Salvias

Perennial Salvias

Salvia greggii hybrids ----- Salvias for the Dry Garden

Salvias are a large genus in the mint family. They are typified by square stems, opposite, strongly veined leaves and spikes of often showy, tubular flowers. Salvias give us some of the brightest, purest colors and some of the best blues in the garden. Our salvia listing is somewhat unwieldy which is why we've divided them into the above groupings.

Perennial Salvias

The following salvias have various degrees of hardiness and are often used in perennial borders.

africana-lutea One of the South African sages it grows into a woody, shubby plant approximately 3' high and as wide clothed with stiff gray-green leaves. The soft orange flowers are quite striking flaring outward in whorls atop the stems. The calyx, initially green becomes rusty orange, complimenting the tubular flower. Hardy into the mid 20's.

azurea pitcheri Semishrubby, this salvia grows into an open bush 5' tall, having dense spikes of bright, azure-blue flowers. One of the nicest of the blue flowered perennials, blooming over a long period in late summer and fall. Zone 4.

Betsy's Purple A seedling selected by A Book of Salvias author Betsy Clebsch. The flowers and foliage resemble those of 'Purple Majesty', but the plant has, in my view, a more elegant habit. The flower spikes are more slender, the habit more upright, and the leaves a deeper green. Later t o flower for us, it begins in August and continues through October. Grows 5'6' tall and 3' wide.

cacaliifolia Leafy growth of bright green, triangular shaped leaves, carries slender spikes of gentian-blue flowers in the summer. Grows 24" - 30" high and nearly as wide. Hardy to about 25°.

canariense Fast growing, long blooming shrub with large silvery leaves which are covered with a felt of white hairs. The tall inflorescence consists of reddish-violet flowers set against similar colored bracts. Very showy and long lasting. 4'H and 3' W. This is a salvia that should be grown in more gardens. Hardy into the upper teens.

chaemedryoides A small growing shrub, its thin stems are clothed with small silvery-gray leaves. The pretty sky blue flowers are carried on slender scapes all summer. Hardy to at least 5°. Grows to 20"H x 20"W.

chiapensis Provide this salvia a humusy soil, regular water and at least a half day sun and in return it will bloom continually throughout the growing season. The small flowers are a bright fuchsia-pink carried along the dark, thin stems. It grows to about 2' high. The foliage is a rich, shiny green. Quite tender it is only hardy to about 30°.

coccinea Brenthurst Produces a profusion of peachy pink flowers on upright stems all summer. This is a short lived perennial but can reseed in the garden. Grows to 24" - 30" high and 18" wide.

confertifolia The strong, upright stems are clothed with large textured leaves lending a tropical look to this salvia. In late summer through fall, the long terminal spikes are densely set with fuzzy, rusty-orange flowers. Grows 4' - 6' tall and is hardy to about 25°.

corrugata The leaves provide the reason behind the species name, as they do have a corrugated, pebbly texture. The upper side of the leaf is dark green, while the underside is much lighter. It could also have been named congesta, as the flowers are tightly packed in terminal whorls. It grows quickly to 3'-5' and is hardier than I would have thought, withstanding 26° this winter, with no ill effects.

darcyi A very showy salvia, shrubby in habit with upright stems of hastate, grey-green leaves and terminal spikes carrying very large, orange-red flowers mid summer through October. This is one of the salvias favored by hummingbirds. Grow in full sun in well drained soil. It grows 36" high and as wide. Hardy to 15° -20°F. This could also be listed under the Salvias for the Dry Garden.

dentata A twiggy, shrubby South African covered with pungently fragrant, small leaves. The flowers are light blue, while the calyxes age to pink adding the pleasing effect. Hardy at least to the mid 20's.

discolor Noted for its unusual, deep purple, near black, flowers set in contrasting woolly white calyces. The plant has a silvery white appearance due to the white hairs on the stems and grayish leaves. Open growth to 3' - 4' . Hardy to 25°.

elegans Pineapple Sage. Vigorous, bushy growth to 4' of pineapple scented leaves. In the fall it unfurls its brilliant, scarlet flowers which the hummingbirds feast on until temperatures drop into the 20's°. With its lush green foliage and beautiful flowers it makes an outstanding container plant. Hardy to 15° - 20°F.

elegans Freida Dixon A lovely selection of the Pineapple Sage with masses of salmon-pink flowers in September - November.

elegans Honeymelon A lower growing version of the Pineapple Sage, it grows to 36" high and spreads underground making a dense, deep green plant to 4' - 5' across. It has a tendency to bloom in the spring and again in the fall. Tolerant of full sun to partial shade.

gesneriiflora Tequila In nearly frost free climates this salvia is spectacular. For us, say one winter out of four, we are able to enjoy the stunning orange-red flowers which are produced January through March. Not an easy plant to place in the landscape as it grows quite large to 6'-8' high. Needless to say, the hummingbirds are pleased when Salvia gesneriiflora enjoys a mild winter.

guaranitica A late summer and fall flowering plant of considerable beauty. It has large, dark green leaves and numerous racemes of brilliant, indigo-blue flowers July until frost. Hardy to about 5° - 10°F and grows to 4'6' tall. Likes some shade in the hotter climates. Frequently mentioned as one of the top ten perennials.

guaranitica Black & Blue A little bit different than the species with dark calyces enhancing the indigo-blue flowers and with a more compact habit. This does very well in containers. I consider this one of the best of the blue flowered perennials.

guaranitica Argentine Skies A slection of S. guaranitica with soft, pale blue flowers.

Indigo Spires (farinacea x longispicata) Long blooming, July through October with its slender stems of violet-blue flowers. These deepen in color and elongate as fall approaches. Open habit to 5' tall. Not a neat, tidy plant but one that produces quantities of flowers and is covered with little butterflies in the fall. Hardy to about 20°F.

involucrata Bethellii Robust shrubby growth to 5' high and as wide, with lush, dark velvety leaves. In late summer the cluster of large hot pink flowers are borne on each branch tip. Very showy. Hardy to 10° - 15°F.

involucrata Mulberry Jam A selection made by Betsy Clebsch. This is a small more upright selection of S. involucrata. The slender stems terminate in long cluster of hot pink flowers. Grows to 4' high.

involucrata x karwinskii Another large growing, late flowering Salvia. Tall growth to 6'-8' carries the brilliant reddish-pink flowers in late fall and continuing, if protected from hard frost, well into winter.

John Whittlesey I was honored when local nurseryman and hybridizer of salvias Mike Thiede of Chico Creek Gardens wanted to name one of his best creations to date for me. This new salvia is the result of crossing S. darcyi with one of the S. microphyllas. It resembles darcyi but is more compact, with smaller leaves and abundant branching carrying the tapered spikes of bright salmony red flowers. The flowers are more red without the orange of the species darcyi. It makes an outstanding plant in the garden 30"-36" high and as wide blooming mid summer through the fall.

lanceolata I find this salvia appealing with its narrow, gray-silver leaves which have a pleasing, pungent scent, and the relatively large, muted rose-tan flowers. When the flowers drop the calyx takes on more of a pink tone and are as showy as the flowers. When one really pays attention to salvias you become aware of the the calyces in their overall appearance. S. lanceolata is hardy to at least to the mid 20's. Grows to 3'4' high and as wide.

leucantha A picturesque plant when the slender stems of fuzzy purple calyces with extruding white flowers bloom in the fall and continue until a hard freeze. Drought tolerant it can grow to 4' - 6' tall and nearly as wide. Will withstand temperatures down to 15° - 20° when well established.

leucantha Midnight Instead of purple bracts with white flowers, in this, the inflorescence is all purple. Spectacular in full bloom in the fall.

leucantha Santa Barbara A more compact version of S. leucantha Midnight growing to 3'-4' A great selection. In our photo it is shown growing with Helianthus Mellow Yellow.

madrensis The Forsythia Sage, so named for its large cluster of soft yellow flowers. These appear late summer and through the fall atop the succulent green stems. This is a large, lush plant that needs adequate water and some shade in hot climates. Grows 4 - '7' tall and 3' -4' wide. Hardy to 20° -25°F.

melissodora A very useful shrubby salvia in the landscape. With a contained habit growing to 6' tall and 4' wide, it fills many niches in the garden. Small light green leaves are reputed to have a grape scent, but I find it elusive. The small clusters of light lavender-blue flowers, produced throughout the growing season, are highly attrictive for bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Hardy to the low 20's.

mexicana Black & Blue Stunning inflorescence with dark blue flowers protruding from dark, near black, calyces. The same robust, ungainly habit of S. mexicana.

mexicana ‘Huntington’ Similar to ‘Limelight’ but the leaves are slightly wavy and the overal habit of the plant is more compact and less rangy.

mexicana Limelight A fast growing salvia with glossy, lettuce green leaves. Inlate summer through the fall, inflorescences are produced with charteuse bracts and large blue flowers. It is the totality of this contrast which makes it such a bold plant in the garden. Grows to 5'-7' tall and 3'-5' wide. Hardy to about 25°.

patens Guanajuato A huge flowered selection of S. patens. The 2" flowers appear as tropical azure butterflies hovering over the plant. Growing 3'-4' highand as wide it has a sprawling habit needing periodic pruning, or a structure to support the ungainly stems.

Phyllis' Fancy A selection from the UC Botanic Garden at Santa Cruz, where it originated as a seedling in their garden. Appears similar in habit to Indigo Spires or Waverly with long wands of white, lavender tinged, flowers encased in dusky pink bracts. These begin opening in mid summer and continue through the fall. Grows 4' high to 4' wide. Hardy to about 25°.

Purple Majesty Similar to S. guaranitica but with large flowers of rich, royal purple. An uncommon flower color in perennials. Grows 4' - 5' high and 3' wide. Hardy to 10° - 15°.

regla Royal A deciduous shrub that grows to 4' - 6' tall and is covered top to bottom with tubular orange flowers early fall to frost. The leaves remind one of a gooseberry leaf. When pruning treat as a flowering shrub by thinning and removing older wood, not by cutting back severely. Planted in full sun or part shade it requires little water once established. Hardy to 15° -20°.

sp. Costa Rican Blue Tall, robust growth of substantial, textured, rich green leaves. The large, deep blue flowers gradually open in late September. To encourage branching, pinch back occasionally in early summer. It can grow to 7' tall in partial shade. This and Omaha are hardy to about 20°.

sp. ‘Omaha’ A sport of ‘Costa Rican Blue’ with the leaf margins generously suffused with gold. In our summer heat the variegation fades a bit.

sinaloaensis A low growing salvia, striking with its contrast of reddish-purple leaves and spikes of intense, deep blue flowers in midsummer. Grows 12" high and to 24" across. Hardy to about 25°.

splendens vanhoutii A stunning plant, worth growing as an annual. In late summer the calyces begin to show their deeply colored, burgundy bracts. The gradually the carmine flowers appear. These combine to make a bright display until frost. It attracts much attention. 3' H x 3' W.

uliginosa Bog Sage. Graceful, willowy stems to 5' - 6' tall are topped by racemes of clear blue flowers in mid summer to fall. It can colonize quickly into wide spreading clumps when grown in good soils with adequate moisture. Hardy to zone 6.

urica Compact Form This was a pleasant addition to our salvia collection last year. It makes a compact plant of deep green, textured leaves, which povide an effective foil against which the short stalks of deep blue flowers are displayed. Grows 3'H and as wide. Salvia urica made a very nice container plant on our deck where it bloomed all summer. Hardy to about 25°

Waverly A mystery plant of unknown origin that appeared in a few California nurseries several years ago. It is an elegant, distinguished looking salvia when in full bloom with its long wands of pink flushed, white flowers, emerging from the maroon tinged calyces. The leaves are a deep green. Begins blooming in midsummer and continues well into the fall. 4' H x 4' W. Hardy to 25°.

Each of the above $5.00

Salvias for the Dry Garden

Drought tolerant, these are excellent plants to use in a Mediterranean landscape or for covering the ground on difficult hillsides. Good drainage in the winter is critical. The California native salvias will be winter hardy to about 15° - 20°F. All are deer resistant as are most salvias.

Bee's Bliss (S. leucophylla hybrid) An excellent salvia to use as a ground cover with its dense carpet of gray foliage. It grows about 18" high and will spread 4' - 6' across. In June it displays a profusion of lavender flowers in dense spikes. A tough plant it requires only occasional watering.

clevelandii Winifred Gilman Salvia clevelandii is native to the Southern California coastal mountains.They are extremely drought tolerant. These shrubby salvias have narrow, very fragrant leaves and in this selection the flowers are an electric blue-purple. Grows to 3' high and 2' wide.

interrupta Large shrubby salvia makes a rounded shrub 30" high and as wide with long, grayish leaves. In early summer it sends up branched flower spikes to 5' carrying many violet-blue flowers. It is impressive. Full sun, drought tolerant and hardy to about 10°..

lavandulifolia I find this to be a very useful salvia in our Meditteranean climate. Very rugged and drought tolerant it grows to 18" and sweeps outward to cover 3' across. It is covered with narrow silvery-gray leaves and in late spring carries sprays of light blue flowers. Perfect to combine with rosemary.

spathacea Hummingbird Sage This California native is grown for its showy, deep burgundy-red flowers carried on 2'3' stems n spring and early summer. Spreading by underground stems it makes an interesting groundcover for partially shaded situations, such as under our native oaks. Does best with occasional water in the summer. Hardy to zone 7.

Viki Romo (apiana x clevelandii) With its long silvery-white leaves Viki Romo is very similar to the White Sage, S. apiana. However it makes a more compact plant growing to 3' tall and as wide, and the shorter flowering stems have whorls of blue flowers. This is a very nice selection.

Each of the above $5.00

Salvia greggi, x jamesii & micropylla hybrids

These are small leafed shrubby salvias which have a long bloom period and are quite drought tolerant, though they do best when given occasional water in the summer. In hot climates they bloom on and off in the summer but really make a show September through November. Where summers are cooler they flower continuously. They grow 2'-3' high and as wide. Hardy to about 15°.

coahuilensis Thin stemmed, fine textured plants are always in flower with their small, indigo-purple flowers. One of my favorite salvias for container planting because of its small size, continuous flowering, and the scented foliage. Grows 2' high and as wide.

greggii Cotton Candy Peachy pink flowers.

greggii ‘Dark Dancer’ Large, deep raspberry flowers on 30" plants with small glossy leaves. This has proven to be one of the showiest and longest blooming of the S. greggiis. Highly recommended.

greggii Sierra San Antonio Peach colored in overall appearance with the lower petals soft yellow and the uppers light pink. Very beautiful and unusual flower color.

x jamensis Moonlight The pales of yellow flowers on 30" plants.

microphylla Berzrkeley This selection by Montery Bay Nusery has a compact habit, growing to 24" high and 36" across with masses of florescent, reddish-pink flowers.

microphylla Hot Lips A unique salvia in that the flowers are bicolor. The upper half of the flower is pure white, while the broad lower lip is a brilliant red (closeup photo), making for a very colorful combination. A drawback is that the flower color can be unstable, some can appear all red or all white. I've found this tends to occur during the hotter moths with temperatures over 90°.

microphylla var. neurepia When Betsy Clebsch says this is one of the best salvias in her garden I take notice. It makes a large shrubby plants 3' high and 4' wide having a somewhat lush appearance with leaves larger than other S.microphyllas. The bright red flowers make a continuous display spring through the fall particularly when watered regularly.

microphyllya La Trinidad Pink Large flowers are a very clear pink. Grows 36" high and as wide.

microphylla Red Velvet Large, rich red flowers on fast growing plants to 36" high.

microphylla San Carlos Festival A compact, low growing. shrubby salvia with large magenta-pink flowers. Grows 2' high and as wide. This is a favorite with some landscape desgners because of its excellent foliage, compact habit and long bloom time.

Each of the above $4.50