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Salvias belong to the huge Lamiacea family of plants, which includes mints and lavenders. Salvias are wonderful additions to the Southern California landscape. Most thrive in our climate and are quite pest free. An added bonus is that they are fantastic plants for attracting humming birds and butterflies to your garden.

Salvias come in a wide array of colors, textures and sizes. Think of a location or application and there is almost certainly a salvia to suit it. Many love dry poor soil and some even grow in bogs. Let’s take a peek at a few of our favorite perennial salvias:

Salvia buchananii: The flowers are quite large and resemble a furry magenta muppet. Its leaves are a dark leathery green. It can be grown in full or half day sun. Medium water. Feed regularly.

Salvia chiapensis: This salvia has glossy green foliage so lovely it could hold its own in a beauty contest, but its fantastic fuchsia-colored flowers put it over the top. This salvia can take some shade and can be kept to a moderate 2-3’. Not too fussy about water, it can take moist to dry soils. Appreciates regular feeding from March to September.

Salvia chamaedryoides: One of the little guys, this salvia can be kept 2-3’. This sage has "Mediterranean Gray" leaves that make a pleasing accent when used with deep green or bronze foliage. Full sun. Keep on the dry side: it won’t tolerate constantly wet soil. S. thymoides is similar, but even smaller.

Salvia discolor: Like a sinister monk emerging from a gray castle, this salvia has a sinister, but lovely quality. The flowers are extremely dark purple and peek from silver foliage. When mixed with darker green plants like rosemary it is really stunning. Touch me--I’m sticky! Full to part sun. Likes to be on the dry side.

Salvia dorsiana, Fruit Scented Sage: It has growth, flowers, and texture similar to Salvia gesneraeflora ‘Tequila’, but with chartreuse colored leaves that smell like delicious ripe cantaloupe. Full sun for bloom.

Saliva guaranitica: There are several cultivars of this species. All can become quite tall. One of the tallest, ‘Costa Rica’ can get 8’ or more…easily! It has lovely cobalt blue flowers. 'Black and blue' is a little tamer and slower growing. This has deep, dark blue flowers that jump from almost black calyxes, hence the name. ‘Argentine Skies’ has relaxing soft blue flowers on a plant that is easily maintained to 3-5'.

All guaranitica varieties have very long blooming seasons and are extremely attractive to hummingbirds. They do best in full sun with deep, but not too frequent watering. As with most Salvia, trim throughout the season to prevent woodiness and promote bushiness. Appreciates regular feeding from March to September.

Salvia gesneraeflora 'Tequila': This very tall red flowered salvia appreciates some support, or being allowed to grow through other taller plants. Very large flowers top this giant Aztec princess like a scarlet macaw feathered headdress. Full sun, moderate water.

Salvia greggii & grahamii: Though often called Autumn Sage, this salvia is in bloom nearly year round in the Southern California garden. There are many cultivars available in nearly every color. Most selections can easily be kept in the 2-4’ range. Let these rugged Texans get considerably dry between watering. Full sun. Prune to promote bushiness.

Salvia leucantha Mexican Bush Sage: This is a favorite among Southern California gardeners for many reasons. It has virtually no pest problems, loves our climate and loves to go dry between watering. It has white flowers that emerge from dark purple calyxes throughout our long warm season. The variety 'Midnight' has purple flowers and calyxes. Both varieties can easily grow 4'. There is a new dwarf variety, ‘Santa Barbara’ that should stay less than 3’. Full sun. Infrequent watering once established. Requires little, if any feeding.

Salvia muelleri: A low sprawling sage with a maximum height of 3’, but usually much less. The flowers of deep blue are displayed in profusion from spring through fall. Care is similar to S. greggii, to which it is closely related.

Salvia 'Purple Majesty': A cross between gesneraeflora and guaranitica. It features elegant royal purple flowers on an upright 3-5’ tall plant. Hummingbirds fight for its blooms. It has a long blooming season. Full to ¾ sun. Medium water.

Salvia rutilans (elegans) Pineapple Sage: Wonderful foliage-scented sage. This can grow 3-4’+. Most excellent red blooms as well. ‘Frida Dixon’ is a dwarf variety growing 2-3’. Full sun, moderate water.

Salvia semiatrata: Quite new to cultivation and can be hard to find. This is the perfect salvia for a dry spot. The flowers are a unique two-tone purple with burgundy calyxes. Little water once established. Little feeding required. Can reach 3-4’ tall and almost as wide, but easily kept smaller.

Salvia sinaloensis: One of the many sages from Mexico, this blue flowered salvia has the mark of Jolly Roger on its “tongue”. It also has a beautiful purple tinge to its foliage. It has a low spreading growth pattern to 1-2' tall. Looks fantastic planted next to S. chamaedryoides. Full sun. Deep, infrequent watering.

Salvia 'Waverly': is thought to be a cross between S. leucantha and chiapensis. She has blooms the faintest shade of blush pink possible without calling them white. Sturdy, yet flowing foliage looks best when kept 3-4'. Thin to prevent woodiness. Not very fussy about food or water. Can take part sun, but more sun = more blooms. ‘Phyllis Fancy’ is almost identical but has a pale blue cast to its flowers and calyx.

Salvia 'Indigo Spires': One of the most popular salvias, this chance hybrid was discovered growing at the Huntington Botanical Garden. It is considered to be a cross between farinacea and longispicata. It is nearly ever blooming, robust and easy to grow. Full sun.

Salvia ulignosa, Brazilian Bog Sage: This salvia grows 4-6’ and spreads steadily by underground runners. One of the few truly sky-blue flowers. Plant this salvia where you can appreciate its wonderful movement in the breeze. Full sun. Will stand more water than most.

For more information on these and many other salvia, be sure to look for "A Book of Salvias" by Betsy Clebsh, available in our book department.