The Salvia Bedding Plant

Salvia is an old favorite for summer bedding. Its erect spikes of fiery red flowers make sure that it remains in the Top 10 list of bedding plants. It is very often used with Lobelia and Alyssum and it also harmonizes extremely well with Purple Verbena. However, it is at its most spectacular when used alone. A well placed bed of salvia will remain an eye-catcher for many months in any garden.

Types of Salvia

The red salvia used for bedding and individual pots grows to about 10 inches and is considered a dwarf variety. There are also medium height plants of 15 to 20 inches and then there are salvia plants which can grow up to three feet tall and if they are planted in favorable frost free conditions they can, with care, reach six feet and more.

Red salvia, sometimes called Scarlet Sage, is easy to grow from seed although it is possible to propagate from cuttings taken in August/September. Growing Salvia from seed each year is by far the easiest and most popular way of growing salvia. Sow the seeds in March through April and early May as this way will ensure different planting-out times. Seeds can be collected from dry seed-heads but they are inexpensive to buy from the shops and a packet goes a long way.

Salvia Scarlet Sage is grown for its visual effect, it has no scent. Salvia will do equally well in sun or partial shade. Water the plants in moderation but often. There is one red variety named “Red Hot Sally” and it is sought after by butterflies and bees.

Blue salvia grows in much the same way and conditions as the red varieties. It is a tender annual and propagation is by seed either outdoors after frost or indoors in March. It grows to about 18 inches tall. Blue Salvia Victoria is an ideal variety to work with and looks stunning in a mass planted bed or when used as a specimen plant on a patio. It has a long flowering period stretching from June way into September. This is a drought tolerant plant making it ideal for patio use and also in any elevated site in the garden. With this plant its magnificence does not end with outdoor use – it is a splendid plant for drying. The blue spikes retain their vibrant color making it much sought after in winter floral arrangements.

Planting Salvia

Plant the seeds in trays, indoors in March, in light sandy compost. Seed propagation takes about 2 weeks. Keep the compost moist and when the seedlings are large enough to handle lift them and pot them up into individual pots. A 4-inch pot will hold 4-5 seedlings comfortably and these in turn can be separated when planting out into their flowering position. Also, seeds can be planted outdoors but only if the danger of frost has passed.

Salvia is a tried and trusted bedding plant suitable for most types of gardens and for most types of temperate climates. Its myriad of colors blends with many other bedding plants and the “stand alone value” of this plant is unsurpassed. To extend the flowering season pinch the flower tips and prune away any dead stems. Regular deadheading is also recommended.