Perennial Salvia

It’s no secret that I’m a real fan of perennial salvia. These plants can be real showstoppers in our Mississippi gardens and landscapes. Today Southern Gardening is at the South Mississippi Branch Station. There are some stunning selections growing in their trial beds. So Unplugged Blue salvia is an outstanding selection of mealy cup sage, Salvia farinacea. The bright blue flower spikes set just atop the dense, bright green foliage. This is the perfect size salvia for borders in the landscape standing 20-inches tall by 14-inches wide. A couple of hybrid salvia from the Rockin’ series are outstanding choices. Rockin’ Blue Suede Shoes salvia have crisp bright indigo blue flowers with dark black calyx. The deep green foliage is complementary to the tall spikes of blue flowers. Rockin Fuchsia produces tubular, bright fuchsia pink flowers and the deep purple black calyx that line the stems create a stunning show of color. When the flowers drop the deep purple black calyx leaves the look of flower spikes from a distance. This has an upright habit standing up to 22-inches tall. Amistad salvia produces a gaudy abundance of charcoal purple spikes displaying dramatic deep violet purple flowers. The large foliage resembles elongated hearts. Bolivian sage is a tropical salvia having cherry licorice red flowers that are fuzzy with little white hairs. This plant has large leaves and grows well in the hot days of late summer. Regular watering and fertilizing will keep these salvia in optimum condition for color, growth and performance. I’m horticulturist Gary Bachman and I’ll see you next time on Southern Gardening.