Salvias

In the garden

With such diversity, salvias offer the gardener many opportunities to plant them throughout the garden, from small compact border plants such as Salvia Meadow Sage, to large showy shrubs for colour and structure such as Salvia ‘Phyllis Fancy’ or Salvia ‘Amistad’. Generally, salvias look their best when planted in combination planting schemes. Consider combining vibrant blues, or pinks with silvery foliaged plants, such as Artemisia ‘Powis Castle’ to add a beautiful contrast. 

Compliment the blue hues of Salvia with Echinacea, White Coneflower, bordered with a pretty Evening Primrose or Oenothera speciosa ‘Heronswood Pink’ to make a showy garden combination.

Many of the salvias can have brittle stems and therefore the taller varieties may not stand well in windy positions. Plant heights can range from just a few centimetres through to large structural shrubs several metres in height. The salvias originating from warmer zones will do well in full sun with well drained soils and do not necessarily need additional fertiliser; however, a slow release food source could be beneficial in poorer soils. Other tender varieties, originating from cooler zones, will do better with partial shade and additional summer water and a fertile soil. 

The salvia flowers produce nectar on double stamens that attract bees, butterflies, insects and birds alike. This makes them the ideal border plant to combine with vegetable gardens and parterres, attracting beneficial insects to enhance pollination.

In pots and containers

Smaller growing varieties such as Salvia ‘Mystic Spires’ and Salvia Meadow Sage grow very well in pots and large containers. Not only do they make a showy addition, they have the added benefit of drawing bees to them, making it easy to place pots near seasonal fruit blossom to assist with pollination. Prune regularly to maintain compact growth. Be sure to periodically feed with a slow release fertiliser in addition to regular water throughout the warmer months.

As cut flowers

With tall graceful stems and a vibrant range of colours, salvia flowers can make a useful upright addition to a home-grown flower posy. Choose flowers that are starting to get a woody base in the stem for longevity in the vase. Remove lower foliage and combine with other richly coloured flowers for a beautiful floral arrangement.

Herbal uses

Salvia officinalis or Common Sage is well known in the kitchen for adding flavour to a wide range of dishes. With properties described as bitter, pungent, astringent, oily and a warming range of flavours. Common Sage is grown in Europe for distillation of sage essential oils. Sage leaves are also used to make teas and tinctures for a range of herbal remedies.

Salvia apiana or White Sage has been widely used since ancient times for tribal ceremonies making Smudge sticks for warding off evil spirits and in magical workings towards immortality. The Native American Indians were said to use Sage to ‘cleanse the body and mind of negative spirits’.

Salvia frruiticosa or Greek Sage is used as a culinary alternative to Common Sage. 

Salvia hispanica or Chia seeds are edible salvia seeds that are high in protein and Omega 3 fatty acids, and are used widely as a dietary additive.

Salvia elegans or Pineapple Sage, as the name suggests, have leaves with a subtle pineapple flavour that are used as a flavouring in drinks and baking.

Note: Caution is advised. Sage contains Thujone, which can trigger fits in epileptics.

Cultivation