33 Popular Types of Salvia Plants to Grow (2024)

Gardening

Flowers

Growing and Care Tips for Popular Salvia Varieties

• 01 of 33

  Red Salvia

  

  A familiar plant, red sage (Salvia spendens), also known simply as red salvia, is technically a tropical perennial, but it's more commonly grown as an annual. The species has bright scarlet flowers, but some cultivars offer white, salmon, pink, lavender, burgundy, and orange blossoms. These hard workers bloom from June to frost. Red sage is used so often that many people consider it dull, but, if you need to inject a splash of red into a sunny landscape, few plants outperform this one.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 10–11 (grown as an annual elsewhere)
  • Height: 12–24 in. tall
  • Light: Full, partial
  • Soil: Moist, well-drained, neutral to acidic
  • Flower Color: Red

• 02 of 33

  Mealycup Sage

  

  Mealycup sage(Salvia farinacea) comes in a variety of blue, purple, and lavender cultivars, including the popular 'Victoria Blue' and 'Evolution'. The former has genuinely blue flowers, which is somewhat unusual and thus highly desirable. Mealycup sage has an even longer bloom period than red salvia, producing flowers from May until frost.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 7–11 (grown as an annual elsewhere)
  • Height: 1–3 ft. tall
  • Light: Full, partial
  • Soil: Moist, well-drained, neutral to acidic
  • Flower Color: Blue, purple, lavender

• 03 of 33

  Texas Sage

  

  Texas sage (Salvia coccinea) is another red-flowered salvia, but there are also cultivars of it with pink and coral blooms. 'Summer Jewel Pink', one of the prettiest salvias, is a smaller plant (20 inches) that blooms with dainty but profuse flowers from late spring to early fall. It's most commonly grown as a perennial in warm climates but can also be used as an annual if seeds are started indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 8–10 (grown as an annual elsewhere)
  • Height: 1–2 ft. tall
  • Light: Full, partial
  • Soil: Rich, loamy, clay, sandy, adaptable pH
  • Flower Color: Red, pink, coral

• 04 of 33

  Woodland Sage

  

  Woodland sage (Salvia nemerosa), also known as violet sage or blue hill salvia, is a perennial salvia that blooms in various hues of purple and lavender from June to September. These vigorous plants bear lance-shaped leaves and many spikes of purplish-blue blooms. Many gardeners deadhead the spent flowers (or trim them with pruning shears), but they sometimes bloom throughout the summer even without deadheading. Removing the spent flowers keeps the plant looking tidy. Popular cultivars include 'Marcus', 'Caradonna', 'Sensation', and 'Blue Hill'.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–8
  • Height: 8–24 in. tall
  • Light: Full
  • Soil: Well-drained
  • Flower Color: Purplish-blue

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• 05 of 33

  Autumn Sage

  

  Autumn sage(Salvia greggii) is a perennial, shrubby salvia plant that blooms with hot pink flowers from summer through early fall. Two popular cultivars are 'Wild Thing', which has pink-hued flowers and is considered a more cold-hardy plant, and 'Raspberry Delight', which has deeper pink blooms. In very hot climates, this plant will appreciate a bit of afternoon shade. Like other salvias, autumn sage will attract bees and butterflies to your garden.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 6–9
  • Height: 2–3 ft. tall
  • Light: Full
  • Soil: Well-draining, versatile pH
  • Flower Color: Red, pink, white, violet, peach, orange

• 06 of 33

  Wood Sage

  

  In addition to the popular salvia species and their cultivars, there are also hybrid salvias, such as Salvia x sylvestris, commonly known as wood sage. Wood sageis a cross between S. nemorosaandS. pratensis. A very popular cultivar of this hybrid is 'May Night' ('Mainacht'), which blooms with blue-violet flowers from May to June. Another good cultivar is 'Pink Dawn', a shorter plant (18 inches) with pink flowers.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–8
  • Height: 18–24 in. tall
  • Light: Full sun
  • Soil: Well-draining, acidic
  • Flower Color: Dark purple-blue

• 07 of 33

  Common Sage

  

  Common sage (Salvia officinalis), the familiar culinary herb, is also a member of the Salvia genus. This woody-stemmed perennial, which will sprawl unless it receives full sun, works both in herb gardens or as an ornamental plant in border gardens or rock gardens. The lavender-blue flowers bloom on spikes in June.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–8
  • Height: 24–30 in. tall
  • Light: Full sun
  • Soil: Loamy, sandy, well-drained, acidic, neutral
  • Flower Color: Lavender-blue

  See Also

  Purple Sage Planting Guide: What Is Purple Sage And Where Does It GrowHow to Prune SageSalvia officinalis 'Purpurascens'DIY Smudge Sticks Inspired by Fall

• 08 of 33

  Pineapple Sage

  

  Pineapple sage(Salvia elegans) is a shrubby, tender perennial that earns its name from its pineapple-like scent, which is evident when the leaves are crushed. Wispy scarlet flowers bloom from late summer to mid-fall. Some gardeners grow this salvia plant in containers and overwinter them indoors. It tolerates light shade and prefers very warm climates.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 8–10 (grown as an annual elsewhere)
  • Height: 3–4 ft. tall
  • Light: Full sun
  • Soil: Moist, well-drained, neutral
  • Flower Color: Red

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• 09 of 33

  Mexican Bush Sage

  

  An evergreen perennial with a shrubby growth habit, Mexican bush sage(Salvia leucantha) blooms with purple or white-and-purple flowers from late summer until frost. The blossoms are unusually attractive and profuse, making this salvia plant a favorite for late-season container gardens. Butterflies and hummingbirds are very fond of this species, which has velvety, grayish-green leaves.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 8–10 (grown as an annual elsewhere)
  • Height: 2–3 ft. tall
  • Light: Full sun
  • Soil: Moist, well-drained, versatile pH
  • Flower Color: Purple, pink, white

• 10 of 33

  Diviner's Sage

  

  Diviner's sage(Salvia divinorum) is rarely grown as an ornamental. While it has attractive purple flowers, the plants don't bloom readily, and the stalks are prone to breaking. The plant has a long history of ceremonial use by the Mazatec tribes of southern Mexico. Do note that this plant is now illegal in some U.S. states and decriminalized in others. Before growing it, always check your state laws.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–9
  • Height: 3–5 ft. tall
  • Light: Full sun
  • Soil: Moist, well-draining
  • Flower Color: Purple

• 11 of 33

  Blue Salvia

  

  Blue salvia (Salvia azurea) is a stunning sage plant with vibrant blue blooms that invite bees and butterflies to your garden. In addition to being easy to grow and care for, blue salvia, also known as pitcher sage, doesn't have significant issues with insects or disease. Blue salvia is a perennial that grows in a clumping pattern.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9
  • Height: 5 ft
  • Light: Full, partial
  • Soil: Moist but well-drained
  • Flower Color: Blue

• 12 of 33

  Clary Sage

  

  Clary sage (Salvia sclarea)is a biennial herbaceous perennial. reaching heights between 2 and 5 feet. It is resistant to deer and rabbits and is best grown in pollinator, herb, butterfly, cottage, and edible gardens. It is drought-tolerant, making it an easy plant to care for.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 5a-9b
  • Height: 2-5 ft
  • Light: Full sun
  • Soil: Well-drained
  • Flower Color: Cream, pink, purple, lavender, white

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• 13 of 33

  White Sage

  

  White sage (Salvia apiana) is a shrub with fragrant silver-white leaves that sprouts clusters of white flowers with lavender streaks. White sage is native to Southern California's coastal sage scrub region and has profound ties to the cultures and lifeways of Indigenous communities of Southern California and northern Baja. In your garden, white sage is a great pollinator plant and attracts carpenter bees, bumble bees, and hummingbirds.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-9
  • Height: 3-4 ft.
  • Light: Full sun
  • Soil: Well-draining
  • Flower Color: White

• 14 of 33

  Gentian Sage

  

  Gentian sage (Salvia patens) has stunning two-lipped blue flowers, with bloom periods between mid-summer to mid-fall. It's deer-resistant and doesn't have any serious issues with pests or diseases. Gentian sage is most often treated as an annual in cooler climates but is usually a perennial.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-10
  • Height: 2-3 ft.
  • Light: Full sun
  • Soil: Well-drained
  • Flower Color: Blue

• 15 of 33

  'Black and Blue' Sage

  

  Black and blue sage (Salvia guaranitica) gets its name from its striking blue flowers and black stems. It attracts birds, butterflies, and hummingbirds and it is easy to care for. Not only that, black and blue sage is resistant to deer.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 7a-10b
  • Height: 2-4 ft.
  • Light: Part to full sun
  • Soil: Moist but well-drained
  • Flower Color: Blue

• 16 of 33

  Chinese Sage

  

  Chinese sage (Salvia miltiorrhiza) is also known as red sage, despite its blue and purple flowers. Native to China and Japan, Chinese sage is used as a medicinal sage. Blooming in spring, Chinese sage is deer-resistant.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-10
  • Height: 2 ft.
  • Light: Full sun to partial sun
  • Soil: Well-draining
  • Flower Color: Blue and purple

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• 17 of 33

  ‘Golden Delicious’ Sage

  

  Golden delicious (Salvia rutilans) is a sister plant to the pineapple salvia plant. Adorned with red two-lipped flowers, golden delicious is adored by hummingbirds and butterflies. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-10
  • Height: 3 ft
  • Light: Full sun
  • Soil: Evenly moist and well-drained
  • Flower Color: Red

  See Also

  Purple Sage

• 18 of 33

  Greek Sage

  

  Greek sage (Salvia fruticosa) is an evergreen shrub with fragrant foliage in shades of silver and white. It has vibrant white flowers. Not only is Greek sage an excellent pollinator plant, but it also has medicinal and culinary uses.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-8
  • Height: 3 ft.
  • Light: Full sun
  • Soil: Well-draining
  • Flower Color: White

• 19 of 33

  Purple Sage

  

  Purple sage (Salvia leucophylla) is a fast-growing evergreen shrub. During its summer bloom time, it grows purple flowers with a strong fragrance. Its beautiful aroma attracts birds, butterflies, and moths. It's substantially drought-tolerant and thrives in full sunlight.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-9
  • Height: 2 ft.
  • Light: Full sun
  • Soil: Moist and well-drained
  • Flower Color: Purple

• 20 of 33

  Silver Sage

  

  Silver sage (Salvia argentea) looks stunning when grown in containers, flower beds, or borders. It blooms from June to July. While slugs and snails can be problematic for silver sage, it does not have any substantial issues with disease or other pests.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-8
  • Height: 3 ft
  • Light: Full sun
  • Soil: Well-drained
  • Flower Color: White

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• 21 of 33

  Limelight

  

  Salvia mexicana 'Limelight' is also known as Mexican sage. It thrives in well-drained soil and partial shade. It blooms from fall until the first frost. Its stunning array of blue flowers attracts birds, butterflies, and hummingbirds. While it doesn't struggle with any major disease or pest problems, do keep an eye out for slugs.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: tk
  • Height: 5-8 ft.
  • Light: Partial shade
  • Soil: Well-drained
  • Flower Color: Blue

• 22 of 33

  Hummingbird Sage

  

  Hummingbird sage (Salvia spathacea) earned its name for the exact reason you'd expect–hummingbirds love it. It's a semi-evergreen perennial that reaches up to 3 feet in height. Native to the California coast, it does amazingly well in dry, shady environments. It's low maintenance and drought tolerant.
  

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-11
  • Height: 1-3 ft.
  • Light: Full sun, partial shade
  • Soil: Loamy and well-drained
  • Flower Color: Pink, red, magenta

• 23 of 33

  Lanceleaf Sage

  

  Lanceleaf sage (Salvia reflexa), also known as Rocky Mountain sage, is an annual variety of salvia. It grows flower clusters in shades of white, blue, and purple. It has a strong aroma. It is toxic to cattle, sheep, and goats.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-11
  • Height: 1-2 ft.
  • Light: Full sun
  • Soil: Loamy and well-drained
  • Flower Color: White, blue, purple

• 24 of 33

  Baby Sage

  

  Baby sage (Salvia microphylla) is an evergreen shrub. It's a species that hybridizes easily, meaning it has a variety of hybrids and cultivars. You can propagate baby sage by division or stem cutting. Make sure to plant in an area with well-draining soil that receives full sun.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 7a-10b
  • Height: 3-4 ft
  • Light: Full to partial sun
  • Soil: Well-draining
  • Flower Color: Orange-red

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• 25 of 33

  Purple Rain

  

  Purple rain (Salvia verticillata), also known as lilac sage, is a herbaceous perennial that attracts butterflies and bees. Blooming from July to September, purple rain has whorls of purple flowers that thrive in full sun and well-drained soil.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-8
  • Height: 1.5 to 2 ft.
  • Light: Full sun
  • Soil: Well-drained
  • Flower Color: Purple

• 26 of 33

  ‘Hot Lips’ salvia (Salvia microphylla ‘Hot Lips’

  

  ‘Hot Lips’ salvia (Salvia microphylla‘Hot Lips’) is striking thanks to its vibrant white and red flowers, as well as its fine green foliage. This salvia variety blooms all summer long, right until the first frost. Hot Lips is fast-growing and will welcome butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial insects to your garden.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-10
  • Height: 30 in.
  • Light: Full sun to partial shade
  • Soil: Average moist to dry
  • Flower Color: White and red

• 27 of 33

  Coral Nymph Salvia

  

  Coral nymph salvia (Salvia coccinea 'coral nymph') is an easy-growing, bushy annual that reaches heights between 2-3 feet. It loves full sun and has stunning coral and white trumpet flowers. It brings hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies to gardens.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11
  • Height: 2-3 ft.
  • Light: Full sun
  • Soil: Rich
  • Flower Color: Coral, white

• 28 of 33

  Giant Purple Desert Sage

  

  Giant purple desert sage (Salvia pachyphylla) is native to California and is very tolerant to both drought and heat. It has a long bloom time, showing off its clusters of purple flowers all summer long. Its evergreen foilage in silvery hues adds a beautiful contrast to your garden.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
  • Height: 3 ft
  • Light: Full sun
  • Soil: Well-drained
  • Flower Color: Purple

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• 29 of 33

  May Night Salvia

  

  May Night salvia (Salvia sylvestris), also known as meadow sage, is a fast-growing perennial with dark purple-blue flowers. Plant during the late spring or even early summer to take advantage of its blooms. It does best in well-drained, acidic soil and full sun.
  

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8
  • Height: 1.5-2 ft.
  • Light: Full sun
  • Soil: Well-draining
  • Flower Color: Dark purple-blue
    

• 30 of 33

  East Friesland Salvia

  

  East friesland salvia (Salvia nemorosa) is another salvia plant with generous bloom periods, showing off their spiky purple flowers for the entire summer. If you deadhead this variety regularly, you will be rewarded with a second bloom in September.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8
  • Height: 18 in
  • Light: Full sun
  • Soil: Well-drained
  • Flower Color: Purple

• 31 of 33

  Yugoslavian Cut Leaf Sage

  

  Yugoslavian cut leaf sage (Salvia jurisicii) has beautiful feathery foliage with blue-purple flowers. It only reaches a height of 2 feet, making it low-growing. However, despite its small size, Yugoslavian cut leaf sage still makes a strong statement in your garden.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-9
  • Height: 2 ft
  • Light: Full sun
  • Soil: Well-drained
  • Flower Color: Purple, blue

• 32 of 33

  Mystic Spires Blue Salvia

  

  Mystic spires blue salvia (Salvia longispicataxfarinacea‘Mystic Spires Blue’) grows up to 3 feet in height, with spikes of blue flowers (hence its name). Butterflies love this variety, if you want to attract more to your garden.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-10
  • Height: 3 ft.
  • Light: Full sun
  • Soil: Well-drained
  • Flower Color: Blue

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• 33 of 33

  Tricolor Sage

  

  Tricolor sage (Salvia officinalis‘Tricolor’) has silvery green foliage with creamy white edges with hints of purple. It's useful in cooking as a seasoning. Blooming in early spring, tricolor sage reaches heights of 18 inches and loves full sun.
  

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-9
  • Height: 18 in.
  • Light: Full sun
  • Soil: Well-drained
  • Flower Color: N/A