadheading the spikes once they fade.
Salvia 'Indigo Spires'
3-4ft.

Sun to Part Shade, Well Drained Soil
Zone 7-11

Salvia 'Black and Blue' has arresting rich cobalt-blue blossoms paired with near-black stems and calyces for a non-ending display at the back of the border. Crushed foliage from this Salvia has a slight anise scent. A hummingbird favorite.
Salvia guaranitica 'Black and Blue'
24-48"
Sun to Part Shade, Well Drained Soil
Zone 7-11

Salvia patens is a tender, tuberous rooted tender perennial from Mexico. It has the most alluring, deep blue flowers. The flowers are so delicate and eye-catching, they will be the talking point of the flower border in late summer and autumn.
Salvia patens
24-36"
Full to Part Shade, Well Drained Soil
Zone 9-11

Salvia cacaliifolia forms deep green heart shaped leaves on this highland Guatemalan native. True gentian blue flowers on low sprawling plants from midsummer through fall. Over time can become 6 feet wide and very vine like, rerooting itself. This sage prefers regular garden water and some dappled shade.  In its native Guatemala it is an understory plant.

Salvia cacaliifolia
4-6ft.
Sun to Part Shade Well Drained Soil
Zone 9-11

Salvia uliginosa or Bog Sage is a moisture-loving salvia that produces clear blue flowers with white highlights in late summer to mid-autumn. It forms an airy clump to 6 feet tall by 3 feet wide, and is great for the back of a border. It is tolerant of heavy and moist soils.
Salvia uliginosa
4-6ft.
Full Sun, Moist Soil
Zone 6-10

 

 

Salvia discolor is a truly unique salvia growing in a very localized area in Peru it is equally rare in horticulture and in its native habitat. Black flowers on white stems are beautifully shocking! William Robinson wrote of its charms in 1933. It too is one of our favorites!

Salvia discolor

18"

Full Sun, Moist Well Drained Soil

Zone 9-11