GV Gardening: Appreciating that old standby, salvia

Grateful butterflies and hummingbirds are still enjoying the sweetness of our many salvias. Whether lavender, purple, white, magenta, rose, or red, these small tubular flowers are a favorite of birds, butterflies, and humans alike. Starting in late spring, the bloom period may continue until the first frost.

There are more than 900 varieties of salvia around the world. This member of the mint family is also called “sage.” Some types are used as herbs in cooking. With so many colors and sizes, identification can get confusing. Salvias have square stems, some have fragrant blossoms, and many have aromatic foliage. Rabbits and quail are repelled by the pungent odor of some varieties.

Cleveland sage (Salvia clevelandii) is a large shrub native to San Diego County, Calif., that thrives in the Sonoran desert. If left untrimmed, it will reach 3-5 feet tall and 5-8 feet wide. Both its gray-green foliage and violet-blue flowers make it the most pungently aromatic of all sages. Drought tolerant and cold hardy to 20 degrees, this is a tough plant.

Be sure you have the space to allow Cleveland sage to grow in its natural form. Removing spent flowers as they fade will encourage continued bloom.

However, please do not prune this shrub into a large “green meatball,” which gives it a contrived appearance, limits flowering, and shortens its life.

Also carefully smell Cleveland sage before selecting, and be certain you like the odor. Its nearly overwhelming scent will greet you from across the street, or down the block, so be sure you enjoy it!

Undoubtedly the most used salvia here is autumn sage (Salvia greggii). With glossy green leaves, it matures at 1 to 4 feet tall and wide. Unlike its name implies, this salvia blooms continually from late spring through summer and autumn. Flowers can be any color from white, pink, or purple, to the most popular, magenta red.

With light trimming and the removal of dead flower stems, autumn sage will remain tidy and free blooming for a long time. It is not susceptible to pests or disease. It can be cut back to within a few inches of the ground in very early spring to rejuvenate foliage and flower growth. However, after 4 to 5 years, it may become woody and produce few flowers. At that time, you may wish to replace it with a young vigorous plant. Many autumn sage in The Arid Garden were cut back this way last March, and have been absolutely spectacular all summer and fall.

Another eye-popping salvia is the purple Mexican bush sage (Salvia leucantha). It is often referred to as a short-lived perennial, but the very large plant at the Arid Garden has been beautiful for at least 10 years or more. This salvia grows to 6 feet tall and wide, and needs extra water in spring and summer for a good appearance.

The tall spikes of fuzzy, bright indigo flowers rise over the gray foliage and are very attractive to hummingbirds. A tiny purple-flashing costa remains around The Arid Garden Mexican bush sage, adding even more color to the landscape there.

Rounded germander sage (Salvia chamaedryoides) is among the smallest. It matures at 1-2 feet tall but will spread at least 2-3 feet by underground runners. Its silvery leaves and brilliant blue flowers make for a colorful groundcover. This little sage looks great as a border plant or nestled in a rock garden.

Full sun, good drainage

Most sages prefer full sun and good soil drainage. Wet roots in winter mean less chance of surviving a freeze. For vigorous plants with full bloom, regular deep watering during dry spells is essential.

As has been previously emphasized, “soak; don’t sprinkle.” In early spring, apply slow-release or organic fertilizer.

If you prune your sage to rejuvenate or keep it in bounds, it is recommended to do so in late winter or very early spring. During the growing season, try to only pinch out branch tips lightly. If trimmed just prior to bloom season, flowers will be delayed and reduced.

There are many varieties of salvia, so next time a spot opens up in your landscape, why not chose one you prefer. Visiting butterflies and hummingbirds will be eternally grateful!

Mary Kidnocker is a Master Gardener who writes frequently about the subject from a local perspective. Her columns are featured each Sunday. She is currently president of The Green Valley Gardeners.