Salvia, a genus of plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae, comprises over 1000 species of shrubs, herbaceous perennials, and annuals, with many being popular garden plants. They are widely used in traditional medicine, aromatherapy, and cooking due to their unique fragrance and medicinal properties.
In this article, we will discuss the ten most popular Salvia species to grow in your garden.
Common Sage (Salvia officinalis) is a perennial herb with greyish-green leaves and blue-purple flowers. It is a popular culinary herb used to flavor dishes like stuffing, sausages, and roasted meats. It also has medicinal properties and is used to treat sore throats, digestive problems, and anxiety.
Hot Lips Sage (Salvia microphylla) is a compact shrub with small, green leaves and white and red flowers. It is easy to grow and a popular garden plant. The plant attracts hummingbirds and bees and is often used in rock gardens and borders.
Scarlet Sage (Salvia splendens) is an annual plant that produces bright red flowers. It is a popular bedding plant that attracts hummingbirds and butterflies to the garden. It is easy to grow and often used in containers and borders.
Pineapple Sage (Salvia elegans) is a perennial shrub with green leaves and red flowers. The plant is named after its pineapple-like fragrance and is often used in teas and desserts. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat digestive problems and respiratory infections.
Woodland Sage (Salvia nemorosa) is a perennial plant with blue-purple flowers. It is easy to grow and a popular garden plant that attracts bees and butterflies. It is often used in borders and rock gardens.
Blue Salvia (Salvia farinacea) is a perennial plant with blue flowers. It is easy to grow and a popular garden plant that attracts bees and butterflies. It is often used in borders and containers.
Anise-Scented Sage (Salvia guaranitica) is a perennial plant with blue-purple flowers. It is easy to grow and a popular garden plant that attracts hummingbirds and bees. It is often used in borders and containers.
Blood Sage (Salvia coccinea) is an annual plant that produces red flowers. It is easy to grow and a popular garden plant that attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. It is often used in borders and containers.
Gentian Sage (Salvia patens) is a perennial plant with blue flowers. It is easy to grow and a popular garden plant that attracts bees and butterflies. It is often used in borders and containers.
Black and Blue Sage (Salvia guaranitica “Black and Blue”) is a perennial plant with black and blue flowers. It is easy to grow and a popular garden plant that attracts hummingbirds and bees. It is often used in borders and containers.
Conclusion
Salvia species are a beautiful and beneficial addition to any garden, with their attractive flowers and unique fragrance. They are easy to grow and have medicinal properties that make them useful in traditional medicine.
