How to plant salvias (sages)

Commonly known as sages, salvias are charming hardy perennials with a bushy habit producing dense spikes of flowers held above aromatic foliage. Particularly suited for the wild garden or the sunny border, these plants loved by pollinating insects look especially fantastic mixed with achilleas, heleniums, lavenders, nepetas, rudbeckias or veronicas.

  • Plant in moderately fertile, humus rich, moist well-drained soil
  • Plant in in full sun to light shade.
  • Salvias do not like excessive winter wet and need to be sheltered from cold, drying winds.
  • Mulch over winter
  • Propergate from cuttings of fresh growth
  • Cut back in spring, just above old growth
  • Salvias are supplied in 9 cm pots. Always unpack on arrival and store in a cool place until ready to plant.

Potential problems, pests and diseases:

Generally, salvias do not suffer from any serious diseases. However, they may be affected by snails and slugs that will happily munch on young shoots, stems, leaves and flowers. Watch out for damage!