Salvia Varieties Thriving in Zone 9

Salvia leucantha (Mexican Bush Sage)

A perennial salvia, its velvety purple and white flowers bloom from late summer to frost, providing a much-needed nectar source when many other plants are past their prime.

Salvia 'Amistad' (Friendship Sage)

This variety sports deep purple flowers, a true spectacle that blooms from late spring until the first frost. Its large, two-foot spikes are a pollinator delight.

Salvia guaranitica 'Black and Blue'

Standing out with its striking blue flowers, it blooms from mid-summer to fall. This plant attracts hummingbirds like no other!

Salvia microphylla

'Hot Lips'

A unique bicolor salvia with red and white flowers that bloom from early summer to frost. Its bright colors and long flowering period make it a favorite of bees and butterflies.

Salvia coccinea

(Scarlet Sage)

A Florida native, this salvia variety sports bright red flowers and is a favorite of hummingbirds. It is also highly drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for those looking to conserve water.

Salvia 'Mystic Spires' This is a compact version of another favorite, 'Indigo Spires'. It flaunts rich, deep blue flowers from spring until the first frost and requires very little care once established.

Salvia 'Sallyfun

Blue Emotion' Showcasing stunning

sky-blue flowers, this variety blooms from late spring until frost and is a perfect pick for attracting bees and butterflies.

Salvia 'Saucy Wine': True to its name, this Salvia presents dark

wine-red flowers that bloom from spring to frost, acting as a beacon for hummingbirds.

Salvia 'Summer Jewel'

This series, available in red, white, and pink, is a favorite for its compact growth and early bloom time. Blooming from late spring through fall, it provides a long-lasting buffet for pollinators.

Why Salvias are Beneficial

A buzzing and vibrant garden isn't just an aesthetic delight; it's an indicator of a healthy ecosystem. By planting salvias, you're contributing to biodiversity, as they attract and support a multitude of pollinators. In the absence of these plants, many species of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds would struggle to find adequate food sources. Additionally, the benefits of pollinators extend to us humans too, as they play a crucial role in the pollination of many of the fruits, vegetables, and nuts we consume.

Planting and Care

Salvias are generally low-maintenance plants. They prefer well-draining soil and a spot in the garden that receives full sun to partial shade. Most varieties are drought-tolerant once established, making them an excellent choice for xeriscaping.

In conclusion, salvias are an excellent choice for gardeners in NE, Florida if you're looking to add a pop of color to your garden, attract pollinators, or simply cultivate an easy-to-care-for plant. Stay tuned for our next "Plant of the Week" feature!

Specifications

Genus: Salvia

Height: Range from 6" to 4'

Width: Range from 12" to 4'

Maintenance: Very Low

Light: Full Sun - Part Sun

Growing Zone: 4-10

Flower Color: Pink/White/Purple/Red/Blue

Fun Facts

1. At 900 species, Salvia or sage is the largest genus of plants belonging to the mint family.

2. Sage comes from the Mediterranean region, but -as a well-adapted plant- it has spread worldwide.

3. Salvia plants are known for their antioxidant effects and enhancing ‘ brain’ function