* photos taken on Oct 17 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
* photo of unknown internet source
* photo taken on Aug 15 2014 @ Druid Hill Park, Baltimore, MD
* photos taken on Oct 21 2014 @ Smithsonian Inst., Wash., DC
Salvia africana
A moderately fast-growing, long-lived, bushy, evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 8 x 4 feet, that is native to South Africa.
The leathery leaves, up to 1.7 inches in length, are gray-green.
The profuse, pale blue flowers, are borne in whorls over a long season during summer into late autumn.
The stems are hairy.
Hardy zones 9 to 10 ( tolerating as low as 20 F ) in full sun on fertile, well drained soil. Propagation is from softwood cuttings taken during spring.
Salvia apiana ( California White Sage )
Also called Bee Sage. A handsome, fast growing, rounded, medium-sized, evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 10 x 6.5 ( rarely over 6 ) feet, that is native to southwestern California.
The elliptical leaves, up to 4 inches in length, are silvery-white and covered in soft down.
The foliage is very aromatic.
The white to pale lavender flowers, are borne on loose whorls during mid to late spring.
The deep red stems are covered in fine white hairs.
Hardy zones 8 to 11, tolerating as low as 12 F ( 0 F as a perennial if the ground does not freeze ). California White Sage is extremely drought tolerant. It is more deer resistant than most species. Shear lightly after finished blooming, cut back old flower stalks to a set of buds.
Salvia argentea ( Silver Sage )
A short lived perennial forming a clump up to 5 x 3.5 feet that lives up to 4 years.
It is native to southern Europe.
The very large, toothed leaves, up to 10 x 6 inches, are woolly silvery-gray and the flowers are white with golden centers. This plant is generally grow for its impressive foliage and the white late summer flower spikes are removed. This coarse textured plant makes an excellent focal point.
Hardy zones 5 to 9 in full sun on well drained soil. Do not deadhead all flower spikes as self sowing will assure a continuing supply of this plant.
* photo taken on July 10 2013 in Howard Co., MD
Salvia arizonica ( Arizona Blue Sage )
A perennial, reaching up to 2 x 2.5 feet, that is native to coniferous mountain forests of Arizona.
The foliage is luxuriant glossy deep green.
The very abundant, small, purplish-blue flowers are borne during late spring into early summer, repeating during early autumn with sufficient soil moisture. The flowers are a magnet for hummingbirds and butterflies.
Hardy zones 6 to 9 ( possibly 5 on very protected sites ) in partial shade on light, well drained soil. Arizona Blue Sage is a great option for dry shade.. It is drought tolerant and resistant to rabbit and deer. It is also tolerant of the humid southeast.
Salvia atrocyanea
A thick-stemmed, tuberous, herbaceous perennial, reaching up to 10 x 3.5 feet, that is native to Bolivia. It may spread aggressively in mild climates.
The leaves are heart-shaped.
The intense bright blue ( bright green bracted ) flowers are borne on drooping spikes up to 8 inches in length, summer into autumn.
Hardy zones 7 to 11 in full sun, Propagation is from cuttings or seed.
Salvia aurea ( Golden Sage )
Also called Beach Sage and Salvia africana-lutea. A stiff, dense, evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 8 x 6 feet, that is native to coastal parts of South Africa.
The aromatic leaves, up to 2.5 inches in length, are gray-green.
The yellow ( fading to orange-brown ) flowers, are borne in whorls from early summer through late autumn.
Hardy zones 8 to 11
Salvia azurea ( Blue Sage )
A upright, large perennial, reaching a maximum size of 6.5 x 5 ( rarely over 5 ) feet, that is native to the central U.S. ( from southwestern South Dakota to Minnesota; south to south-central Texas to Tennessee ). It is endangered in South Dakota and North Carolina.
The ovate leaves, up to 6 inches in length, are gray-green.
The clear blue flowers are borne from late summer until autumn frosts. The flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies and bees.
Hardy zones 4 to 8 in full sun to partial shade on fertile, well drained soil. Heat and humidity tolerant.
Pinch during spring or cut back during early summer to encourage a sturdier, bushier plant or it may become floppy later during summer. Deer and rabbit resistant. Propagation is from seed, cuttings or division.
* photo taken on May 9 2024 in Elkridge, MD
* photo taken by Clarence A. Rechenthin @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
subsp. pitcheri
Also called subsp. grandiflora. Reaches up to 6.5 feet, with more densely-arranged, brighter blue flowers.
Salvia 'Bee's Bliss'
The hybrid of Salvia leucophylla & sonomensis. It is a fast growing, spreading, mounded, evergreen shrub reaching up to 2 x 8 feet.
The ovate leaves are rich gray-green.
The abundant, lavender-blue flowers are borne during spring.
Hardy zones 9 tp 10 ( est. ) in full sun on well drained soil. It is very drought tolerant.
Salvia blancoana
A small, evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum height of 3.5 feet, that is native to Gibraltar in southern Europe.
The downy leaves, up to 4 inches in length, are green.
The violet-blue or lavender flowers, up to 0.5 inches across, are borne in heads of up to 6 during summer.
Hardy zones 8 to 10
Salvia blepharophylla
A somewhat invasive spreading, shrubby perennial, reaching a maximum size of 2 x 4 feet.
The foliage is glossy deep green.
The scarlet red flowers are borne during early summer to mid-autumn.
Hardy zones 8 to 9 in full sun to partial shade.
'Painted Lady'
Reaches up to 2.1 x 2.5 feet.
The glossy foliage contrast nicely with the deep reddish stems.
The flowers, up to 1.3 inches long, are deep orange-red
Hardy zones 7 to 9
Salvia brandegeei
A long-lived, shrubby perennial, reaching up to 6 x 7 feet, that is native to the Channel Islands in southern California as well as northern parts of the Baja Peninsula.
The narrow leaves, up to 4 inches in length, are deep green above, downy white beneath.
The flowers are light lavender-blue
Hardy zones 8 to 10 in full sun on very well drained soil in Mediterranean climates only.
'Pacific Blue'
Deep lavender-blue flowers; otherwise identical to species.
Salvia buchananii
A low growing perennial, reaching up to 2 x 1.5 ( rarely over 1.5 ) feet in size. It is assumed to have already been extinct in the wild by the time it was discovered growing in gardens in Mexico City.
The small, ovate leaves, up to 2 inch in length, are leathery, glossy deep green.
The woolly deep red-purple flowers, up to 2 inches across, are borne summer into mid-autumn.
Hardy zones 8 to 9 in full sun to partial shade on acidic, humus-rich, well drained soil.
Salvia bulleyana
A perennial, reaching up to 3 x 3 feet, that is native to high mountain meadows in Yunnan Province in western China. It is closely related to Salvia glutinosa.
The corrugated, cordate-oblong leaves, up to 4 inches in length, are mid-green.
The velvety yellow and brown flowers, up to 1 inch long, are borne on spikes up to 12 inches long, during early summer.
Hardy zones 7 to 9 in full sun to partial shade on light, well drained soil.
Salvia campanulata
A tuberous, clumping perennial, reaching up to 3 x 3 feet, that is native to mountain meadows in the Himalayas ( from northern India to Yunnan & Zizang Provinces in western China; south to northern Burma ). It looks stunning planted in open woodland.
The cordate, broadly-ovate leaves, up to 7 x 5.5 inches in size, are bright green.
The pale yellow ( rarely pink or purplish-blue ) flowers, up to 1 inch in length, are borne on panicles up to 12 inches in length, during late spring to mid-summer.
Hardy zones 6 to 9 in full sun to partial shade on fertile, well drained soil that is moist during summer, dryish during winter.
Salvia canariensis ( Canary Island Sage )
A vigorous, upright, medium-sized, evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 7 x 10 feet, that is native to the Canary Islands.
The arrowhead-shaped leaves, up to 6 inches in length, are soft hairy and gray-green.
The lilac-pink ( with purple-red calyces ) flowers, up to 0.7 inches long, are borne during spring and summer, or in cooler climates all summer long.
The stems are densely covered in white hairs.
Hardy zones 9 to 11 ( dies back to roots at 15 F but will return in spring ) in full sun on very well drained soil. A deep watering every 2 or 3 weeks during summer is recommended to keep it growing luxuriantly. Mulch with straw to protect roots where temperatures may go below freezing in winter. Growing in a humid climate or a location with no air flow may result in fungal disease. Propagation is from cuttings which can be taken any time except winter or from seed.
Salvia castanea ( Chestnut-Leaved Sage )
A clumping perennial, reaching up to 3 x 2 feet, that is native to Tibet, Nepal and Yunnan Province in western China.
The toothed, corate, ovate or oblong leaves, up to 6 inches in length, are soft-hairy, glossy mid-green.
The purplish-red flowers, up to 1 inch in length, are borne on spikes up to 12 inches in length, during mid to late summer.
Hardy zones 6 to 8 in full sun on very well drained soil with abundant moisture during summer but is dryish during winter
Salvia chamaedryoides ( Germander Sage )
A fast growing, rhizomatous perennial, reaching up to 2.5 x 5 feet, that is native to mountain ranges in eastern Mexico.
The elliptical leaves do not exceed 0.3 inches in length. It is evergreen in mild climates.
The small, mid-blue flowers are mostly borne during early summer and early to mid autumn however may also occur mid to late summer if nights are not too warm.
Hardy zones 8 to 10 ( possibly 7 on protected sites ) in full sun on dry, well drained soil. Drought tolerant. Deadhead old blooms to extend flowering season.
* photo taken on Sep 3 2017 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
Salvia chamelaegnea
A dense, small, evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum height of 6.5 x 6 ( rarely over 4 ) feet, that is native to South Africa.
The leathery leaves, up to 1.5 inches in length, are bright green.
The foliage is aromatic.
The very abundant, bicolor, bright blue and white flowers, are borne on crowded whorls from early summer to late autumn.
Hardy zones 9 to 11, tolerating as low as 15 F
Salvia chiapensis ( Chiapas Sage )
A perennial, reaching up to 4 x 4 ( rarely over 2 x 2 ) feet, that is native to cloudforests in Chiapas Province in Mexico.
The elliptical leaves, up to 3 x 1.5 inches in size, are glossy olive-green.
The reddish-pink flowers are borne over a long season ( almost all year in mild climates ) .
Hardy zones 9 to 11 in full sun to partial shade.
Salvia clevelandii ( Cleveland Sage )
A fast growing, medium-sized, evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 7 x 8 ( rarely over 6 x 6 ) feet, that is native to dry brushland in California and the Baja Peninsula.
The wrinkled, toothed, oval leaves, up to 3 x 0.5 inches, are gray-green. The aromatic foliage is great for seasoning and making tea.
The whorled, fragrant, bright blue ( rarely white ) flowers, are borne on erect spikes during most of the summer ( sometimes extending into autumn ).
Hardy zones 8 to 10 in full sun on just about any well drained soil. Cut back by at least 1/3 after blooming during late summer to encourage a denser, sturdier habit.
* excellent video found on Youtube
'Pozo Blue'
Hardiest clone, hardy north to zone 7.
'Winifred Gilman'
Fast growing and compact in habit, reaching up to 6 x 5 ( rarely over 4 x 4 ) feet, with very deep blue flowers.
More drought tolerant.
Salvia coahuilensis ( Saltillo Sage )
A perennial, reaching up to 2.5 feet in height.
The abundant, deep reddish-purple flowers are borne early summer until autumn frost.
Hardy zones 9 to 11 in full sun on well drained soil.
Salvia coccinea ( Texas Sage )
A shrubby perennial, reaching up to 4 x 3 feet, that is native to the southeast U.S. ( from Texas to South Carolina; south to Mexico, Texas to Florida ).
The scallop-edged, triangular leaves, up to 2.5 inches long, are hairy, mid-green.
The scarlet-red flowers are borne all summer long. There exist cultivars with white or pink flowers.
The flowers are loved by hummingbirds.
Hardy zones 8 to 10 in full sun on moist, fertile, well drained soil. Very heat and drought tolerant. Can be grown as an annual in zones 5 to 7.
* photos of unknown internet source
* photo taken on Oct 23 2024 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Wash, DC
'Brenthurst'
Reaches up to 4 x 4 feet.
The flowers, up to 1.3 inches long, are light pink. The flowers appear all summer long and well into autumn.
'Cherry Blossom'
Shorter and more compact, with pink and white flowers.
'Lady in Red'
Shorter and more compact, with scarlet-red flowers borne on spikes up to 16 inches high over a long season.
* photo taken on Oct 25 2011 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Oct 2 2016 in Harford Co., MD
Salvia concolor
A huge, woody-based, tuberous perennial, reaching up to 20 x 3 feet, that is native to Mexico.
The toothed leaves are downy.
The intense mid-blue flowers are borne on spikes up to 20 inches in length, during late summer into autumn.
Hardy zones 8 to 11 in full sun to partial shade. Propagation is usually from cuttings. Can be prone to spider mites.
Salvia confertiflora ( Sabra Spike Sage )
A woody-based perennial, reaching a maximum size of 12 x 12 feet, that is native to Brazil. In very mild climates, it is sometimes a shrub. It reaches up to 3.8 x 2.9 feet where it is grown as an annual.
The attractive, wrinkled, scalloped, ovate leaves, up to 8 x 8 inches, are deep red at first, turning to deep green. The leaves are woolly beneath.
The bicolor red and orange-brown flowers, up to 0.5 inches long, are borne on dense, long spikes, up to 12 inches in length, during late summer to mid-autumn.
Hardy zones 9 to 11 in full sun to partial shade on moist, fertile, humus-rich, well drained soil.
Salvia daghestanica ( Daghestan Sage )
A perennial, reaching up to 1 x 1.5 feet in size, that is native to the Caucasus Mountains near the Black Sea.
The nearly white leaves form tight rosettes topped by showy, clear blue flowers borne on abundant spikes up to 1.5 feet high, during late spring.
Hardy zones 5 to 8 in full sun on very well drained soil, including clay. Drought tolerant. It prefers a mulch of pea gravel rather than organic matter. It also thrives in containers. Resistant to deer and rabbits.
Salvia darcyi ( Darcy's Mexican Sage )
A stoloniferous, slow spreading, tuberous, semi-woody based, herbaceous perennial, reaching up to 4 x 7 feet in height, that is native to around 9000 feet elevation in a tiny part of the Sierra Madre Mountains of northeastern Mexico.
The aromatic, triangular leaves are up to 2 inches in length. The foliage is hairy deep green.
The intense deep red flowers, up to 1.5 inch long, are borne on tall spikes, up to 1 ( rarely 2 ) feet in length, mid-summer to late fall.
Hardy zones 6 to 10 ( winter wetness rather than cold often kills in zone 6 to 8 ) in full sun. It prefers moderately moist, fertile, well drained soil, a deep weekly watering during summer is recommended. New shoots may be damaged by late spring frosts. It can be propagated from cuttings or separating offshoots from the parent plant.
Salvia desoleana ( Sardinian Sage )
An attractive, rhizomatous perennial, reaching a maximum size of 3 x 4 feet, that is native to the island of Sardinia in the Mediterranean Sea. It is critically endangered in the wild due to its extremely limited natural range of just a few populations.
The aromatic, large, ovate leaves, up to 8 x 6 inches in size, are hairy, mid-green. The white to pale lavender flowers are borne on an inflorescence up to 12 inches long. It blooms nearly all year in mild climates.
Hardy zones 8 to 10 in full sun on well drained soil.
Salvia discolor ( Andean Silver Sage )
A sprawling, evergreen perennial, reaching a maximum size of 4 x 5 ( rarely over 3 x 3 ) feet, that is native to Peru. It is best used in a container or old whiskey barrel where its stems can trail over the side.
The aromatic foliage is gray-green above, silvery-white beneath.
The deep blue to deep purple flowers, up to 1.2 inches long, with silver bracts are borne late summer into early autumn.
The wiry stems are white.
Hardy zones 9 to 10 ( tolerating as low as 25 F ) in full sun to partial shade on consistantly moist, well drained soil.
Salvia divinorum
A psychoactive plant reaching up to 3.5 feet that is native to the cloud forest regions of Mexico preferring moist shady locations and is intolerant of frosts.
Popular within Psychedelic Communities ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvia_divinorum )
Salvia dorisiana ( Peach Sage )
A densely branched perennial, reaching up to 5 x 5 ( rarely over 4 x 3 ) feet, that is native to Honduras.
The long, scented leaves are velvety.
The bright pink, tubular flowers, up to 2 inches in length, are borne during winter.
The flowers are loved by hummingbirds.
Hardy zones 10 to 12 in full sun.
Salvia dorrii ( Desert Purple Sage )
Also called Great Basin Blue Sage. A fast growing, woody-based, dense, small, semi-evergreen shrub, reaching up to 4 x 4 ( rarely over 3 x 3 ) feet, that is native to dry areas of the western U.S.
The attractive, finely hairy leaves, up to 0.7 x 0.4 inches in size, are silvery. The foliage is very aromatic.
The very showy, abundant, bicolor blue and purple flower spikes are borne during late spring into early summer. The flowers are very attractive to hummingbirds.
The stems are covered in fine hairs.
Hardy zones 3 to 9 in full sun on very well drained soil or sand. Very drought resistant, tolerating as little as 10 inches of average yearly precip. Prune lightly after flowering.
Salvia elegans ( Pineapple Sage )
A shrubby perennial, reaching up to 7 x 5 ( rarely over 6 x 3 ) feet, that is native to mountains of Mexico and Guatemala.
The finely-serrated, soft downy, ovate leaves, up to 4 inches in length, are light green.
The foliage has a pineapple scent when crushed.
The scarlet-red flowers are borne on whorls from spring through autumn ( summer until autumn frosts in cooler parts of its range ). The flowers are loved by hummingbirds.
Hardy zones 8 to 10. Drought tolerant yet also tolerant of hot humid summers of the southeastern U.S.. Propagation is from cuttings or division.
* photos taken on July 9 2024 in Columbia, MD
'Golden Delicious'
Reaches up to 3.7 x 4.8 feet. with intense golden-yellow foliage.
The deep red flowers have a yellow-green calyx
Hardy zones 9 to 10. Often grown as an annual in colder climates.
* photos taken on Aug 24 2017 @ U.S. Botanic Garden, Wash. DC.
* photo taken on July 13 2021 @ Hershey Gardens, Hershey, PA
'Scarlet Pineapple'
Larger flowers and more aromatic foliage.
The foliage is sometimes edged in red.
Salvia farinacea ( Mealycup Sage )
A fast growing perennial, reaching a maximum size of 4 x 4 feet ( smaller when grown as annual ), that is native to New Mexico and Texas as well as northern Mexico.
The narrow oval leaves, up to 3 inches in length, are silvery-green to glossy green.
The deep blue flowers, up to 0.5 inches long, are borne early summer until autumn frosts.
Hardy zones 7 to 10 in full sun ( tolerates partial shade ) on dry, fertile, well drained soil. Can be grown as an annual in zones 5 to 7.
* photo taken on July 13 2011 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Aug 2 2011 in Hyde Park, NY
* photo taken on Oct 21 2014 @ Smithsonian Inst., Washington, DC
* photo taken on Jul 25 2015 @ Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
* photo taken on July 13 2021 @ Hershey Gardens, Hershey, PA
'Blue Spike'
Very deep blue flowers.
'Cathedral Deep Blue'
Sturdy and compact in habit, reaching up to 2 x 1.7 feet in size.
The intense deep purplish-blue appear on spikes up to 4 inches in length, from early summer to mid-autumn.
* photos taken on June 23 2022 in Columbia, MD
'Cathedral Shining Sea'
Sturdy and compact in habit, reaching up to 2 x 1.7 feet in size.
The pale lavender-blue appear on spikes up to 4 inches in length, from early summer to mid-autumn.
* photo taken on May 14 2024 in Elkridge, MD
'Cathedral Sky Blue'
Sturdy and compact in habit, reaching up to 2 x 1.7 feet in size.
The bright sky-blue appear on spikes up to 4 inches in length, from early summer to mid-autumn.
* photos taken on Apr 29 2022 in Columbia, MD
'Cathedral White'
Sturdy and compact in habit, reaching up to 2 x 1.7 feet in size.
The pure white appear on spikes up to 4 inches in length, from early summer to mid-autumn.
* photo taken on May 14 2024 in Elkridge, MD
'Sirius Blue'
Compact in habit, reaching up to 16 x 16 inches in size, with abundant, intense bright blue flowers.
'Victoria'
Intense mid-blue flowers on a compact plant averaging 1.5 x 1 feet in size.
* photo taken on Aug 3 2014 @ National Zoo, Washington, DC
* photo taken on July 25 2015 @ Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
* photo taken on July 22 2019 in Baltimore, MD
'Victoria Blue'
Shorter with dark blue flowers.
* photo taken on July 26 2021 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on July 24 2023 in Columbia, MD
'Victoria White'
White flowers.
* photo taken on Aug 14 2024 @ Coventry Gardens, Windsor, ON
Salvia forsskaolii
A woody-based perennial, reaching up to 4.5 x 4 ( rarely over 3 ) feet, that is native to grasslands and deciduous forests in the Black Sea region in southeast Europe.
The large, hairy, cordate-ovate, gray-green leaves, up to 12 x 9 inches in size, form a low rosette.
The intense violet-blue flowers are borne on bold dense spikes early summer to mid-autumn.
Hardy zones 4 to 9 in full sun to partial shade on fertile, well drained soil. Cut back during late summer. Propagation is from seed sown during spring.
* photos taken on Aug 14 2024 @ Coventry Gardens, Windsor, ON
Salvia fulgens ( Cardinal Sage )
An evergreen shrubby perennial, reaching around 4 x 2.5 feet, that is native to pine-oak mountain woods in Mexico. In the tropics, it may become a woody shrub, reaching a maximum size of 13 x 10 feet.
The toothed, ovate to triangular leaves, up to 5 inches in length, are hairy mid-green above, downy white beneath.
The soft hairy, scarlet-red, tubular flowers, up to 2 inches in length, are borne in whorls on spikes up to 10 inches in length, during summer into autumn. Each spike may bear 2 to 6 flowers.
Hardy zones 9 to 10 in full sun on fertile, light, very well drained soil.
It prefers a warm site protected from excessive wind. Propagation is from softwood cuttings taken during mid summer or seed during spring.
* photo taken on Oct 17 2013 in Olney, MD
* photos taken on Oct 18 2019 in Ellicott City, MD
* photos taken on Oct 24 2020 in Ellicott City, MD
Salvia gesneriiflora
A shrubby perennial, reaching up to 2 x 1 foot, that is native from Mexico to Columbia. In the tropics, it may become a large woody shrub or even a small tree, reaching a maximum size of 25 x 8 feet!
The wrinkled, toothed, ovate leaves, up to 4 inches in length, are hairy and green.
The orange-red flowers, up to 2 inches in length, are borne on spikes up to 8 inches in length, from summer through autumn.
Hardy zones 9 to 10 in full sun.
'Tequila'
Large shrub with scarlet-red ( with black calyx ) flowers.
Salvia glutinosa
A perennial, reaching up to 4 x 3 ( rarely over 3 ) feet, that is native to moist, deciduous woodlands from the European Alps to the Caucasus; south to Turkey to northern Iran. Salvia nubicola is very similar but is native to central Asia.
The leaves are toothed and narrowly heart-shaped.
The bright yellow flowers are borne late summer to autumn frosts.
Hardy zones 5 to 8 in partial shade on moist, fertile, well drained soil. Propagation is from seed sown during spring.
Salvia greggii ( Autumn Sage )
A fast growing, perennial to shrub, reaching up to 6 x 6 ( rarely over 3 x 3 ) feet, that is native to mountains from southwest Texas to San Luis Potosi in Mexico. It frequently hybridized with Salvia microphylla where both are present.
The leathery, narrow-elliptic, small leaves are aromatic. The foliage is deep green. In mild climates it is evergreen.
The scarlet-red flowers, up to 1 inch in length, are borne late spring until autumn frosts. As an annual, it blooms late summer through autumn. The flowers attract hummingbirds.
Hardy zones 7 to 11 in full sun to partial shade on humus-rich, very well drained soil. It prefers regions with low humidity but will survive in the more humid eastern U.S. It can be grown as an annual in zone 6. Drought, rabbit and deer resistant. Deadhead old flower spikes or shear back after blooming to maintain attractive habit. Propagation is from cuttings and plants may become woody and need to be replaced after 5 years.
* photos taken on Oct 17 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
* photo taken on June 28 2012 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken @ Smithsonian Inst, Wash., DC on Aug 25 2014
* photo taken @ U.S. Botanical Garden, Wash., DC on Aug 25 2014
* photo taken on Oct 21 2014 @ Smithsonian Inst., Wash., DC
* photo taken on Oct 1 2016 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Oct 2 2016 in Harford Co., MD
* photo taken on Aug 21 2017 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Aug 4 2021 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Washington, DC
'Alba'
White flowers; otherwise identical to species.
'Arctic Blaze Fuchsia'
Reaches up to 1.4 x 1.5 feet in one year, eventually to 2.3 x 4 ( rarely over 2 x 3 ) feet.
The oblong leaves are up to 1.7 x 0.3 inches in size.
It bears intense deep reddish-pink ( with green calyx ) flowers, up to 1 inch long, from late spring through autumn.
Hardy zones 6 to 9
* photos taken on Sep 29 2022 in Columbia, MD
'Arctic Blaze Purple'
Reaches up to 1.8 x 2.7 feet in 2 years, eventually up to 2.3 x 4 ( rarely over 2 x 3 ) feet.
The oblong leaves average 1.6 x 0.6 inches in size.
It bears violet ( with deep purple calyx ) flowers, up to 1 inch long, from late spring through autumn.
Hardy zones 6 to 9
* photo taken on Sep 17 2023 in Burtonsville, MD
* photos taken on Aug 14 2024 @ Coventry Gardens, Windsor, ON
* patent photo
'Arctic Blaze Red'
Reaches up to 1.3 x 1.3 feet in 1 year, eventually to 2.3 x 4 ( rarely over 2 x 3 ) feet.
The oblong leaves average 1.6 x 0.6 inches in size.
It bears intense scarlet-red flowers, up to 1.2 inches long, from late spring through autumn.
Hardy zones 6 to 9
* photos taken on May 6 2018 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on May 29 2018 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on July 4 2018 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Aug 21 2018 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Sep 26 2018 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Oct 29 2018 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Oct 7 2019 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on June 17 2020 in Columbia, MD
* patent photo
'Big Pink'
Reaches up to 3.3 x 3 feet, with large violet-pink flowers from late spring to mid summer, repeating during most of autumn.
The foliage is very glossy mid-green.
Hardy zones 7 to 10.
* photo taken @ U.S. Botanical Garden, Wash., DC on Aug 25 2014
'Cold Hardy Pink'
A shrubby perennial, reaching up to 20 inches x 2 feet, with intense pink flowers borne over a long season lasting from late spring into autumn.
It is hardier than regular Salvia greggii, established plants are hardy north into zone 6 ( tolerating -10 F ).
'Dark Dancer'
Reaches up to 4 x 4 ( rarely over 3 ) feet.
It bears raspberry-pink ( with light pink calyx ) flowers, up to 1.4 inches long, abundantly during spring then sporadically during summer.
Hardy zones 7 to 10
* photo taken on May 27 2017 @ Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Vienna, VA
'Furmans Red'
Fast growing and upright, up to 3 x 2 feet in size.
The deep red ( with purple calyx ) flowers are up to 1 inch in length.
Hardy north to zone 6 as a perennial on protected sites.
* photo taken on Aug 4 2012 in Bayfield, Ontario
* photo taken on June 6 2017 in Elkridge, MD
'Grace Red'
Reaches up to 2.3 x 2.8 feet.
The flowers are hot-pink with a purplish-pink calyx.
Hardy zones 6 to 9
'Heatwave Blaze'
Fast growing and compact in habit, reaching up to 1.8 x 1.6 feet in the first year, eventually to 3 x 3 feet.
The obovate leaves are up to 2.4 x 1.2 inches in size.
The abundant deep red flowers, up to 1.1 x 0.7 inches in size, are borne on spikes, up to 4 x 2.3 inches in size, during late spring through autumn. It can bloom nearly the entire year in mild climates.
Hardy zones 6 to 10, it is more humidity tolerant than many cultivars.
* photo taken on 2012 in Columbia, MD
'Heatwave Glimmer'
Fast growing and compact in habit, reaching up to 1.8 x 1.6 feet in the first year, eventually to 2.5 x 3 feet.
The obovate leaves are up to 2.4 x 1.2 inches in size.
The abundant, creamy-white flowers, up to 1.1 x 0.7 inches in size, are borne on spikes, up to 4 x 2.3 inches in size, are borne late spring through autumn. It can bloom nearly the entire year in mild climates.
Hardy zones 6 to 10, it is more humidity tolerant than many cultivars.
* patent photos
'Heatwave Surprise'
Fast growing and compact in habit, reaching up to 1.8 x 1.6 feet in the first year, eventually to 2.5 x 3 feet.
The obovate leaves are up to 2.4 x 1.2 inches in size.
The abundant, purplish-pink flowers, up to 1.1 x 0.7 inches in size, are borne on spikes, up to 4 x 2.3 inches in size, are borne late spring through autumn. It can bloom nearly the entire year in mild climates.
Hardy zones 6 to 10, it is more humidity tolerant than many cultivars.
* photo taken on 2012 in Columbia, MD
'Mirage Blue'
Moderate growing and compact, upright in habit, reaching up to 1.1 x 1.6 feet in 1 season, eventually to 1.8 x 2.9 feet
The elliptical leaves are up to 1.8 x 1 inches in size. The foliage is mid-green.
The flowers, up to 1 inch long, are intense purplish-blue. They appear mid-spring through late summer.
Hardy zones 6 to 9
* patent photo
'Mirage Burgundy'
Moderate growing and compact, upright in habit, reaching up to 1.3 x 1.2 feet during first season, eventually to 2.4 x 3 feet
The elliptical leaves are up to 1.8 x 1 inches in size. The foliage is mid-green.
The flowers, up to 1.3 inch long, are magenta-pink. They appear mid-spring through late summer.
Hardy zones 6 to 9
* photo taken on July 5 2021 in Elkridge, MD
* patent photo
'Mirage Cream'
Moderate growing and compact, upright in habit, reaching up to 1.8 x 1.8 feet
The elliptical leaves are up to 1.8 x 1 inches in size. The foliage is mid-green.
The flowers, up to 1 inch long, are creamy-white with a deep purple calyx. They appear mid-spring through late summer.
Hardy zones 6 to 9
'Mirage Cherry Red'
Moderate growing and compact, upright in habit, reaching up to 1.7 x 2,5 feet
The elliptical leaves are up to 1.8 x 1 inches in size. The foliage is mid-green.
The flowers, up to 1 inch long, are deep red with a deep purple calyx. They appear mid-spring through late summer.
Hardy zones 6 to 9
* photo taken on May 29 2020 in Elkridge, MD
* photo taken on June 19 2020 in Elkridge, MD
* photo taken on Nov 10 2020 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD
* photo taken on Apr 24 2024 in Elkridge, MD
* photo taken on May 6 2024 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD
* photo taken on May 29 2024 in Elkridge, MD
'Mirage Deep Purple'
Moderate growing and compact, upright in habit, reaching up to 1.7 x 2.5 feet
The elliptical leaves are up to 1.8 x 1 inches in size. The foliage is mid-green.
The flowers, up to 1 inch long, are deep purple. They appear mid-spring through late summer.
Hardy zones 6 to 9
* photo taken on June 14 2024 in Burtonsville, MD
* patent photo
'Mirage Hot Pink'
Moderate growing and compact, upright in habit, reaching up to 2.1 x 3 feet
The elliptical leaves are up to 1.8 x 1 inches in size. The foliage is mid-green.
The flowers, up to 1 inch long, are hot-pink. They appear mid-spring through late summer.
Hardy zones 6 to 9
* photos taken on Oct 24 2023 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on May 6 2024 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD
'Mirage Pink'
Moderate growing and compact, upright in habit, in habit, reaching up to 1.7 x 2,5 feet
The elliptical leaves are up to 1.8 x 1 inches in size. The foliage is mid-green.
The flowers, up to 1 inch long, are hot-pink with a bronze calyx. They appear mid-spring through late summer.
Hardy zones 6 to 9
* photo taken on June 18 2019 in Columbia, MD
'Mirage Soft Pink'
Moderate growing and compact, upright in habit, reaching up to 1.8 x 2.9 feet
The elliptical leaves are up to 1.8 x 1 inches in size. The foliage is mid-green.
The flowers, up to 1 inch long, are deep pink with a reddish-bronze calyx. They appear mid-spring through late summer.
Hardy zones 6 to 9
'Mirage Rose Bicolor'
Moderate growing and compact, upright in habit, in habit, reaching up to 1.1 x 1.6 feet in 1 season, eventually to 1.8 x 2.9 feet
The elliptical leaves are up to 1.8 x 1 inches in size. The foliage is mid-green.
The flowers, up to 1 inch long, are a combination of rosy-pink and creamy-white. They appear mid-spring through late summer.
Hardy zones 6 to 9
* photo taken on Oct 6 2021 in Howard County, MD
* patent photo
'Mirage Violet'
Moderate growing and compact, upright in habit, in habit, reaching up to 1.1 x 1.4 feet in 1 year, eventually to 1.6 x 2.4 feet
The elliptical leaves are up to 1.8 x 1 inches in size. The foliage is mid-green.
The flowers, up to 1 inch long, are violet with a very deep purple calyx. They appear mid-spring through late summer.
Hardy zones 6 to 9
* photos taken on Apr 21 2019 in Elkrdige, MD
* patent photo
'Mirage White'
Moderate growing and compact, upright in habit,in habit, reaching up to 1.7 x 3.5 feet
The elliptical leaves are up to 1.8 x 1 inches in size. The foliage is mid-green.
The flowers, up to 1 inch long, are creamy-white with a pale green calyx. They appear mid-spring through late summer.
Hardy zones 6 to 9
'Purple Haze'
Reaches up to 2 x 3 feet with intense violet-purple flowers borne late spring into late autumn.
'Radio Red'
Moderate growing and upright in habit, reaching up to 3 x 3 feet.
The elliptical leaves are up to 1.6 x 0.7 inches in size.
The large, intense deep red flowers, up to 1.2 inches long, are borne from late spring to late autumn.
Hardy zones 7 to 9
* photo taken on May 16 2018 in Elkridge, MD
* patent photo
'Raspberry Delight'
Fast growing, reaching up to 3 x 4 feet, with deep green foliage and profuse, raspberry-red flowers.
Hardy zones 6 to 10 ( plant during spring only in cooler zones )
* photo taken on Aug 1 2014 in Elkridge, MD
'Red Letter'
Reaches up to 2 x 2.5 feet.
The flowers, up to 1 inch long, are deep red with a deeper red calyx.
Hardy zones 6 to 9
'Raspberry Royale'
Raspberry-pink flowers.
'Stormy Pink'
Fast growing and rounded in habit, reaching up to 5 x 5 feet.
The foliage is deep grayish-green.
The flowers, up to 1 inch long, are pale pink with deep purplish-red calyxes.
Hardy zones 8 to 10 ( 7 on protected site )
'Ultra Violet'
Is actually a fast growing cross between Salvia greggii & S. lycioides, reaching up to 1 x 1 feet in the first year, eventually to 3 x 3 feet.
The aromatic, finely cut foliage is deep green. The oblanceolate leaves are up to 0.8 x 0.3 inches in size.
The abundant, vivid violet-pink flowers are borne on spikes, up to 4 x 1.6 inches in size, from mid summer until autumn frosts.
Do not cut back until early spring or you may compromise cold hardiness.
Hardy zones 5b to 9 in full sun on very well drained soil.
'Wild Thing'
Very fast growing, reaching up to 3.3 x 3 feet, with aromatic, deep green, semi-evergreen foliage and spectacular intense rosy-pink flowers borne early summer thru mid autumn.
Hardy zones 6 to 9, it even tolerates winters in milder parts of the midwest.
Very drought tolerant and rarely bothered by pests or disease.
* photo taken on Sep 8 2017 in Columbia, MD
Salvia guaranitica ( Anise-Scented Sage )
A suckering, clumping perennial, reaching up to 8 x 5 ( typically half that ) feet, that is native to South America from Brazil; south to Paraguay to Argentina. It is completely herbaceous or deciduous during winter in cooler climates. Fast growing, it can reach up to 5 feet in a single year. In mild climates, it can spread aggressively.
The aromatic, hairy heart-shaped leaves, up to 6 x 3 inches in size, are deep green.
The intense mid-blue flowers, up to 2 inches long, are borne on branched spikes up to 10 inches in length, from early summer until autumn frost.
Hardy zones 8b to 11 ( 7 & 8a on very protected sites with pine needle or straw mulching during winter ) in full sun on humus-rich, very well drained soil. A deep weekly watering is recommended during summer to keep plants growing luxuriantly. Pinch in early summer to encourage dense habit. Propagation is from cuttings taken during autumn or division.
* photo taken on Sep 3 2012 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on July 10 2013 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken @ Smithsonian Inst, Wash., DC on Aug 25 2014
* photos taken on Aug 25 2014 @ U.S. Botanical Garden, Wash., DC
* photo taken on May 27 2017 @ Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Vienna, VA
* photos taken on Nov 10 2020 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD
'Amante'
An annual, reaching up to 4 x 3.5 feet, it can reach up to 5 x 5 feet as a perennial in zones 9+.
The foliage is deep green.
The flowers are intense reddish-pink contrasting with reddish-black calyxes.
'Black and Blue'
Very large, reaching up to 10 x 6 ( rarely over 5 ) feet, with large, blue ( with black calyx ) flowers, up to 1.6 inches long.
The foliage is very hairy.
May be slightly hardier than species.
* photos taken on July 13 2014 in Elkridge, MD
* photo taken on July 11 2014 @ Smithsonian Inst., Wash., DC
* photo taken on Aug 15 2014 @ Druid Hill Park, Baltimore, MD
* photos taken @ Smithsonian Inst, Wash., DC on Aug 25 2014
* photo taken @ U.S. Botanical Garden, Wash., DC on Aug 25 2014
* photos taken on June 29 2016 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Aug 16 2020 in Columbia, MD
'Blue Enigma'
Shorter in height ( rarely 5.5 feet ) but still forming a large clump, with deep blue ( with green calyces ) flowers borne earlier. The foliage is glossy mid-green.
Hardier than species, tolerating as low as low 10 F.
'Costa Rica Blue'
Evergreen, reaching a maximum size of 8 x 7 feet. It can reach up to 5 feet during the first season.
Intense violet-blue ( with yellowish-green calyces ) flowers are borne spring through autumn.
The heart-shaped leaves are luxuriant green.
Hardy north to zone 7 as a perennial.
* photos taken @ U.S. Botanical Garden, Wash., DC on Aug 25 2014
'Omaha Gold'
Reaches up to 7 feet in height, with attractive foliage that is boldly margined golden-yellow.
The flowers are purple.
* photo taken on Oct 2 2014 in Elkridge, MD
'Rhythm and Blues'
Forms a fast growing, dense clump up to 3 feet tall that can be up to 9 feet across in as little as 4 years.
The leaves are up to 3.7 x 3 inches in size. The foliage is deep green,
The deep blue-purple flowers appear mid-summer until autumn frost.
Hardy zones 7a+
'Rockin Deep Purple'
An annual, reaching up to 3.3 x 2.5 feet, it can reach up to 6 x 10 feet as a perennial in zones 9+.
The leaves average 3 x 2.2 inches in size. The foliage is deep green.
The bright limey-green foliage contrasts nicely with the deep purple flowers.
* photo taken on July 13 2021 @ Hershey Gardens, Hershey, PA
* photos taken on July 26 2021 in Elkridge, MD
'Rockin Fuchsia'
An annual, reaching up to 3.3 x 2.5 feet, it can reach up to 6 feet as a perennial in zones 9+.
The leaves average 3 x 2.2 inches in size. The foliage is deep green.
The flowers are intense purplish-pink
* photos taken on Aug 14 2024 @ Coventry Gardens, Windsor, ON
* photo taken on July 10 2024 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD
‘Smokey Jazz’
An annual, reaching up to 3.3 x 3 feet, it can reach up to 6 feet as a perennial in zones 9+.
The foliage is glossy deep green
The intense deep purple flowers contrast with the black calyxes. The flowers appear late spring until autumn frost.
* patent photo
Salvia hians ( Himalayan Sage )
A clumping perennial, reaching up to 4 x 4 feet, that is native to the western Himalayas in Pakistan and Bhutan.
The cordate, broad-ovate leaves, up to 10 inches in length, are luxuriant mid-green.
The deep blue or violet flowers, up to 1.2 inches long, are borne on spikes, up to 12 inches long, during early summer into early autumn.
Hardy zones 6 to 9 in full sun to partial shade on moist, humus-rich, fertile, well drained soil. It is very heat and humidity tolerant.
Salvia hydrangea ( Hydrangea Sage )
A rhizomatous, densely-clumping perennial, reaching up to 2 x 2 feet, that is native to dry grasslands from northeastern Turkey to Armenia; south to Iran.
The attractive pinnately-lobed leaves are silvery gray. The 4 or 6 pairs of lobes are lance-shaped.
The purplish-pink flowers, up to 0.8 inches long, are borne during mid-summer.
Hardy zones 6 to 8 in full sun on dry, very well drained soil. It does not enjoy winter wetness and will often rot under such conditions.
Salvia indica
A perennial, reaching up to 3 x 2 feet, that is native to the Middle East. It often dies down during hot summer droughts to reappear during autumn.
The scallop-edged leaves are hairy gray. The foliage forms a mound of basal foliage.
The purple flowers are borne on tall spikes during spring.
Hardy zones 9 to 11
Salvia 'Indigo Spires'
A fast growing shrub, reaching up to 5 x 6.8 ( rarely over 4 x 4 ) feet, believed to have Salvia farinacea & S. longispicata parentage. It originated in 1979 and the Huntington Botanical Garden.
The ovate leaves are mid-green.
The deep violet flowers, up to 0.7 inches long, are borne on spikes up to 15 inches in length, from early summer until autumn frosts.
Hardy zones 9a to 11 ( 8b on protected sites ) in full sun on humus-rich, well drained soil with a weekly deep watering during summer. In zone 7 & 8 it can be grown as a perennial on a very protected site with a winter mulch of straw or in a large container that can be moved to a cool garage or protected site during winter where the roots won't freeze. Deadhead old flower spikes to encourage repeat blooming. Cut back hard to near base during late winter before new growth begins.
Salvia involucrata ( Roseleaf Sage )
A fast growing, upright, woody based perennial, reaching a maximum size of 7 x 7 ( rarely over 6 x 5 ) feet, that is native to Mexico.
The fleshy, ovate leaves are hairy purplish-green. The foliage is aromatic.
The purplish-pink or deep red flowers, up to 1.6 inches in length, are borne on terminal racemes during mid-summer to late fall.
Hardy zones 9 to 11 in full sun to partial shade on humus-rich, well drained soil preferring a weekly deep watering during summer. A mulch to retain soil moisture is recommended. Propagation is from seed, cuttings or division.
* photo taken on Oct 23 2024 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Wash, DC
'Bethelli
Suckering and more compact with large, cordate leaves and pink flowers.
Salvia x jamensis
A group of hybrids between Salvia greggii & S. microphylla, oringinating in the high Sierra Madre Mountains in the province of Coahuila in Mexico. It is a rounded shrub, usually reaching 3 x 3 feet.
The small, ovate leaves, up to 1 inch in length, are glossy deep green.
The flower color can be found in scarlet-red but less often white, yellow, salmon-pink, deep pink and orange. The flowers appear early summer until autumn frosts, if plants are deadheaded.
Hardy at least north to zone 9a ( reports of 7b ) in full sun on a humus-rich, very well drained soil. A deep watering is recommended weekly during summer to keep plants growing luxuriantly.
'Fuego'
Fiery scarlet-red flowers.
'Maraschino'
Reaches up to 3 x 3.6 feet with intense deep red flowers from early summer well into autumn.
Has superior cold hardiness ( to zone 6 )
Salvia jurisicii 'Blue' ( European Cutleaf Sage )
A perennial, reaching up to 2 x 1.5 feet, that is native to high mountains in Bulgaria, Macedonia, Yugoslavia and Greece. It makes for an excellent container plant.
The very attractive, pinnate foliage is divided into narrow leaflets.
The foliage is gray-green to blue-green.
The blue ( white or violet on regular S. jurisicii ) flowers, up to 0.5 inches, are borne on abundant, plume-like flower spikes during late spring.
The flowers attract butterflies.
Hardy zones 4 to 8 in FULL sun on very well drained soil or sand.
During dry summers it can be watered deeply once a week or otherwise it goes dormant to reappear the following spring. Rabbit and deer resistant.
Salvia koyamae ( Japanese Yellow Sage )
A vigorous, spreading perennial, reaching up to 2.7 x 6 ( rarely over 2 ) feet in size, that is native to mountain woodlands and meadows of Honshu Island of Japan where it is rare.
The toothed leaves, up to 8 x 6 inches in size, are luxuriant bright green.
The pale yellow flowers, up to 0.8 inches long, are borne mid-summer through mid-autumn.
Hardy zones 4b to 8 in moderate to dense shade on fertile, humus-rich soil. It thrives in the hot humid summers of eastern North America including the southeast, it also thrives in the Pacific Northwest but grows slower.
* photos taken @ Smithsonian Inst, Wash., DC on Aug 25 2014
Salvia lavendulifolia ( Spanish Sage )
A low growing, shrubby perennial, reaching up to 15 inches x 3 feet in size. It is clippable and can be used for edging.
The narrow, silvery foliage is aromatic. The leaves can be used in cooking in the same way as Salvia officinalis.
The flowers are violet-blue.
Hardy zones 8b to 10.
Salvia leucantha ( Mexican Bush Sage )
Also called Velvet Sage. A fast growing, perennial to spreading shrub, reaching up to 6 x 8 ( averaging 3 x 4 ) feet, that is native to montane conifer forests in central and eastern Mexico as well as Central America. Some records include: 1 year - 3 x 3 feet; 2 years - x 4 feet. The purple blooming cultivars combine well with sunflowers.
The wrinkled, lance-shaped leaves, up to 6 inches long, are borne on woolly stems. The foliage is dull green above, thickly felted white beneath.
The purple or white ( with purple calyces ) flowers are borne on woolly spikes, up to 10 inches long, during late summer and early autumn.
The stems are soft hairy white.
Hardy zones 6 to 11 ( 9 to 11 as a shrub - freezes to ground at 25 F ) in full sun to partial shade on fertile, well drained soil. In zone 6 and 7 it should be planted against a south facing wall with a deep winter mulch of straw. Drought tolerant yet also tolerant of hot humid summers of the southeastern U.S.. Pest and disease resistant.
* photo taken on Aug 27 2011 @ Scott Arboretum, Swarthmore College, PA
* photo taken on Aug 30 2012 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Aug 25 2013 @ University of Maryland, College Park
* photo taken on Sep 3 2017 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
* photos taken on Nov 10 2020 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD
'All Purple'
Slightly more wood hardy than species, with purple flowers; otherwise similar.
* photo taken on Nov 10 2021 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD
'Danielle's Dream'
Similar to species except for flowers that are rose-pink with white calyxes.
'Midnight'
Fast growing, reaching up to 5.5 x 7.5 + feet, with deep purple flowers.
Prune hard yearly for better blooming.
* photos taken on Oct 21 2014 @ Smithsonian Inst., Washington, DC
* photo taken on Aug 14 2024 @ Coventry Gardens, Windsor, ON
Salvia leucophylla ( Chaparrel Sage )
A fast growing, dense, rounded, evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 8 x 15 ( rarely over 6 x 10 ) feet, that is native to dry hillsides in California. In colder climates, it may be a woody based perennial, reaching up to 3 x 5 feet.
The handsome, hairy, whitish-gray leaves, are up to 3 inches in length.
The pinkish-purple flowers, are borne in whorled clusters up to 8 inches long, during late spring to mid-summer.
Hardy zones 7 to 10 ( tolerating as low as 0 F ) in full sun to partial shade on well drained soil. It requires 12 + inches of yearly rainfall. Tolerant of clay and salt spray.
'Point Sal'
Fast growing, reaching up to 6 x 12 feet though usually under 3 feet in height.
The aromatic foliage is bright green at first, later turning to silvery-white.
Cut back every 2 years.
Salvia lyrata ( Lyreleaf Sage )
A perennial, reaching up to 3 x 1.5 feet, that is native to open upland woods in the eastern U.S. ( eastern Kansas to central Indiana to Connecticut; south to eastern Texas to central Florida ).
The leaves are up to 8 inches in length.
The violet flowers are borne late spring to early summer.
The flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
Hardy zones 5 to 9 in full sun to partial shade on well drained soil. Deer resistant.
* photos taken on Apr 23 2017 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD
* photo taken on May 6 2024 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD
* photo taken by Clarence A. Rechenthin @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
'Purple Knockout'
A moderate growing perennial reaching up to 24 x 16 inches with leaves, up to 8 inches that are very glossy black-purple all season long.
White flowers.
Hardy north to zone 5 in sun to partial shade. Drought tolerant
* photo taken on May 16 2011 in Washington, D.C.
* photo taken on May 17 2014 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on July 8 2014 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on on Sep 1 2014 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on May 27 2017 @ Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Vienna, VA
* photo taken on May 22 2024 in Columbia, MD
Salvia madrensis ( Forsythia Sage )
A vigorous, spreading, shrubby perennial, reaching a maximum size of 10 x 6.5 ( rarely over 5 x 5 north of zone 10 ) feet, that is native to Mexico. It is known to reach up to 7 feet in one season.
The leaves, up to 6 inches in length, are bright green.
The large, yellow flowers are borne on spikes up to 12 inches in length, from early autumn until autumn frosts.
Hardy zones 9 to 11 in full sun to partial shade, it is tolerant of heat and humidity in the southeastern U.S.
* photo taken on Aug 24 2017 @ U.S. Botanic Garden, Wash. DC.
* photo taken on Oct 23 2024 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Wash, DC
'Dunham'
Reported to be hardy north to zone 8; otherwise very similar.
'Red Neck Girl'
Deep yellow flowers borne on large panicles atop deep reddish-purple stems, appear slightly earlier than the species.
The fuzzy foliage is silvery-green.
Salvia 'Maraschino' ( Maraschino Bush Salvia )
A fast growing, shrubby perennial, reaching a maximum size of 4 x 20+ ( usually 3 x 3 ) feet, that is the hybrid between Salvia grahamii and S. microphylla.
The narrow leaves are mid-green. The foliage is evergreen to about 15 F.
The intense scarlet-red flowers are produced heavily during late spring, sporadically during summer then profusely throughout autumn.
The flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
Hardy zones 6 to 10 in full sun to partial shade ( partial shade preferred where very hot ) on humus-rich, very well drained soil. A weekly deep watering is recommended in dry summer climates. Thrives in both the eastern and western U.S. and is both deer and rabbit resistant.
Salvia melissodora ( Grape Scented Sage )
An evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 8 x 6 feet, that is native to
The wrinkled, heart-shaped leaves are gray-green. They resemble that of Salvia officinalis. The foliage is aromatic.
The purple-blue flowers, are borne on spikes over a long season lasting from mid spring through mid autumn.
Hardy zones 9 to 11, tolerating as low as 20 F.
Salvia mellifera ( Black Sage )
Also called Honey Sage. A fast growing, evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 7 x 6.5 ( rarely over 4.5 ) feet, that is native to coastal California.
The wrinkled leaves are mid-green. The foliage is very aromatic.
The small, pale lavender ( sometimes white ) flowers, are borne during spring.
Hardy zones 7 to 11 in full sun to partial shade, thriving in Mediterranean climates with as little as 10 inches of yearly rainfall. Stem tips can be pinched to encourage denser habit.
'Tera Seca'
A fast growing, low, spreading form, reaching up to 2 x 8 feet. It makes a great groundcover.
The foliage is rich green.
The flowers are white.
Salvia mexicana ( Mexican Sage )
A perennial, reaching up to 7 ( rarely over 5 ) feet in height, that is native to southern Mexico.
The flowers are borne during late summer to late autumn.
Hardy zones 8 to 11 ( tolerating 10 F ) in full sun on moist, fertile, humus-rich, well drained soil. Stem tips should be pinched early in the season for a compact plant.
'Limelight'
Reaches up to 8 x 6 feet in size.
It features intense violet-blue flowers, up to 1.7 inches long, that contrast nicely with the yellow-green calyces.
May survive winter in zone 7 on protected, very well drained site such as against a wall.
Salvia microphylla ( Little-Leafed Sage )
Also called Salvia grahamii. A moderate growing, dense, shrubby perennial, reaching a maximum size of 5 x 8 ( rarely over 4 x 3 ) feet, that is native to pine-oak mountain woods in the southern U.S. and Mexico. Some records include: 10 years - 5 x 8 feet. It is a close relative of Salvia greggii.
The aromatic, toothed, triangular leaves, up to 1.7 inches in length, are lightly hairy. The deep green foliage is evergreen in mild climates.
The abundant, scarlet-red ( fading to purplish-pink with age ), tubular flowers, up to 1.5 inches, are borne on racemes during summer through autumn. They may flower over as season lasting up to 6 months.
The young stems are soft and reddish.
Hardy zones 8 to 10 in full sun on light, very well drained soil. It prefers a site protected from excessive wind. Very drought tolerant and does not enjoy winter wetness. Propagate from softwood cuttings during mid summer.
* photo taken on June 23 2013 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC
* historical archive photos
* photo taken on Aug 25 2014 @ U.S. Botanical Garden, Wash., DC
'Belize Form'
Reaches up to 5 x 8 feet with bright green leaves borne on black stems.
The flowers are intense red.
Tolerates as low as 15 F.
'Coral'
Flowers are deep salmon-pink.
'Hot Lips'
Fast growing, reaching up to 4 x 6 feet, with very showy red and white flowers, up to 1 inch long.
Possibly hardier, north to zone 7.
'Huntington Red'
Intense scarlet-red flowers.
'Kew Red'
Deep red flowers.
'La Foux'
Shrubby with oval, glossy green foliage borne on purple stems. The flowers are intense deep pink.
'La Trinidad Pink'
Reaches up to 2.4 x 4 feet.
Intense purplish-pink ( with gray calyx ) flowers, up to 1 inch long.
Hardy zones 7 to 10
var neurepia
Larger in size, reaching a maximum height of 7 feet, with larger, aromatic, thin, glossy mid-green leaves.
The flowers are red.
Hardy north to zone 7.
'Newby Hall'
Fast growing, reaching a maximum height of 7 feet, and living up to 30 years or more.
The leaves are also larger, up to 3 inches in length.
Intense red flowers.
'Pink Blush'
Large purplish-pink flowers.
'San Carlos Festival'
Reaching up to 2 x 3+ feet, with deep red flowers borne over a very long season.
Hardy zones 7 to 9
* photo taken on June 23 2013 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC
* photo taken on Oct 23 2024 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Wash, DC
Salvia muelleri ( Royal Purple Autumn Sage )
A moderate growing, dense, shrubby perennial, reaching a maximum size of 3 x 3 feet. It is a close relative of Salvia greggii.
The aromatic, toothed, triangular leaves, up to 1.7 inches in length, are lightly hairy. The deep green foliage is evergreen in mild climates.
The abundant, intense rich purple, tubular flowers, up to 1.5 inches, are borne on racemes during summer through autumn. They may flower over as season lasting up to 6 months.
Hardy zones 8 to 10 ( 7 as perennial ) in full sun on light, very well drained soil. It prefers a site protected from excessive wind. Very drought tolerant and does not enjoy winter wetness. Propagate from softwood cuttings during mid summer.
Salvia multcaulis
A mat-forming perennial, reaching up to 6 inches x 3 feet, that is native to Turkey,western Syria and Iran. It makes a great groundcover for dry climates.
The attractive, broad-oblong leaves, up to 1.6 x 0.8 inches in size, are gray-green. The foliage can be used for cooking as is Salvia officinalis.
The violet-pink flowers are surrounded by large reddish-purple calyces during mid-spring to mid-summer. The flowers appear above the foliage on stems up to 1.5 feet.
Hardy zones 8 to 10 in full sun on dry, very well drained soil.
Salvia munzii ( San Miguel Mountain Sage )
A fast growing, upright, semi-evergreen, subshrub, reaching a maximum size of 5 x 4 feet, that is native to San Diego county in California. It is threatened with extinction in the wild due to habitat loss but makes a great landscape plant.
The obovate gray-green.
The bright blue flowers are borne in whorls at the stem tips late winter to mid-spring.
Hardy zones 9b to 11 ( tolerates 20 F ) in full sun on very well drained soil. It is very drought tolerant but only remains green in summer with the occasional or monthly deep watering.
Salvia nemerosa ( Meadow Sage )
A fast growing, rhizome-spreading perennial, native from central Europe to the Caucasus; south to Turkey to Afghanistan.
The aromatic, obovate leaves, up to 5 inches in length, are gray-green to mid-green,.
They bear upright spikes of flowers during early summer then often repeating later if deadheaded. Some plants may bloom on and off from June until October if old flower spikes are removed. The flowers on the species is violet-blue with red-purple bracts however the cultivars some in a wide range of colors.
The flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
Hardy zone 3 to 7 in sun on well drained soil. It is tolerant of harsh climates, including Alberta, Canada. Clay tolerant and moderately drought tolerant. Deer and rabbit resistant.
DO NOT USE ON WET SHADY SITES ( where they grow lanky, flop over and look horrible ).
These are truly perennials for FULL SUN!!! If they look worn in mid summer, cut them back hard and fertilize to induce a new flush of growth and re-bloom. Deadheading helps encourage continuous bloom. Deer and rabbit resistant. Division can be done during early spring.
* photos of unknown internet source
'Adrian'
Reaches up to 2 feet in height with white flowers.
Drought tolerant.
'Amethyst'
Reaches up to 3.5 x 4 feet with lilac-pink flowers all summer long.
'Apex Blue'
Moderate growing and very dense, upright, reaching up to 1.5 x 1.5 feet.
The intense violet-blue flowers appear abundantly during late spring then repeating all summer long.
* photo taken on May 9 2024 in Elkridge, MD
* photo taken on June 7 2024 in Elkridge, MD
'Apex Pink'
Moderate growing and very dense, upright, reaching up to 1.5 x 1.5 feet.
The bright pink flowers appear abundantly during late spring then repeating all summer long.
* photo taken on May 9 2024 in Elkridge, MD
* photo taken on June 7 2024 in Elkridge, MD
'Blue By You'
Moderate growing and upright in habit, reaching up to 2 x 2 feet. It is actually a sterile hybrid between Salvia nemorosa and Salvia pratensis. The foliage is mid-green. The lance-shaped leaves are up to 5 x 1.8 inches in size.
The intense violet-blue flowers are borne on long spikes all summer.
* photo taken on Apr 20 2024 in Burtonsville, MD
'Blue Hill'
Reaches up to 2.5 x 3.5 ( rarely over 1.5 ) feet with very profuse, pure blue flowers throughout the summer, repeating during autumn if deadheaded.
The rough textured foliage is mid-green.
* photos taken on May 6 2010 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on May 26 2013 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on May 25 2018 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on May 18 2022 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on May 28 2023 in Columbia, MD
'Blue Marvel'
Moderate growing, very compact, dense and upright, reaching up to 1 x 1 foot.
The foliage is gray-green. The elliptical leaves average 3.6 x 1.5 inches in size.
The intense, bright violet-blue flowers appear late spring into early autumn.
* photo taken on May 3 2024 @ Kingston, PA
'Blue Queen'
Reaches up to 2.3 x 3 feet with violet-blue flowers late spring, repeating into early autumn if deadheaded.
Heat and drought tolerant.
* photo taken by Milan Havlis ( havlis.cz )
'Carradonna'
Reaches up to 2.5 x 3 feet with stunning, very dark bluish-purple flowers borne on purplish-black stems over a long season lasting from late spring to mid summer.
* photos taken on May 14 2012 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on May 27 2012 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on June 18 2013 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on May 12 2018 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on July 14 2016 in Tobermory, ON
* photo taken on May 17 2017 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on June 19 2023 @ Hershey Gardens, Hershey, PA
* photo taken on Apr 20 2024 in Burtonsville, MD
* photo taken on May 9 2024 in Elkridge, MD
'Chardonnay'
* photos taken on May 6 2010 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD
'Crystal Blue'
Forms a fast growing clump, up to 1.8 x 2.2 feetin 2 years, eventually slightly wider. The foliage reaches up to 1 foot in height.
The leaves are up to 5 x 2 inches in size. The foliage is gray-green.
It bears bright blue flowers on clusters up to 6 inches long, during late spring into early summer.
* patent photo
'Dear Anja'
Reaches up to 3.3 x 3 feet with medium blue flowers edged in white. The flowers are borne on spikes from late spring to mid-summer, repeating during autumn.
'East Friesland'
Reaches up to 3 x 3 feet with purple-violet flower spikes during late spring to early summer, repeating during early autumn if deadheaded.
It looks great combined with silvery foliaged Artemisia.
Thanks for sharing!
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