Salvia where is it grown

The genus Salvia exhibits a wide range of forms and habits; however, most species grow rapidly. Some species reach 5 to 6 feet within a season, while others grow low enough to be used along flower bed edges. Depending on the species, salvias range in width from 12 inches to 4 feet. Most salvias prefer full sun and well-drained soils, but some will bloom well in part shade. Once established, most salvia species are quite drought-tolerant and require little care.

Excessive water and fertilizer can increase fungal disease problems for salvias. Most salvias prefer slightly acidic soils. The best time to plant salvias is in spring after the danger of frost is passed. For best results, amend the soil prior to planting according to the results of a soil test.

In the absence of soil test results, apply a slow-release fertilizer formulated for annuals when planting annual salvias. Incorporate the fertilizer into the soil according to package instructions.

Many perennial salvias will grow well without supplemental fertility if sited in a well-prepared soil containing compost. Divide perennial salvias in early spring when new growth begins. During the summer, remove the faded bloom spikes of salvias to encourage continuous flowering. When perennial salvias go dormant, leave the stems intact.

To avoid freeze damage, wait for new growth to begin in early spring before pruning. Gardeners can start both annual and perennial salvias indoors from seed.

Sow seeds of the annual Salvia splendens indoors 6 to 8 weeks before planting time. Do not cover the seeds with soil since they require light to germinate. Expect germination to occur in 12 to 15 days. Start other salvias from seed 12 weeks before planting time and follow packet instructions regarding sowing depth. Some perennial salvias may be sown directly in the garden according to packet instructions. Salvias have few problems when grown in ideal conditions.

Diseases most commonly occur in greenhouse production or under cool, wet weather conditions. Insect pests are a more likely problem in greenhouses. Potential problems for salvias include damping-off of seedlings, stem and root rots, powdery mildew, Botrytis blight, aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies.

With over species of Salvia , there are far too many to list more than a few popular types. Many of the tender perennial species can overwinter in the warmer growing conditions near the coast and are popular as annuals in the upper part of South Carolina where they are not fully hardy.

Annual Salvias: Some Salvia species commonly grown as annuals are listed below. In some cases, they may also be grown as perennials in warmer areas of South Carolina.

Bedding Sage Salvia splendens : Bedding sage is probably the most commonly grown ornamental salvia species. The standard color is brilliant scarlet red, but S. This annual salvia grows from 8 to 30 inches tall with large flower spikes held above dark green, heart-shaped leaves. A light application of a balanced fertilizer or compost in early spring can be sufficient. No serious disease or pest problems affect salvia plants. There are a variety of reasons salvias flop, including too much water, from rain or irrigation, not enough sun, or too much fertilizer.

If your salvia plant has become leggy and flopped over you can either provide support for the plant with stakes or deadhead the flowers and let new ones grow in. Many gardeners think flopping is a sign that it is time to prune or divide their salvia. Does not set seed, so will bloom all season.

Easily trim to the size and shape you want, and it will become thicker and have more flowers. Grows easily in almost any climate. Plant in drifts to attract numerous butterflies and hummingbirds. It does get red flowers in the fall, but generally only in warmer Southern regions. Also good for cut flowers. Deadheading and some extra watering can produce a second bloom.

Likely to also do well along the Gulf Coast and in Florida. Most salvias prefer full sun, but there are a few types that will do well in filtered shade. Here are some options:. Generally speaking, salvias do not have a reputation of being invasive. However, certain species can be a problem in specific regions. Here are ones to be aware of:. Purple Sage Salvia leucophylla lavender flowers against green leafy background.

Salvias, also called sages, are easy to grow, bloom abundantly, and look great in the landscape. There are over different species, but this guide narrows it down to the best types of salvia for growing in your garden. Start Slideshow.

Tweet Email Send Text Message. Credit: Peter Krumhardt. Pink knockout rose and blue salvia plant. Credit: Deb Wiley. Clary Sage Salvia viridis purple flowers. Credit: John Sylvester. Culinary Sage Sage Salvia officinalis green leaves. Credit: Marty Baldwin. Salvia officinalis 'Purpurascens' green and reddish leaves. Salvia officinalis 'Icterina' green leaves with yellow edges. Credit: Susan A. Salvia officinalis 'Tricolor' green leaves with orange flowers.

Salvia splendens 'Red Hot Sally'. Salvia farinacea Victoria Blue deep purple flowers. Credit: David Goldberg. Salvia farinacea Cirrus white flowers. Credit: Bob Lenz. Credit: Ed Gohlich. Credit: David Speer. Salvia coccinea 'Coral Nymph' light pink flowers. Gentian Sage Salvia patens blue flowers. Credit: Laurie Black.

Salvia patens 'Blue Angel' flower. Credit: Bill Stites. Pineapple Sage Salvia elegans rich red flower. Silver Sage Salvia argentea rich blue-green leaves. Credit: Julie Mikos.

May Night Salvia deep purple and yellow flowers. Credit: Stephen Cridland. East Friesland Salvia purple flowers. Credit: Mark Kane. Salvia nemorosa 'Plumosa' magenta flowers. Credit: Denny Schrock. Salvia microphylla 'Hot Lips' red and white flowers. Credit: Lynn Karlin. Salvia pachyphylla Mojave Sage deep pink flowers. Raspberry Delight Salvia bright red flowers. This is most likely to be a problem with the compost, so the first answer is to give the plant a quick tonic with a liquid feed or foliar spray of seaweed.

Most varieties prefer full sun if they are to flower well. Culinary sage grows well in partial shade and will even flower quite happily. Yes, they should bloom in their first year if conditions are right. Rabbits tend to find the aromatic foliage too strong, but deer might go for the new growth if very hungry in early spring.

You certainly can, and this is often the best solution if you live in a cold wet area as you can offer more protection in the winter. Just ensure you put enough drainage material in the pots in the form of crocks at the bottom and grit in the compost. Then ensure they get enough water and feed during the flowering period.

They might well need repotting in fresh compost each spring, or at least a good top dressing of fresh compost. Salvias are very attractive to bees and butterflies. They are particularly valuable as they offer nectar much later into the autumn. The tall herbaceous sorts can grow over a metre per year, as they start from ground level each year. If they are happy, they will also clump up nicely at the base.

The shrubby ones are much slower growing, and you can prune them each year to keep them to the size you want. This very much depends on the variety. The annual sorts tend to be quite short 20cm , especially those bred for bedding out. Some of the perennials can get to 1. Again, that depends on where they come from. The Mexican varieties, unless they have been hybridised with something tougher, can be quite tender.

What they hate more than cold is wet, so good drainage is all, and read the plant label. If you live in a cold area and have chosen tender perennials, it can be best to keep them in containers for their first year so that you can bring them in to a more sheltered position for the winter.