This plant grows well in partial shade, such as the kind on the edge of woodlands or under deciduous trees with breaks in the foliage through which dappled sunlight penetrates. Many Salvias thrive in partial shade, including ones that spend part of their day in full sunlight. Some species need partial shade to overcome severe heat and dry soil.

This plant grows well in an outdoor container, such as on a patio.

Some containerized Salvias leaf out and flower year after year following a period of dormancy. Annuals in containers may die back and appear to grow again when they reseed.

During extreme heat, check the soil in container plantings once or twice daily to be sure it doesn't completely dry out. Feel its surface for coolness, then gently poke a finger into the soil to check for dryness.

Try this plant to control weeds, limit erosion, conserve soil moisture and add color to your landscape.

From short perennials that form dense mats spread by underground stoloniferous roots to thickets of medium-size shrubs, many Salvias are efficient ground covers.

To create a harmonious landscape plan, it is important to consider the heights of individual plants.

Height also affects function. Short Salvias often make excellent ground covers that conserve soil moisture and discourage weeds while also brightening your yard. Medium-height Salvias, such as ones 36 inches tall, often are ideal border plants. A tall Salvia planted singly can highlight a landscape; multiple plantings can form an attractive screen.

By considering the width of a plant, you can determine how many to place in a row or what other plants to grow with it.

For example, a narrow, moderate-height Salvia may look good interplanted with bushier species, kind of like Mutt and Jeff.

In contrast, wide-spreading Salvias are economical for hiding lengths of wall and fence or for creating hedge-like divisions in a yard.

Plant hardiness Zones defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture tell you the minimum temperatures a plant can withstand in your garden. The USDA divides the nation into winter climate areas from coldest (Zone 1) to warmest (Zone 11).

However, it is sometimes possible to grow a Zone 6 Salvia as a perennial in Zone 5 if you provide preferential care, such as winter mulching and a location sheltered from harsh winds. In contrast, a Zone 9 Salvia may act like a perennial in Zone 10 if given a bit of shade or extra water.

This plant needs regular watering based on what is appropriate to your local conditions.

In some extremely hot, arid climates, this may mean daily watering in Summer. Although many drought-resistant Salvias survive on little to no watering due to local rainfall and deep roots meeting their moisture needs, others need regular doses. The size and frequency of the dose depends on your climate.

This plant thrives on or at least tolerates lots of water, especially when soil is well drained. They are generally not suitable for poorly drained soils.

A number of Salvias hold up well in areas where rainfall is a regular occurrence. Some even tolerate boggy conditions but only for a brief time. These are usually top-notch plants for regions of the country, such as the Southeast, where summers are soggy.

This plant reaches peak bloom in Fall or flowers for much of the season.

It may begin flowering much earlier in the year. Bloom time for some Salvias lasts from Spring till first frost. Others begin flowering in Summer and continue into Fall. There are also Salvias that don’t bloom until late Fall and continue into Winter if grown in mild-Winter areas.

There is a great deal of overlap in blooming seasons for Salvias.

This plant reaches peak bloom in Summer or flowers for much of the season.

Lots of Summer bloomers start flowering in Spring; others begin in Summer and keep up the show of color until frost.

There is a great deal of overlap in blooming seasons for Salvias.

Honeybees love this plant’s nectar. As a honeybee burrows down into a Salvia’s nectar-rich flowers to reach dinner, it accidentally gathers pollen and drops it on the stigma of that blossom or of ones on other nearby Salvias. Fertilization results in seed production.

By growing honeybee favorites, you attract these helpful pollinators to all your flowering plants and increase productivity

Based on our experience and reports from customers, hummingbirds (Trochilidae spp.) love this plant.

Hummingbirds exist only in the Americas where their 300-plus species are particularly fond of the nectar in brightly colored Salvias from the Western Hemisphere. However, if favorites aren’t available, they dine on the nectar of most Salvias.

Hummingbirds repay thoughtful plantings by helping to pollinate your garden