Sensational Salvias by Martin Blow

I love the exotic looking sages from Central and South America. The hardy types have become a mainstay of my garden because they bloom for so long and attract lots of bees.

Among the toughest is Salvia macrophylla which is a woody, upright shrub about 2ft (60cm) tall with brightly coloured flowers from May or June through to October. The best of these is “Pink Blush” with masses of vivid pink flowers that just won’t be ignored!

Salvia microphylla is equally as tough and is known as Blackcurrant Sage – just rub a leaf and smell to discover why. These grow to a more domed, eventually sprawling shrub about 2ft (60cm) tall. There are lots of lovely colours available. “Hot Lips” is very popular at the moment; these have red-lipped, white flowers in summer. In cooler weather the flowers may be all white or even all red. One of my favourites is “Trelissick” with her pale yellow flowers that have a hint of warm pink at their necks.

Salvia “Icing Sugar” is even smaller at 1ft (30cm) tall and is clothed with delightful two-tone pink flowers throughout the summer.

Fairly new to the garden is “Wendy’s Wish”. The large, tubular pink flowers and arching stems make it ideal for a sheltered spot at the front of the border. Her sisters are "Ember's Wish" (Orange) and "Love and Wishes" (deep pink).

All of these types need some sun and will survive the winter in a well-drained soil. If you have a wet soil in winter, then they make ideal plants for patio pots but remember to keep the pots somewhere out of heavy frost in winter. All are best pruned back in spring to a nice shape to stop them getting too leggy.

Anise Sage (Salvia guaranitica) grows from a tuber in much the same way as a Dahlia and it can be left in the ground over winter in dry soils, or dug up in early winter, potted up and kept in a porch or cold greenhouse until early spring when you can start watering them again. If you leave them in the ground don’t be surprised if you don’t see any growth until late April or early May. The hardiest varieties are “Blue Enigma” and the hybrid "Amistad".

I’ve only scratched the surface of the wonderful world of ornamental sages, there are literally thousands of species and varieties out there waiting for a home in your garden.

Janet & I organise Plant Hunters’ Fairs, specialist plant fairs at wonderful locations. Please see www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk for a full list of our 2025 plant fairs. Please check the website for ticketing information and all the latest updates before travelling.

Plant Fair Dates for your 2025 diary: Sunday 22^nd June, Middleton Hall, Nr Tamworth, B78 2AE, entry to Gardens & Plant Fair only £4 (special reduced entry price), ticket required. Sunday 27^th July, 1620s House and Garden, Nr Coalville, LE67 2FW, entry to Garden & Plant Fair £1, ticket required.