September Plant of the Month: Salvia

Also known as Meadow Sage, Salvia is a type of sage grown for its eye-catching spikes of flowers. These hardy perennials begin blooming in mid to late spring, with their flower spikes lasting for weeks. A second flush of flowers begins in late summer and lasts into fall. Pollinators love Salvia, making it an excellent addition to any bee or butterfly garden. No space for a traditional garden? They do great in containers! As an added bonus, they also work well at repelling mosquitoes and are resistant to voles and deer.

Salvia can be any number of colors, from purple to white to pink and red. While some varieties can reach up to 5 feet tall, most average between 2 and 3 feet tall.

Full sun, at least 6 hours per day. While they can tolerate part sun, they will bloom less as a result.

Well draining soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. Salvia are fairly drought and heat tolerant once established.

Fertilize in spring with a fertilizer for flowers like Fox Farm Fruit and Flower or Dynamite.

Removing spent flowers encourages a longer blooming period. Salvia can be cut back in the fall after the first frost, or be allowed to remain until early spring to provide a habitat for over-wintering insects.

Some of Our Favorite Varieties

Black & Blue – averages 3-4′ tall and features deep blue flowers and stunning black stems,a true show off in the garden!

Blue Hill – Averages about 2 feet tall and one of the most profusely blooming varieties.

Hot Lips – An eyecatching specimen with dual colored flowers that averages 3 feet tall.

May Night – A fan favorite among gardeners and pollinators. Averages 3-4 feet tall.

Rose Rhapsody – An excellent choice for cut flowers with it’s delicate pink flowers. Averages about 2 feet tall.

Snow Hill – Spikes of snowy white blooms all summer! Averages 2 feet tall.