Salvias (ornamental sages) are a must in the summer garden. They come in a vast range of forms and colours, and their nectar-rich flowers are a magnet for bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects. They flower for months on end, often from midsummer until the first frosts, and many have aromatic foliage, too. The name ‘salvia’ derives from the Latin salveo, meaning ‘I heal’ or ‘I save’. The culinary herb, Salvia officinalis, was used as a healing plant by the Romans and ancient Greeks, and is part of the huge Salvia genus.
Salvias look good in almost all planting schemes. They are great in a mixed or herbaceous border and are ideal for underplanting roses – they begin flowering just as the roses are going over, and are said to keep mildew and black spot at bay. Some also look at home in a tropical or exotic planting scheme, alongside dahlias, bananas and cannas. Many salvias are ideal for a coastal garden and are often a key plant in a dry garden. They grow very well in pots, too, making long-lasting displays on the patio – check out this salvia, euphorbia and pelargonium pot.
The spikes of tubular, lipped flowers come in almost every colour imaginable, from white and pastel pink to deep purples, magenta, scarlet and electric blue. The size and appearance of salvias can vary greatly, and they can be divided into four main types:
Annual salvias such as Salvia farinacea, Salvia horminum and Salvia splendens are grown as vibrant summer bedding before being discarded at the end of the season.
Herbaceous perennial salvias such as Salvia nemorosa and Salvia x sylvestris are hardy and come back year after year. Cut these back after their first flowers fade in July for another display later in the summer.
Tender perennial salvias such as Salvia greggii and Salvia elegans can come back year after year, but are not completely hardy and may need protection over winter.
Shrubby salvias such as Salvia x jamensis and Salvia microphylla are sub-shrubs with woody stems. Most are hardy and some are evergreen in mild winters, but they may also need protection in winter.
Salvias are stunning flowering plants that come in a vibrant array of colors. With their long blooming period and relatively low maintenance requirements, salvias make excellent additions to both in-ground gardens and container plantings. One of the great benefits of growing salvias in pots is their versatility – you can move the pots around to position the salvias wherever you need a pop of color.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide tips on selecting the best salvia varieties for pots, preparing the right potting mix, choosing containers, and caring for your potted salvias throughout the seasons. Whether you’re new to container gardening or an experienced plant grower, read on for everything you need to know to successfully grow salvias in pots!
Choosing the Right Salvia Varieties for Pots
With over 900 species, salvias offer tons of diversity in terms of plant size, growing zones, bloom color, and more When selecting salvias for container growing, consider the following factors
Plant Size
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Compact varieties 12-24 inches tall are best suited for smaller pots. Some good picks are Salvia ‘May Night’, Salvia ‘Blue Bedder’, and Salvia ‘Dancing Dolls’.
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For larger pots, choose mid-sized varieties in the 2-4 feet tall range. Salvia ‘Amistad’, Salvia guaranitica, and Salvia leucantha work well.
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Avoid large, sprawling salvias that can exceed 4 feet tall They require frequent pruning to keep compact and are best suited for in-ground planting
Growing Zones
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Choose salvias suited for your hardiness zone so they can thrive outdoors year-round. Zone info is usually provided for perennial salvias.
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Tender perennial or annual salvias will need to be overwintered indoors in colder climates Check plant tags for details,
Bloom Color
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Select salvias in your favorite colors! Popular shades include blue, purple, red, pink, white, and multicolored blooms.
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For maximum impact, use salvias with contrasting or complementary colors near each other.
Sun Requirements
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Most salvias flourish in full sun (minimum 6 hours of direct sun daily).
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Some varieties tolerate partial shade but may bloom less. Give them the sunniest spot possible.
Preparing the Right Potting Mix
To grow their best, salvias require a very well-draining potting mix. Aim for a mix containing:
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1 part potting soil – provides nutrition and structure
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1 part perlite or builders sand – improves drainage
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1 part peat moss or coco coir – retains some moisture (optional)
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1 part compost – adds nutrients (optional)
You can buy pre-made cactus/succulent potting mixes or create your own by mixing the ingredients above. The potting mix should have a neutral to slightly alkaline pH of around 6.5-7.5. Most salvias dislike overly acidic soil.
Choosing the Right Container
Keep these tips in mind when selecting pots for your salvias:
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Pick containers at least 12-16 inches wide and deep for mature plants. Dwarf varieties can use smaller pots.
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Ensure pots have multiple drainage holes at the base. Good drainage is crucial.
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Porous terracotta, wood, resin, and wire mesh pots allow airflow to the roots. Avoid non-breathable plastic.
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Match pot color to complement your salvia’s bloom color for maximum visual appeal.
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Larger pots get very heavy. Opt for pots with wheels if they need to be moved frequently.
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Place pots up on “feet” or plant risers to improve drainage.
Caring for Potted Salvias
Give your potted salvias the proper care outlined below so they thrive season after season:
Sun and Location
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Place pots in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Morning sun is best.
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Shelter pots from hot afternoon sun in summer to prevent leaf scorch. Provide afternoon shade.
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Move pots to the sunniest indoor location if your climate gets too cold in winter.
Watering
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Allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Salvias are quite drought tolerant.
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When watering, soak the soil thoroughly until water drains from the pot’s base. Never allow pots to sit in water.
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Reduce watering frequency in winter but don’t allow pots to completely dry out.
Fertilizing
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Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once every 2-4 weeks during the active growing season.
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Avoid over-fertilizing which can cause leggy, weak growth prone to disease.
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Do not fertilize after September. This late growth is tender and susceptible to frost damage.
Pruning
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Pinch or trim back leggy stems by 1/3 throughout summer to encourage bushier growth.
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Prune any time except fall. Late pruning promotes new growth that won’t harden off properly before winter dormancy.
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Cut back perennial salvias to 6-12 inches tall in late winter before new growth begins in spring.
Overwintering
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Move containers to a sheltered spot before temperatures drop below freezing. An unheated garage or porch works well.
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Water sparingly over winter. The goal is to keep plants alive but inactive.
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Cut back on fertilizing. Only apply once or twice before dormancy.
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Bring containers indoors if temperatures will be below 25°F for extended periods.
Propagation
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Take 4-6 inch stem tip cuttings in spring or summer to root in water or moist potting mix. Transplant once rooted.
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Divide overgrown perennial clumps in early spring. Replant divisions in containers using fresh potting mix.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Salvias are generally quite robust plants but can occasionally run into issues:
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Powdery mildew – Promote air circulation. Avoid wet foliage. Apply neem oil as a preventative.
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Root rot – Allow soil to dry between waterings. Discard diseased plants to prevent spreading.
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Few blooms – Give more sunlight. Prune frequently. Avoid excess nitrogen fertilizer.
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Leggy growth – Prune more aggressively. Ensure full sun exposure. Space/thin plants to improve air circulation.
Enjoying Growing Salvias in Pots
Now that you’re armed with knowledge, it’s time to start planting! Growing salvias in containers is an extremely rewarding way to bring vivid color to patios, porches, and small gardens. Match the right salvia varieties to your climate, provide suitable growing conditions, and give them a bit of seasonal care. Soon you’ll have lush pots brimming with brightly-hued, bee-attracting blooms.
Watering Salvia in Pots
If placed outdoors, your potted salvia will be mostly dependent on rainfall. If your average weekly rainfall is 1” or more, your salvia will be quite happy. If you instead receive less rainfall, check the soil within your potted salvia for moisture and water accordingly.
Indoor potted salvia will need weekly or twice-weekly watering during spring-fall to ensure its roots have the sufficient amount of water needed to thrive. Soak your salvia and allow the excess water to drain away sufficiently. You can successfully monitor your salvia’s water needs by observing the leaves and checking the soil for moisture. During the winter, watering bi-weekly should be sufficient in keeping the roots watered while dormant.
Best Soil For Salvia in Pots
Salvia plants are quite adaptable and do well in many conditions. With this in mind, for the best results, it is best to start with a basic potting mix and mix with aged compost in a 50/50 ratio. Checking the pH and amending (if needed) to be within the range of 5.5 – 6.5 will provide the best environment for your salvia to thrive and bloom to its hearts desire.
Drainage is quite important, however potted salvia does tend to dry out a bit quicker than in-ground planted salvia. By ensuring your chosen planter has sufficient drainage holes on the bottom, first and foremost, you will eliminate most of the worry of submerged roots. Adding a thin layer of small stones on the very bottom of the container will allow proper drainage.
Mulching your potted salvia plants will ensure to keep the weeds at bay and help retain necessary moisture. You may choose to use pine straw, pine bark nuggets or shredded wood mulch. The type of mulch does not matter too much to the highly adaptable salvia!
All about Salvia! A great performer in the garden
FAQ
Do salvias like full sun or shade?
Most salvias prefer full sun and well-drained soils, but some will bloom well in part shade. Once established, most salvia species are quite drought-tolerant and require little care. Excessive water and fertilizer can increase fungal disease problems for salvias. Most salvias prefer slightly acidic soils.
What not to plant with salvias in pots?
Plants Not To Grow With Salvia
Impatiens and coral bells are plants that do not work well in a shared space with salvia. The care needs of these plants are too different from salvia, so the conditions that make one plant thrive would be detrimental to the others.