The Specials: Salvias - From Contentious to Confusing

The Special: Sages/ Salvias

I want to promote the wonderful Salvia family. The confusion arises because many Salvias go by the common name of “sage”. This is further confused by the common names of plants that we find in the nurseries. A true sage will have the term “Salvia” in the scientific name. But many plants aren’t labeled with the scientific name at all. Instead, we are presented with names like “Mexican Sage” and “Autumn Sage”. It can be really difficult to know exactly what you are getting. In addition, some common plants that are not in the Salvia genus are sold under the name sage. For instance, there are many gray, wooly shrubs that grow in the western states that go by the common name “sage”. They are actually in the genus “Leucophyllum”. Among these is our popular Texas Sage. And Russian sage – another imposter!

I have about 15 various sages in my yard. Unfortunately, I have not kept good records of their scientific names. What they all have in common is that they are loved by butterflies and hummingbirds. Look for leaves that grow in pairs, tubular flowers with two unequal lips, flowers that grow on spikes, and square stems (which may get rounder with age). They come in various sizes and colors and may bloom anytime from early spring to late fall depending on the variety. Here are some common, recommended varieties for our area.

Cedar Sage (Salvia roemeriana) which likes shade and will reseed itself. It will grow under Ashe Junipers!

Sage (Salvia greggii) also known as Autumn sage. You will find it in colors other than solid red

Henry Duelberg (Salvia farinacea) or Mealy sage which will naturalize nicely in a wildflower garden

Majestic sage (Salvia guaranitica) which will grow to 5’ with blue or purple flowers

Mexican Bush sage (Salvia leucantha) with its lance like foliage and great blue spikes in late summer

Penstemen sage (Salvia penstemonoides) also known as big red sage for obvious reasons

Tropical sage (Salvia coccinea) which is an annual in red, pink or white. It reseeds vigorously

Pineapple sage (Salvia elegans) which is much loved for it scarlet blooms and wonderfully fragrant leaves

And, don’t forget some culinary sage. Tiny plants will grow to 3’ X 3’ plants in our climate. The leaves are great with rice and poultry. Fry a whole leaf for just a minute and use as a delicious garnish.

Resources: The New Book of Salvias by Betsy Clebsch, Native and Adapted Landscape Plants by Grow Green, http://www.plantdelights.com/Tony/Articles/Salvia-Perennial-Sage/, and http://www.paghat.com/salviahotlips.html