29 Popular Salvia Plant Varieties

Discover the beauty and versatility of Salvia Plant with this comprehensive guide to 29 popular varieties. From vibrant to subtle hues, drought-tolerant to moisture-loving types, find the perfect salvia for your garden.

Salvias, also known as sages, are a diverse group of plants that have captured the hearts of gardeners worldwide. With their vibrant colors, delightful fragrances, and low-maintenance nature, these plants are a true delight in any outdoor space. In this article, we’ll explore 29 popular salvia varieties that are sure to add beauty and charm to your garden.

1. Salvia splendens (Scarlet Sage)

This classic salvia variety is a true showstopper with its brilliant red blooms that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Scarlet sage is an annual that thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, making it a perfect choice for summer flower beds and borders.

2. Salvia farinacea (Mealy Cup Sage)

Mealy cup sage is a drought-tolerant perennial that produces delicate blue or white flower spikes. This variety is perfect for rock gardens, borders, and containers, as it requires minimal maintenance and can tolerate dry conditions.

3. Salvia guaranitica (Black and Blue Sage)

As its name suggests, this salvia variety boasts striking blue and black flowers that create a stunning contrast in the garden. Black and blue sage is a perennial that prefers well-draining soil and partial shade, making it an excellent choice for shaded areas.

4. Salvia microphylla (Baby Sage)

Baby sage is a low-growing evergreen perennial with delicate foliage and small, vibrant red or pink flowers. This variety is perfect for rock gardens, containers, and as a groundcover, adding a pop of color to any outdoor space.

5. Salvia elegans (Pineapple Sage)

Pineapple sage is a unique variety that not only produces beautiful red flowers but also has foliage that smells like pineapple when crushed. This perennial is perfect for herb gardens, borders, and as a container plant, offering both visual and aromatic appeal.

6. Salvia greggii (Autumn Sage)

Autumn sage is a drought-tolerant perennial that blooms in shades of red, pink, or white during the late summer and fall months. This variety is perfect for adding color to your garden when many other plants have finished blooming.

7. Salvia leucantha (Mexican Bush Sage)

Mexican bush sage is a striking perennial with velvety purple and white flowers that resemble furry tassels. This variety thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, making it a great addition to dry gardens and xeriscape landscapes.

8. Salvia coccinea (Texas Sage)

Texas sage is a vibrant annual that produces vibrant red or coral flower spikes throughout the summer months. This variety is a favorite among hummingbirds and butterflies, and it thrives in hot, sunny conditions.

9. Salvia chamaedryoides (Germander Sage)

Germander sage is a low-growing evergreen perennial with stunning blue or purple flowers that bloom throughout the summer. This variety is perfect for rock gardens, borders, and as a groundcover, offering year-round interest with its silvery foliage.

10. Salvia nemorosa (Meadow Sage)

Meadow sage is a hardy perennial that produces stunning spikes of purple, blue, or white flowers. This variety is perfect for borders, cottage gardens, and as a cut flower, offering long-lasting blooms from late spring to early summer.

11. Salvia hispanica (Chia)

Chia is a unique salvia variety that is grown for its nutrient-rich seeds, which are used in various culinary and health applications. This annual plant produces small purple or white flowers and thrives in well-draining soil and full sun.

12. Salvia apiana (White Sage)

White sage is a beautiful evergreen perennial with silvery-green foliage and white or pale purple flowers. This variety is widely used in smudging ceremonies and is also a great addition to drought-tolerant gardens and xeriscapes.

13. Salvia officinalis (Common Sage)

Common sage is a culinary herb with a long history of use in cooking and traditional medicine. This evergreen perennial produces purple or blue flowers and thrives in well-draining soil and full sun, making it a perfect addition to herb gardens and kitchen gardens.

14. Salvia involucrata (Rosebud Sage)

Rosebud sage is a stunning perennial that produces vibrant pink or red flowers that resemble rosebuds. This variety is perfect for borders, rock gardens, and as a cut flower, offering long-lasting blooms from late spring to early summer.

15. Salvia patens (Gentian Sage)

Gentian sage is a breathtaking perennial that produces large, deep blue flowers that resemble the gentian flower. This variety prefers partial shade and well-draining soil, making it an excellent choice for shaded gardens and woodland areas.

16. Salvia sylvestris (Meadow Clary)

Meadow clary is a tall perennial with striking violet-blue flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. This variety is perfect for adding height and structure to borders and cottage gardens, attracting bees and other pollinators.

17. Salvia verticillata (Whorled Sage)

Whorled sage is a unique perennial that produces small, delicate purple or white flowers arranged in whorls around the stem. This variety is perfect for rock gardens, borders, and as a cut flower, offering a delicate and airy appearance.

18. Salvia sclarea (Clary Sage)

Clary sage is a biennial or short-lived perennial that produces stunning pink, white, or lavender flower spikes. This variety is prized for its aromatic foliage, which is used in perfumes and aromatherapy, making it a great addition to herb gardens and fragrant gardens.

19. Salvia divinorum (Diviner’s Sage)

Diviner’s sage is a unique perennial that has been used for centuries in traditional Mexican ceremonies. This variety produces small, green or white flowers and thrives in well-draining soil and partial shade, making it a great addition to shaded gardens and containers.

20. Salvia purpurea (Purple Sage)

Purple sage is a stunning perennial that produces vibrant purple flower spikes throughout the summer months. This variety is perfect for borders, cottage gardens, and as a cut flower, offering long-lasting blooms and attracting pollinators.

21. Salvia argentea (Silver Sage)

Silver sage is a beautiful evergreen perennial with silvery-white foliage and white or pale pink flowers. This variety is perfect for adding texture and contrast to gardens, thriving in well-draining soil and full sun.

22. Salvia elegans (Pineapple Sage)

Pineapple sage is a unique variety that not only produces beautiful red flowers but also has foliage that smells like pineapple when crushed. This perennial is perfect for herb gardens, borders, and as a container plant, offering both visual and aromatic appeal.

23. Salvia dorrii (Desert Sage)

Desert sage is a drought-tolerant perennial that produces vibrant blue or purple flowers throughout the summer months. This variety is perfect for rock gardens, xeriscape landscapes, and dry gardens, thriving in well-draining soil and full sun.

24. Salvia viridis (Annual Clary Sage)

Annual clary sage is a unique annual that produces pink or purple flower spikes and aromatic foliage. This variety is perfect for herb gardens, borders, and as a cut flower, offering a delightful fragrance and visual appeal.

25. Salvia madrensis (Forsythia Sage)

Forsythia sage is a stunning perennial that produces bright yellow flowers that resemble forsythia blooms. This variety is perfect for adding a pop of color to borders, rock gardens, and as a container plant, thriving in well-draining soil and full sun.

26. Salvia leucophylla (Purple Sage)

Purple sage is a beautiful evergreen perennial with silvery-green foliage and striking purple flowers. This variety is perfect for adding color and texture to drought-tolerant gardens and xeriscape landscapes, thriving in well-draining soil and full sun.

27. Salvia regla (Mountain Sage)

Mountain sage is a beautiful evergreen perennial that produces vibrant red flowers throughout the summer months. This variety is perfect for rock gardens, borders, and as a container plant, thriving in well-draining soil and full sun.

28. Salvia spathacea (Hummingbird Sage)

Hummingbird sage is a stunning perennial that produces large, vibrant red flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. This variety is perfect for borders, cottage gardens, and as a cut flower, offering long-lasting blooms from late spring to early fall.

29. Salvia mexicana (Mexican Sage)

Mexican sage is a beautiful evergreen perennial that produces striking blue or purple flowers throughout the summer months. This variety is perfect for adding color and texture to drought-tolerant gardens and xeriscape landscapes, thriving in well-draining soil and full sun.

Choosing the right salvia variety for your garden depends on several factors, such as your climate, soil type, and desired color palette. Some salvias thrive in hot, dry conditions, while others prefer moist, well-draining soil. It’s important to research each variety’s specific growing requirements to ensure its success in your garden.

Salvias are not only beautiful but also incredibly valuable for attracting pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Many varieties are drought-tolerant, making them an excellent choice for water-wise gardening and xeriscaping. Additionally, several salvia varieties are edible or have culinary and medicinal uses, adding an extra layer of functionality to your garden.

When designing your garden, consider incorporating a variety of salvia plants to create a stunning and diverse display of colors, textures, and fragrances. Combine tall and short varieties, annuals and perennials, and complementary color schemes for a visually striking and harmonious garden.

Here are some Informative articles :

• Salvia Plant Varieties for Your Garden
• 30 Salvia Varieties to Grow in Your Garden
• Salvia: A Pollinator’s Paradise

Remember, gardening is an ever-evolving journey, and trying new plants is part of the fun. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different salvia varieties and find the ones that best suit your gardening style and local conditions. With their vibrant colors, diverse forms, and low-maintenance nature, salvias are sure to become a beloved addition to your garden, bringing joy and beauty for years to come.