Why You Should Add Salvia to Your Landscape
How to Use Salvia in Landscaping

Salvias are landscape staples for a reason—their nectar-rich flowers attract pollinators, they blossom for a long time, are resistant to deer and rabbit grazing, and have good drought resistance. Salvias are the largest genus of plants in the mint family (Lamiaceae) with both annuals and perennials, including culinary sage. The plants grow in a wide range of USDA hardiness zones and come in various sizes and flower colors.
There is no reason to confine salvia to only one spot in your yard. Because salvias offers so much diversity, you can use them in multiple ways, including:
As Ground Cover
Low- to medium-tall salvia types (1-2 feet in height) that grow horizontally make good ground covers. The growth rate and spread depends on the species, and ranges from 12 inches to four feet or more. If you want to quickly fill a space, be sure to select a fast-growing variety such as lyreleaf sage.
For Privacy Screening
Some shrub-type salvias such as Mexican bush sage (Salvia leucantha) and bog sage (Salvia uliginosa) grow five feet or taller and just as wide, making them an excellent choice for a privacy hedge.
For Height Variability
With numerous salvias to choose from, it is easy to mix and match varieties of different heights. Keep sun exposure and the movement of the sun during the day in mind when planting so taller varieties don’t cast shade surrounding plants.
For Borders
All types of salvia are suitable for borders. Group salvia with other plants that have similar light requirements and low water needs and plant shorter salvias in the front and taller varieties in the back of the border.
To Attract Wildlife
The tubular flowers of salvias are not only rich in nectar, but their shape also makes them one of the best sources of nectar for hummingbirds. The flowers attract other pollinators as well, including honeybees, bumblebees, and other native bees and butterflies. The seeds serve as food for house finches, American goldfinches, and other birds.
For Water-Conscious Gardening
Generally, salvia plants are drought-tolerant once they are established, which makes them a favorite for xeriscape gardens. Selecting varieties that are native to dry, arid climates, such as desert sage (Salvia dorrii), mealy sage (Salvia farinacea), or hummingbird sage increases their chance of surviving hot, dry conditions. In extended dry conditions, salvia should be watered slowly but deeply and thoroughly.











