© RHS / Neil Hepworth

Introducing...

Bedding salvias

Botanical name: Salvia

A dramatic splash of easy summer colour, you’ll find these readily available in garden centres in late spring. Buy them in packs of small plants and plant out after the risk of frost has passed. Bedding salvias last well into the autumn, after which pull them out and fill gaps with winter bedding plants. Buy new plants each year.

Looks

Bold blocks of dense flowers in reds, purples, blues, whites and corals. Compact plants, 20–40cm (8–16in) tall.

Likes

Bedding salvias like plenty of sun, with protection from wind.

Dislikes

Bedding salvias will struggle to establish if not watered regularly at the outset, but they’re quite drought tolerant once well rooted in.

Did you know?

If the vivid hot colours of Salvia splendens aren’t for you, the cooler tones of Salvia farinacea may be a good alternative.

Growing guide

Bedding salvias we recommend

Useful advice

Bedding plants and displays

Bedding plants and displays

Container maintenance

Container maintenance

Containers: summer selection

Containers: summer selection

Deadheading plants

Deadheading plants

Growing plants in containers

Growing plants in containers

Get involved

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