Salvia, Salvia, Salvia
Perennial Sages for the Garden

Salvia darcyi (Mexican Sage) photo by Plant Delights Nursery

by Tony Avent
Plant Delights Nursery Inc.
9241 Sauls Road
Raleigh, NC 27603
919.772.4794

Few plant genera offer the amazing diversity and ornamental potential found in the genus Salvia. These members of the Lamiaceae (formerly Labiatae) family are first cousins to Nepeta (Catmint), Mentha (true mint), and monarda (bee balm), to mention but a few. Salvias range from woody subshrubs to annuals, and are native to virtually every continent. Salvias are known for their fragrant foliage and subsequent deer-resistance. Most salvias are full sun plants although a small handful are shade tolerant. I am omitting the popular herb, Salvia officinalis, since it is a short-lived plant that does not like our NC climate.

The focus of this article is salvias which make good perennial garden specimens between Hardiness Zones 3 and 8. For the sake of making sense of the genus, I'll divide the salvias into three groups; those with woody stems, those which are both herbaceous (non-woody stems) and deciduous (die to the ground) in the winter, and finally those which are herbaceous and form basal rosettes.

Woody Stem Salvias

The woody salvia group include several worthy garden subjects, Salvia greggii, Salvia microphylla, Salvia chamaedryoides, and Salvia regla. Salvias in this group could also be classified as shrubs or subshrubs. Most of these salvias are evergreen to a certain temperature, below which they can behave as herbaceous perennials.

Salvia chamaedryoidesis a Mexican native which goes by the common name of Blue Oak sage. Salvia chamaedryoidesforms a 1' tall x 2' wide clump of woody stems adorned with small ever-grey leaves. From midsummer through fall, the plants are adorned with dark pure blue flowers. Good drainage and bright sun are preferred ... Salvia chamaedryoideshas been quite easy in our experience. (Hardiness Zone 7-10)

Salvia greggii (often spelled incorrectly as Salvia greggi) is the most commonly grown of the woody salvias. This amazing plant, native to both Mexico and the US, thrives under a wide range of conditions, growing equally as well in Florida as England ... as long as the drainage is good. The flower color of the species ranges from white to red to purple. In warm climates, Salvia greggii flowers best in spring, slows in summer, then puts on another superb show in fall. There are many named selections of Salvia greggii that vary in size, hardiness, and flower color. While many selections of Salvia greggii are only hardy in Zone 7, others can tolerate Zone 5b (-15 degrees F) temperatures. Salvia greggii prefers sunny, well drained sites and are intolerant of poorly drained soils. While Salvia greggii is tolerant of severe pruning, this is best done only in spring or summer. Salvia greggii has two types of foliage ... smaller evergreen leaves and slightly larger summer leaves ... don't be alarmed when the summer leaves drop in fall as the plant prepares for colder temperatures.

Salvia greggii 'Big Pink' (Big Pink Sage)

Salvia greggii 'Big Pink' is a very nice, large flowered pink form of S. greggii collected by Texan Pat McNeal near Saltillo, Mexico. The rigidly upright form and very shiny foliage make this a great plant, even for the small garden. From May through July, and again from September through November, the 3' wide clump is topped with a stunning array of large, violet pink flowers (RHS 57C). The flowers are further accented by the unique, dark maroon calyces that surround them. (Hardiness Zone 7-10)

Salvia greggii 'Dark Dancer' (Dark Dancer Sage)

Salvia greggii 'Dark Dancer' is a Rich Dufresne introduction of a plant that was discovered by Nevin Smith of Suncrest Nursery in California. Salvia greggii 'Dark Dancer' makes a 4' tall x 4' wide clump, topped with raspberry flowers. (Hardiness Zone 7-10)

Salvia greggii 'Diane' (Diane Texas Sage)

Salvia greggii 'Diane' is an introduction from Barton Springs Nursery in Texas from cuttings shared by a customer named Diane. Salvia greggii 'Diane' makes an 18" tall x 4' wide clump, topped with small purple flowers. (Hardiness Zone 7-9)

Salvia greggii 'Flame' (Flame Texas Sage)

Salvia greggii 'Flame' makes a 30" tall x 3' wide clump, topped with brilliant red flowers. (Hardiness Zone 7-10)

Salvia greggii 'Furman's Red' (Furman's Red Sage)

This easy to grow and very hardy selection of S. greggii has a very upright growth habit, making it a splendid choice for a narrow spot in the border. When mature, expect a 3' tall x 2' wide clump. From late spring, throughout the summer and early fall, the clumps are topped with bright red flowers. (Hardiness Zone 6-10)

Salvia greggii 'Lipstick' (Lipstick Texas Sage)

Salvia greggii 'Lipstick' makes a 3' tall x 3' wide clump, topped with lipstick red flowers, white throat, and brown calyx. (Hardiness Zone 7-10)

Salvia greggii 'Pink Preferance' (Pink Preference Texas Sage)

Salvia greggii 'Pink Preferance', named by the late Logan Calhoun, makes a 2' tall x 3' wide clump, topped with dark red-pink flowers, highlighted by a nearly black floral calyx. It is darker flowered and more compact that Salvia greggii 'Big Pink' (Hardiness Zone 6-10)

Salvia greggii 'Teresa' (Teresa's Texas Sage)

Salvia greggii 'Teresa' was selected by Texan David Steinbrunner and named after his wife, Teresa. The branch sport from a red Salvia greggii has white flowers highlighted by a light purple base just above the calyx as well as purple streaks on the lower lip. For us, it makes a 2' tall x 2' wide clump. (Hardiness is Zone 7-9)

Salvia greggii 'Texas Wedding' (White Texas Sage)

Salvia greggii 'Texas Wedding', often sold as Salvia greggii 'Alba' makes a 2' tall x 2' wide clump, topped with pure white flowers. The plant traces back to the late Carol Abbott of Kerrville, Texas (Hardiness Zone 5b-10)

Salvia greggii 'Variegata' (Desert Blaze Texas Sage)

Salvia greggii 'Variegata' is a John Augustine introduction, patented under the invalid name of Salvia greggii 'Variegata' and illegally trademarked as Desert Blaze, a name which has no valid standing. The plant is quite nice with white edged leaves and bright red flowers on a 2' tall x 3' wide clump. (Hardiness Zone 8-10)

Salvia microphylla is another Mexican native, closely related to Salvia greggii. As a general rule, Salvia microphylla makes a larger clump, also with larger foliage than Salvia greggii. Additionally, Salvia microphylla is much more tolerant of hot, humid weather than Salvia greggii.

Salvia microphylla 'Hot Lips' (Hot Lips Sage)

This selection of the Mexican Salvia microphylla was introduced by Richard Turner of California after the plant was shared with him by his maid, who brought it from her home in Mexico. The fast growing, 30" tall x 6' wide clump is adorned with stunning bicolor flowers with red tips and white lips. In spring, the first flowers are all red, then bicolor. When the nights warm in summer, the new flowers are mostly white with an occasional solid red one. As fall approaches, the flowers again will be bicolor red and white. (Hardiness Zone 7 9)

Salvia microphylla 'La Trinidad Pink' (La Trinidad Pink Sage)

Salvia 'La Trinidad Pink' is a Yucca Do introduction from Mexico that forms a 2' tall x 4' wide clump topped with red violet flowers. (Hardiness Zone 7-9a)

Salvia microphylla 'San Carlas Festival; (San Carlos Festival Sage)

This 1997 Yucca Do introduction was discovered 5 years earlier in Tamaulipas, Mexico, in the village of San Carlos at 3,800'. The 2' tall x 3' wide clump is adorned with red violet flowers. (Hardiness Zone 7-9a)

Salvia microphylla 'Wild Watermelon' (Wild Watermelon Sage)

This 1996 Rich Dufresne introduction is a selection of S. microphylla from a seedling population from a Don Mahoney collection at Cerro Potosi, Mexico at 7000-8500' elevation. The plant was selected and named by Rich during a visit to the Strybing Arboretum. Salvia 'Wild Watermelon' is adorned with large pink flowers. (Hardiness Zone 7-9a)

There are also a number of wonderful hybrids between these woody species. Hybrids of Salvia greggii and Salvia microphylla are known as Salvia x jamensis (pronounced "haamensis"). There is a wide range of hardiness in this group, depending on which clone of each parent is used. Some Salvia x jamensis selections are only hardy in Zone 8b, while others are fine to Zone 7.

Salvia 'California Sunset' (California Sunset Sage)

Salvia 'California Sunset forms a 3' tall x 4' wide clump, topped with peachy orange flowers. (Hardiness Zone 7b-9)

Salvia x jamensis 'Cienego D'oro' (Cienego D'Oro Sage)

Salvia 'Cienego D'Oro' is a Yucca Do selection, discovered in Mexico. The 30" tall x 3' wide clumps are topped with light yellow flowers. (Hardiness Zone 8b-10)

Salvia 'Maraschino' (Maraschino Cherry Sage)

Salvia 'Maraschino', a Rich Dufresne hybrid of Salvia microphylla and Salvia greggii 'Furman's Red' forms a 30" tall x 3' tall clump, topped with bright velvet red flowers. (Hardiness Zone 6-10)

Salvia x jamensis 'Moonlight' (Moonlight Sage)

Salvia 'Moonlight' is a selection from California's Nevin Smith. Salvia 'Moonlight' makes a 2' tall x 3' wide clump, topped with light yellow flowers. (Hardiness Zone 8b-10)

Salvia x jamensis 'Pat Vlasto' (Pat Vlasto Sage)

Salvia 'Pat Vlasto' comes from a James Compton expedition to Mexico with the folks from Yucca Do. Salvia 'Pat Vlasto' makes a 3' tall x 3' wide clump of light orangy-peach flowers. (Hardiness Zone 8b-10)

Salvia x jamensis 'San Isidro Moon' (San Isidro Moon Sage)

Salvia 'San Isidro Moon' is a Yucca Do introduction, discovered in Mexico, which makes a 30" tall x 3' wide clump, topped with light peach flowers with a darker rim. (Hardiness Zone 8b-10)

Salvia x jamensis 'Sierra de San Antonio' (Sierra San Antonio Sage)

Salvia 'Sierra de San Antonio' is a Yucca Do selection from Mexico. Salvia 'Sierra de San Antonio' makes a 30" tall x 3' wide clump, topped in light pastel yellow and orange flowers with dark calyxes. (Hardiness Zone 8b-10)

Salvia x jamensis Stampede Series (Stampede Sage)

This series of Salvia x jamensis hybrids were bred by the breeding company Floranova. Each makes a compact 18" tall x 2' wide floriferous clump. Varieties include Salvia 'Stampede Cherry' (cherry flowers), Salvia 'Stampede Punch' (pink fruit punch flowers), Salvia 'Stampede Citron' (light yellow flowers), and Salvia 'Stampede Lavender' (lavender flowers). (Hardiness Zone 7b-10)

There is an array of other woody-stemmed interspecific hybrids including other species. Some of the more popular ones are listed below.

Salvia 'Christine Yeo' (Christine Yeo Sage)

Salvia 'Christine Yeo' is the first salvia hybrid between S. microphylla and S. chamaedryoides, originating at Christine Yeo's Pleasant View Nursery in England. For us, Salvia 'Christine Yeo' makes a durable 15" tall x 3' wide clump, topped with purple violet flowers. (Hardiness Zone 7b-9)

Salvia regla (Orange Mountain Sage)

A woody salvia species that is a must for fall garden color is Salvia regla, (Orange Mountain Sage). In the trade, Salvia regla is represented by Salvia regla 'Jame', a Dr. Rich Dufresne collection from Coahuila, Jame, Mexico that makes a 4' tall x 3' wide clump, adorned with glossy, round green leaves and topped, starting in September, with 3" long scarlet orange, tubular flowers ... a hummingbird's favorite. South of Zone 7, Salvia regla could reach 10' tall. (Hardiness Zone 7b-10)

Deciduous Herbaceous Salvias

The next group of salvias are those which die to the ground during winter. These include Salvia azurea (syn. Salvia pitcheri), Salvia darcyi, Salvia disjuncta, Salvia elegans, Salvia engelmannii, Salvia farinacea, Salvia glabrescens, Salvia glutinosa, Salvia guaranitica, Salvia koyamae, Salvia leucantha, Salvia longispicata, Salvia madrensis, Salvia mexicana, Salvia nipponica, Salvia puberula, Salvia reptans, and Salvia uliginosa. Some members of this group are particularly sensitive to cold, wet winters at the northern end of their hardiness range. We have found that not cutting them back until spring greatly helps winter survival. When they are cut in fall, the stems have a tendency to fill with water and freeze during the winter.

Salvia azurea ssp. pitcheri (Tall Blue Sage)

Salvia darcyi (Darcy's sage) is a large-growing Mexican species that was originally offered as Salvia oresbia. It was renamed and officially published by England's James Compton in a 1994 issue of "Kew." It was originally discovered in Galeana, Mexico, by Yucca Do Nursery collectors who, unfortunately, received no credit in "Kew." When given plenty of room and bright light, Salvia darcyi makes a huge, 4' tall x 7' wide clump of heart shaped, highly fragrant, light green leaves. Throughout the summer, the clump is topped by spikes of bright orange red flowers (RHS 43A), but in the fall the floral show is nothing short of spectacular. (Hardiness Zone 7-10)

Salvia disjuncta (Misplaced Sage) is a Mexican native species, first distributed in 1993 by California's Strybing Arboretum, which collected it from the southern Mexican mountains in the late 1980s. The mahogany brown stems stretch to 6' tall and are covered in tiny white hairs ... as are probably the folks who originally collected the salvia. The stalks are adorned with fragrant, fuzzy heart shaped leaves and topped, starting in late October, with intense carmine red tubular flowers. In mild climates, flowering continues through the winter or until a hard freeze. Our plants have survived 6 degrees F unmulched. (Hardiness Zone: 7b 10)

Salvia elegans (Pineapple Sage) This popular Mexican salvia is prized for its pineapple-scented foliage. The 4' tall clumps are topped with bright red flowers, starting in midsummer and continuing until frost. Salvia elegans is intolerant of wet soils in cold winters. Salvia elegans is represented in the trade by the following cultivars. (Hardiness Zone 8-10)

Salvia elegans 'Frieda Dixon' (Frieda Dixon Pineapple Sage)

Salvia 'Frieda Dixon' is a Jon Dixon selection that forms a 4' tall x 3' wide clump, topped with salmon pink flowers. (Hardiness Zone 8-10)

Salvia elegans 'Golden Delicious' PP 17,977 (Golden Delicious Pineapple Sage)

Salvia 'Golden Delicious' is a bright gold-foliage selection from Illinois's Brent Horvath. The flowers which top the 4' tall x 3' wide clumps are typical bright red.

'Scarlet Pineapple' (Scarlet Pineapple Sage)

Salvia 'Scarlet Pineapple' has more, and larger, flowers than the wild species.

Salvia engelmannii (Engelmann's Sage) is another of those wonderful salvias that is strangely missing from the mainstream nursery trade. S. engelmannii hails from only 17 counties in Texas ... the equivalent of three normal US states, and forms an attractive deciduous clump of light green leaves 1' tall x 1' wide. The clump is topped in June with short spikes of light blue lavender flowers. While Salvia engelmannii prefers slightly alkaline soils, we have found this to be a superb rock garden plant in soils with a pH above 6.0. Although we have found Salvia engelmannii easy to grow, good drainage is very important. (Hardiness Zone 7-8, at least)

Salvia farinacea (Mealy Cup Sage) is one of those rare North American native plants (Oklahoma south into Mexico) that has been readily embraced by the bedding plant industry, where it has been hybridized and sold as an annual. In fact, Salvia farinacea is one of the finest, longest-flowering sages that can be grown. Salvia farinacea prefers full sun and good drainage. It is represented in the trade by the following selections. (Hardiness Zone 7b-9)

Salvia farinacea 'Augusta Duelberg' (Augusta Duelberg Mealy Cup Sage)

This Greg Grant selection was discovered in an old graveyard in Texas. This splendid selection makes a compact 30" tall x 4' wide specimen, topped from May until frost with hundreds of spikes of silvery white flowers. (Hardiness Zone 7b-10)

Salvia farinacea 'Blue Bedder' (Blue Bedder Mealy Cup Sage)

Salvia 'Blue Bedder' is a seed strain, often sold as a bedding plant, forming a 2' tall x 1' wide clump, topped all summer with stalks of blue flowers. (Hardiness Zone 7b-10)

Salvia farinacea 'Henry Duelberg' (Henry Duelberg Mealy Cup Sage)

This Greg Grant selection was discovered in an old graveyard in Texas. This splendid selection makes a compact 30" tall x 4' wide specimen, topped from May until frost with hundreds of spikes of blue flowers. (Hardiness Zone 7b-10)

Salvia farinacea 'Strata' (Strata Mealy Cup Sage)

This seed strain cultivar is also often sold as a bedding plant. It reaches 18" tall x 1' wide and is topped all summer with spikes of blue and white bicolor flowers. (Hardiness Zone 7b-10)

Salvia farinacea 'Victoria' (Victoria Mealy Cup Sage)

This cultivar is also often sold as a bedding plant. The 16" tall x 1' wide clumps are topped all summer with spikes of blue-violet flowers. (Hardiness Zone 7b-10)

Salvia glabrescens (Japanese Woodland Sage)

Salvia glabrescens is an 18" tall Japanese woodland sage, topped in late summer and fall with spikes of pink flowers. In our trials, it seems to prefer a cooler climate to the heat of Eastern NC. Barry Yinger seems to be the first to bring this into the country from Japan (Hardiness Zone 6-8)

Salvia guaranitica (Anise Sage) hails from Argentina, Brazil and surrounding countries. The cultivars vary in size, spreading ability, and hue of blue flowers. Salvia guaranitica prefers full sun and rich moist soils, but an amazing ability to tolerate adverse conditions such as light shade and very dry soils ... although it will not perform as well. Salvia guaranitica grows by short-spreading underground rhizomes. Unlike bamboo, a clump of Salvia guaranitica will not take over your garden, but it will enlarge quickly in good soil. Salvia guaranitica is represented in the trade by the following cultivars.

Salvia guaranitica 'Argentina Skies' (Argentina Skies Anise Sage)

This Charles Cresson selection of S. guaranitica is dramatically different from the normal species. The 3' tall plant is topped, from midsummer until fall, with hundreds of tubular sky blue flowers (RHS 97A) ... not the dark blue, which is more typical. This vigorous selection is also somewhat stoloniferous although it doesn't run far. (Hardiness Zone 6-10)

Salvia guaranitica 'Black and Blue' (Black and Blue Anise Sage)

Salvia guaranitica 'Black and Blue' forms 3' tall clumps, clothed in fuzzy green, spade shaped leaves. From early June (NC) through October, the slowly spreading patches are topped with 1' spikes of narrow, long, snapdragon like, luscious, deep blue flowers ... a hummingbird favorite. This selection of the hardy anise sage differs from the norm in that the calyx (the little cup that holds the open flower) is black instead of the usual green. In rich soil, a 5 year old clump can spread to 6' wide. (Hardiness Zone 7-10)

Salvia guaranitica 'Brazil' (Brazil Anise Sage)

Salvia 'Brazil' forms 30" tall clumps, adorned with green leaves and topped with cobalt blue flowers held in green calyxes from early summer until fall. (Hardiness Zone 7-10)

Salvia guaranitica 'Costa Rican Blue' (Costa Rican Blue Anise Sage)

Salvia 'Costa Rican Blue' is a large grower and the least winter hardy of the Salvia guaranitica clones. It now appears that this may actually be a hybrid of Salvia guaranitica and Salvia mexicana, which certainly makes sense. The 6' tall giant is topped with large dark blue flowers. (Hardiness Zone 8b-10)

Salvia guaranitica 'Kobalt' (Kobalt Blue Anise Sage)

We have grown Salvia 'Kobalt' for many years and find it to be very similar to Salvia guaranitica 'Brazil'. (Hardiness Zone 7-10)

Salvia guaranitica 'Omaha' (Omaha Anise Sage)

This unique salvia is a variegated leaf version of the Salvia guaranitica 'Costa Rican Blue'. Each fuzzy, dark green, heart-shaped leaf is surrounded by a wide, chartreuse green border. In areas with cool night temperatures, the contrast in the leaves is absolutely stunning. During periods of high night temperatures, the leaf contrast disappears until evenings cool. Regardless of the leaves, this 6' giant is topped in late summer and early fall with 6 10" long stalks of large stunning dark blue flowers! (Hardiness Zone 8b-10)

Salvia guaranitica 'Van Remsen' (Van Remsen Anise Sage)

This amazing hummingbird favorite makes a stunning 7' tall clump that doesn't run. The green stems are clothed in large 6'' long x 5" wide dark green leaves, then topped, starting in late May, with spikes of cobalt blue flowers ... a stunning garden specimen and favorite of high flying hummingbirds. Salvia guaranitica 'Van Remsen', a probable hybrid of Salvia guaranitica 'Brazil' x Salvia guaranitica 'Costa Rica', was discovered in James Van Remsen's Louisiana garden and later named and distributed by salvia guru, Rich Dufresne. (Hardiness Zone 7-10)

Salvia koyamae (Japanese Yellow Sage) The Japanese Salvia koyamae has large, hairy, green foliage that makes a spectacular bold effect in the garden. While Salvia koyamae will grow in the part-day sun, it prefers a shady woodland setting. The 18" tall x 3' wide clumps are adorned with soft yellow flowers from late summer through fall ... great in a mass planting! (Hardiness Zone 4b-10)

Salvia leucantha (Mexican Bush Sage) The Mexican bush sage is so wonderful that northern gardeners grow it as a prized annual. Fortunately for us, it is hardy in the warmer parts of Zone 7 ... reliable for us to 0 degrees F. The key to winter survival in the northern end of its range is early establishment and dry soil in the winter. We like to plant near a large shrub that sucks the moisture from the soil. The other key is that the stems not be cut back until the plant resumes basal growth in spring. The hairy leaves clothe the 40" tall upright stems that are topped with spectacular purple and white velvety flowers from very late summer until frost. (Hardiness Zone 7b-10) In the trade, Salvia leucantha is represented by the following cultivars.

Salvia leucantha 'Midnight' (Midnight Mexican Bush Sage)

(syn: Salvia leucantha All Purple) Salvia leucantha 'Midnight' is from the California garden of the late Victor Reiter, and is the same wonderful late summer and fall blooming salvia as S. leucantha, but instead of the white florets inside the purple calyces, the florets are also dark velvety purple. (Hardiness Zone 7b-10)

Salvia leucantha 'Santa Barbara' PP 12,949 (Santa Barbara Dwarf Mexican Sage)

Salvia leucantha 'Santa Barbara' is an amazing introduction from California, reaching only 2' tall, but with a spread of 3 4' in width. (Hardiness Zone 8-10)

Salvia longispicata (Long-spike Mexican Sage)

Salvia madrensis (Forsythia sage)

Salvia madrensis is represented in commerce by the following cultivars.

Salvia madrensis 'Dunham' (Dunham Forsythia Sage)

Salvia madrensis 'Dunham' is a very winter hardy, early flowering form that we obtained and named from Cary, NC gardener, the late Rachel Dunham. (Hardiness Zone 7b-10)

Salvia madrensis 'Red Neck Girl' (Red Neck Girl Forsythia Sage)

Salvia madrensis 'Red Neck Girl', a Plant Delights Nursery introduction, is a very winter hardy selection with bright reddish purple stems, and typically yellow flowers in fall that bloom slightly earlier than other forms we have trialed. This is a seedling from a seed batch from Southwest Native Seed. (Hardiness Zone 7b-10)

Salvia mexicana (Giant Mexican Blue Sage)

Salvia nipponica (Japanese Woodland Sage)

Salvia nipponica 'Fuji Snow' (Fuji Snow Japanese Sage)

Salvia nipponica 'Fuji Snow' is a Barry Yinger introduction from Japan which has leaves surrounded by a white margin that disappears during the summer. During late summer, the clumps are smothered with 18" stalks of light yellow flowers. (Hardiness Zone 6-9, at least)

Salvia puberula 'El Butano' (El Butano Mexican Sage)

Salvia reptans West Texas Form (Cobalt Sage)

Salvia uliginosa (Bog Sage)

The following are hybrids with the aforementioned species.

Salvia 'Anthony Parker' (Anthony Parker Sage)

Salvia 'Balsalmisp' PP 18,054 (Mystic Spires Sage)

Salvia 'Indigo Spires' (Indigo Spires Sage)

Salvia 'Phyllis Fancy' (Phyllis Fancy Sage)

Salvia 'Purple Majesty' (Purple Majesty Sage)

Salvia 'Silke's Dream' (Silke's Dream Sage)

Salvia 'Waverly' (Waverly Sage)

Evergreen Rosette Salvias

The third group is those which form an evergreen rosette. The primary garden species with this trait include Salvia lyrata, Salvia nemorosa, Salvia haematodes, Salvia pratensis, and their hybrids. Other similar species include Salvia verticillata and the unique Salvia penstemonoides. Many of the salvias sold as these species are actually interspecific hybrids known as Salvia x sylvestris (formerly called Salvia x superba).

Salvia lyrata 'Purple Knockout' (Purple Knockout Lyre-leaf Sage)

Salvia x sylvestris (Superba Sage)

Salvia x sylvestris 'Blauhugel' (Blue Hill Sage)

Salvia x sylvestris 'Blaukönigin' (Blue Queen Sage)

Salvia nemerosa 'Caradonna' (Caradonna Sage)

Salvia 'Eveline' PP 14,905 (Eveline Sage)

Salvia x sylvestris 'Haeumanarc' (Marcus Sage)

Salvia x sylvestris 'Mainacht' (May Night Sage)

Salvia x sylvestris 'Ostfriesland' (East Friesland Sage)

Salvia x sylvestris 'Pink Delight' (Pink Delight Sage)

Salvia 'Rhapsody In Blue' PP 15,148 (Rhapsody in Blue Sage)

Salvia x sylvestris 'Rosaköönigin' (Rose Queen Sage)

Salvia x sylvestris 'Royal Crimson Distinction' (Royal Crimson Distinction Sage)

Salvia x sylvestris 'Schneehugel' (White Hill Sage)

Salvia nemerosa 'Sensation Rose' PP 18,230 (Sensation Rose Sage)

Salvia penstemonoides (Giant Red Sage)

Salvia verticillata 'Purple Rain' (Purple Rain Sage)

I hope you agree that salvias are an incredibly versatile genus of plants with a very long season of interest. Whether you grow them for their ornamental garden value or relaxation value (for medicinal use only), we hope you find several of the selections we mentioned worth trying in your own garden.