Salvia Plants, Varieties and Species for sale in the UK

Salvia are a large group of perennial plants that include the culinary Garden Sage (salvia officianalis) as well as a wide range of ornamental salvias which we will concentrate on in this article. With much hybridisation and introduction of new species the number of salvia cultivars available for sale increases every year.

Salvia 'Omah Gold' pictured right is not a golden color at all but a pretty form of 'costa rican blue'. Lovely blue flowers with a slight variegation in the foliage. Protect from frosts.

Many birds seem to love these plants when in flower, they make a great addition to the garden if you wish to attract birds and bees to the garden. Drought tolerant and virtually disease resistant salvia plants prefer a warm sunny position in a humus rich well drained soil. Specialist salvia nurseries sell a wide range of plants by mail order, including many rare and interesting species as well as new and improved flowering forms

Salvia care and growing conditions.

Salvia plants need little care and tend to grow well even in poor soils, however a humus rich well drained soil is best, fertilize with a seaweed fertilizer in early spring as plants begin to come to life.

Salvia plants can be pruned to keep in shape and most seem to cope well with being pruned back hard if required. In colder areas try pruning back in spring once the frosts are over.

Different species require slightly different pruning methods, and instructions usually come with the plants, however they are a hardy plant and no great care is required. Try for at least 6 hours sun each day and they are usually happy. Many smaller growing salvias can easily be grown in pots or containers if required.