Salvias (ornamental sage) are a must in the summer garden. They come in a vast range of forms and colours and their nectar-rich flowers are a magnet for bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects. They flower for months on end, often from midsummer until the first frosts, and many have aromatic foliage, too. The name ‘salvia’ derives from the Latin salveo, meaning ‘I heal’ or ‘I save’. The culinary herb, Salvia officinalis, was used as a healing plant by Greeks and Romans and is part of part of the huge Salvia genus.
Salvias look good in almost all planting schemes. They look great in a mixed or herbaceous border and are great for underplanting roses – they begin flowering just as the roses are going over and are said to keep mildew and black spot at bay. They also look great in a tropical or exotic planting scheme, alongside dahlias, bananas and cannas. Salvias are ideal for a coastal garden and are often a key plant in a dry garden. They also grow very well in pots, making long-lasting displays on the patio – check out this salvia, euphorbia and pelargonium pot.
The spikes of tubular, lipped flowers come in almost every colour imaginable, from white and pastel pink to deep purples, magenta, scarlet and electric blue. The size and appearance of salvias can vary greatly, and they can be divided into four main types:
Annual salvias such as Salvia farinacea, S. horminum and S. splendens are grown as vibrant summer bedding before being discarded at the end of the season.
Herbaceous perennial salvias such as Salvia nemorosa and Salvia x sylvestris are hardy and come back year after year.
Tender perennial salvias such as Salvia greggii can come back year after year but are not completely hardy and may need protection
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