Most salvia plants also have fragrant leaves and attract hummingbirds. https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/salvia.html Some prefer a consistently moist soil while others tolerate a drier soil. Our favorites are less well known and offer deep, rich colors that bring a garden to life. In the spring, a leave-it-alone gardener observes the base of dead foliage for new growth and revels in plants that have survived. That said, it's a good idea to know the moisture needs of specific types of Salvia you intend to grow. The plant, used for its medicinal healing properties, is also known as a strong and natural hallucinogen. There are many Salvia species and most will grow well in any average moist to dry, well-drained soil. Salvia comes in many different varieties, colors and sizes, and most can be grown indoors or outdoors under proper growing conditions. Red salvia (Salvia splendens) fills garden beds and patio pots across the country each summer with its brilliant red, upright blossoms. It’s hearty enough to grow as an indoor annual when outside of its hardiness zones. Shrubby and hardy, herbaceous salvias can be overwintered in the garden if they’re given good drainage and as much sun as possible. Annual Salvia Many annual forms of Salvia are widely grown for their easy disposition and vivid colors, and these are midsummer staples at every garden center. Plant them in moist but well-drained soil in full sun in a sheltered spot. This category includes Salvia elegans, Salvia guaranitica (including the popular “Black & Blue), Salvia leucantha, Salvia waverley, Salvia ulignosa, and Salvia patens. Salvia elegans, or Pineapple Sage. Everblooming from early summer to frost, Salvia 'Mystic Spires Blue' is an excellent compact selection from the highly popular Salvia 'Indigo Spires'. Salvia plants are also known as Diviner's Mint, Sally-D or Lady Salvia. How to Grow Red Salvia Annually. Most varieties can be used as perennials in zones 5-9, with some varieties cold hardy to zone 4 or heat tolerant to zone 10. Friendship sage is a large herbaceous species, achieving 3′ to 5’ feet in height and a width of 4′ to 6’ feet. The leaves really do smell like pineapple! Depending on the species and variety, salvia plants grow 1 1/2 to 5 feet tall. If you have a heavy soil, add gravel in the planting hole to aid drainage. Not all non-native Salvias produce seeds, but birds, including Orioles, favor the ones that do. Salvia plants, often called "sage," are very easy to grow and care for. In general, salvia plants are easy to care for and can withstand some drought, heat and drier soils. Type #1 The Deciduous Herbaceous Salvias. Growth is rapid, especially in the first year, and it is an avid bloomer when maintained. Salvia Amistad Care Size & Growth. How to grow salvias. Many flowering salvias have flowers in shades of white, pink, red, purple and blue. Growing salvias is easy. Some salvias are considered annuals and others perennials. This experience may show you which parts of your yard are most protective for certain Salvias.