Bedding salvias

RHS Genus Guide

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.

Botanical name: Salvia

RHS / Neil Hepworth

Appearance

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

Preferences

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.

RHS Growing Guide

Growing guide

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How to grow salvias

RHS Recommended

Bedding salvias

mealy sage 'Strata'

Salvia farinacea 'Strata'

mealy sage 'Strata'

Height: 0.1–0.5 metres
Width: 0.1–0.5 metres

sage 'Red Arrow'

Salvia 'Red Arrow'

sage 'Red Arrow'

Height: 0.1–0.5 metres
Width: 0.1–0.5 metres

mealy sage 'Cathedral Sky Blue'

Salvia farinacea 'Cathedral Sky Blue'

mealy sage 'Cathedral Sky Blue'

Height: 0.1–0.5 metres
Width: 0.1–0.5 metres

scarlet-flowered sage 'Van-Houttei'

Salvia splendens 'Van-Houttei'

scarlet-flowered sage 'Van-Houttei'

Height: 0.1–0.5 metres
Width: 0.1–0.5 metres

mealy sage 'Victoria'

Salvia farinacea 'Victoria'

mealy sage 'Victoria'

Height: 0.1–0.5 metres
Width: 0.1–0.5 metres

mealy sage 'Farina Arctic Blue'

Salvia farinacea 'Farina Arctic Blue' (Farina Series)

mealy sage 'Farina Arctic Blue'

Height: 0.1–0.5 metres
Width: 0.1–0.5 metres

scarlet sage

Salvia splendens 'Scarlet Sage'

scarlet sage

Height: 0.1–0.5 metres
Width: 0.1–0.5 metres

Award of Garden Merit

Plants for pollinators

See all Bedding salvias