Gabriel Collares / CC BY 4.0
garden
Salvia
Salvia aurea
Overview
A massive genus that includes both culinary sage and hundreds of ornamental species, salvias are among the most valuable plants for pollinators. From the brilliant scarlet of S. splendens to the electric blue of S. guaranitica and the midnight purple of 'Black and Blue,' ornamental salvias offer months of continuous bloom. Hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees are powerfully attracted to their tubular flowers.
Growing Conditions
Hardiness Zones7 — 10
Height163.17m
Spread0.94m
Growth HabitForb/herb
Pollinator Valuehigh
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Soil pH5.5 — 7.5
Soil TypeWell-drained, moderately fertile soil; drought-tolerant once established
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Start Indoors | Feb — Mar | Start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost; do not cover — needs light |
| Cold (1-2) | Transplant | Jun — Jun | Transplant after all frost danger |
| Cold (1-2) | Harvest | Jul — Sep | Deadhead spent spikes to encourage rebloom through frost |
| Cool (3-4) | Start Indoors | Feb — Mar | Start indoors 8 weeks early |
| Cool (3-4) | Transplant | May — May | Transplant after last frost |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | Jun — Oct | Continuous bloom with deadheading |
| Moderate (5-7) | Transplant | Apr — May | Transplant when frost danger passes; great hummingbird plant |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | May — Nov | Long bloom season; attracts hummingbirds and butterflies |
| Warm (8-9) | Transplant | Mar — Apr | Transplant in spring |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | Apr — Nov | Blooms spring through fall |
| Hot (10+) | Transplant | Feb — Mar | Plant in late winter/early spring |
| Hot (10+) | Harvest | Mar — Nov | Long season; may pause in extreme heat |
Uses
Other Uses
- Premier hummingbird and pollinator plant
- Long-blooming annual and perennial options for continuous color
- Heat and drought tolerant landscape plant
