Salvia

Salvia - New Zealand’s Best Sage Plants

Growing perennial plants delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They attract birds and bees
• Greater biodiversity is created
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature
• They bring colour and vibrance to a space
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come

We have a wide range of Salvia of all sizes that are ready for their new home. We are here to help you find the right plant for your space. Choose from a wide variety of locally grown plants that have been propagated and bred to thrive in NZ’s climate. We stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Salvia, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Common questions about growing Salvia

1. Does salvia grow in NZ?

There are a wide variety of salvia species that thrive in the temperate climate of New Zealand. Here are some specific examples of salvia species that grow well in New Zealand:

• Salvia splendens: This annual species is known for its vibrant red flowers, which bloom from spring to autumn.
• Salvia farinacea: This perennial species has blue flowers that bloom in summer and autumn.
• Salvia greggii: This shrubby perennial species produces red, orange, or yellow flowers that bloom from spring to autumn.
• Salvia nemorosa: This perennial species has purple or blue flowers that bloom in early summer.

With its wide range of species and adaptability to New Zealand's climate, salvia is a popular and versatile plant choice for gardeners throughout the country.

2. What conditions do Salvia need to grow?

Salvia plants generally prefer well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. They are relatively drought-tolerant and require minimal maintenance, making them a popular choice for gardeners. Salvia flowers are also attractive to pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, adding to their value in the garden.

3. What are the facts about Salvia flowers?

Salvia, commonly known as sage, is a diverse genus of flowering plants belonging to the mint family (Lamiaceae). With over 900 species, Salvia is one of the largest genera in the mint family and is widely distributed around the world, particularly in the Mediterranean region, Central America, and South America. Salvia plants exhibit a remarkable range of forms, sizes, and colors, making them popular ornamental plants for gardens and landscapes.

Here are some interesting facts about Salvia flowers:

1. Diversity of Forms and Sizes: Salvia plants encompass a wide spectrum of forms, ranging from small annuals to large, woody shrubs. Some species, such as Salvia elegans (pineapple sage), reach heights of up to 2 m, while others, like Salvia greggii (autumn sage), are groundcovers.
2. Floral Display: Salvia flowers are renowned for their vibrant colors and attractive shapes. They come in a dazzling array of hues, including red, pink, purple, blue, white, and yellow. Their flowers are typically two-lipped and arranged in spikes or racemes, creating a captivating spectacle in gardens.
3. Attractiveness to Pollinators: Salvia flowers are a magnet for pollinators, especially bees and hummingbirds. Their nectar-rich blooms and attractive colors provide a valuable source of food for these beneficial insects, contributing to pollination and ecosystem health.
4. Culinary and Medicinal Uses: Several Salvia species have culinary and medicinal applications. Culinary sage (Salvia officinalis) is a popular herb used in various cuisines for its savoury flavour. Other species, such as chia (Salvia hispanica), are valued for their edible seeds and nutritional properties.
5. Cultural and Spiritual Significance: Salvia plants have played a significant role in various cultures and spiritual traditions. Some species, like Salvia divinorum, have been used for their psychoactive properties in religious ceremonies.
6. Ease of Cultivation: Salvia plants are generally easy to cultivate and thrive in a variety of conditions. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun exposure, although some species can tolerate partial shade.
7. Drought Tolerance: Many Salvia species are drought tolerant, making them excellent choices for water-wise gardens. Their adaptability to dry conditions allows them to flourish in regions with limited rainfall.
8. Attraction to Wildlife: Besides pollinators, Salvia plants also attract a variety of beneficial wildlife, including butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds. Their presence in gardens can enhance biodiversity and create a more vibrant ecosystem.
9. Landscaping Versatility: Salvia plants offer a remarkable range of landscaping possibilities. They can be used as border plants, container plants, groundcovers, or even as focal points in garden designs.
10. Low Maintenance: Salvia plants generally require minimal maintenance, making them ideal for busy gardeners. They are relatively pest and disease resistant and can thrive with occasional pruning and fertilization.

In conclusion, Salvia flowers stand out as a diverse and fascinating group of plants, offering a wealth of beauty, ecological benefits, and cultural significance. Their vibrant colors, attractive forms, and ease of cultivation make them a valuable addition to gardens and landscapes worldwide.

4. Is Salvia hard to grow?

Salvia plants are generally considered to be easy to grow and care for. They are drought-tolerant, adaptable to a variety of soil types, and relatively resistant to pests and diseases. With proper care, salvias can thrive in gardens and containers alike.

Here are some general tips for growing salvia:

• Choose a sunny location: Salvias prefer full sun to partial shade. They will not flower well in heavy shade.
• Well-drained soil: Salvias need well-drained soil to avoid root rot. If your soil is clay-heavy, you may need to amend it with sand or compost to improve drainage.
• Watering: Salvias are drought-tolerant once they are established. Water them deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
• Fertilizing: Salvias are not heavy feeders. A light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring is usually sufficient.
• Deadheading: Deadheading spent flowers will encourage continued blooming.
• Pruning: Salvias can be pruned in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged wood and to encourage bushier growth.

5. What do Salvias attract?

Salvia plants, also known as sage, are known for their attractive flowers and their ability to attract a variety of beneficial pollinators to your garden. Their nectar-rich flowers are a favorite among butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees. These pollinators play an important role in the ecosystem, helping to pollinate plants and ensuring the production of fruits, vegetables, and seeds.

Here are some of the specific pollinators that are attracted to salvia plants:

• Butterflies: Salvias with tubular flowers, such as Salvia greggii and Salvia leucantha, are particularly attractive to butterflies. The long, narrow shape of the flowers makes it easy for butterflies to reach the nectar inside.
• Hummingbirds: Hummingbirds are attracted to salvias with bright, colorful flowers, such as Salvia elegans and Salvia coccinea. The long, curved bills of hummingbirds are perfectly adapted for reaching the nectar inside the flowers.
• Bees: Bees are attracted to salvia plants for both nectar and pollen. Salvias are a good source of both, and they are especially valuable to bees in the early spring and late fall, when other sources of food are scarce.

In addition to attracting pollinators, salvia plants can also help to repel pests from your garden. The strong, aromatic scent of salvia foliage is a deterrent to many insects, including aphids, whiteflies, and Japanese beetles.

6. What is Salvia plant good for?

Salvia plants, also known as sage, are a diverse group of herbs and shrubs with a wide range of uses. They have been used for centuries in traditional medicine, culinary dishes, and ornamental landscaping. Here are some of the specific benefits of salvia plants:

Culinary Uses:

• Flavoring: The leaves of many salvia species, such as Salvia officinalis (common sage) and Salvia greggii, are used as culinary herbs. They have a pungent, slightly peppery flavor that complements a variety of dishes, including meats, vegetables, and soups.
• Tea: Dried salvia leaves can be used to make flavorful and aromatic tea. Some species, such as Salvia officinalis, are believed to have medicinal properties, such as aiding digestion and reducing inflammation.

Medicinal Uses:

• Antimicrobial: Some salvia species, such as Salvia officinalis, have been shown to have antimicrobial properties, making them effective against certain bacteria and fungi. Traditionally, salvia has been used to treat wounds, sore throats, and mouth ulcers.
• Antioxidant: Salvia plants are rich in antioxidants, which help to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. These antioxidants may have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
• Cognitive Enhancement: Some studies suggest that salvia may have cognitive-enhancing properties, improving memory, focus, and mood. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects.

Ornamental Uses:

• Flowers: Salvia plants are known for their beautiful and diverse flowers, which come in a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes. They are a popular choice for gardens, patios, and containers.
• Foliage: Many salvia species have attractive foliage, with leaves that are textured, variegated, or fragrant. Some species, such as Salvia argentea (silver sage), are grown primarily for their ornamental foliage.

Overall, salvia plants are versatile and valuable additions to any garden or household. They offer a variety of culinary, medicinal, and ornamental benefits, making them a popular choice for both practical and aesthetic purposes.

7. Are all salvia edible?

Not all Salvia species are edible. Some species are poisonous and can cause serious illness if consumed. It is important to be able to identify edible Salvia species before consuming them.

Here are some of the most common edible Salvia species:

• Salvia officinalis (common sage): This is the most widely used culinary sage, and it has a strong, earthy flavor that is used in a variety of dishes.
• Salvia greggii (autumn sage): This sage has a sweet, slightly citrusy flavor that is often used in desserts and teas.
• Salvia elegans (pineapple sage): This sage has a strong pineapple flavor that can be used to flavor meats, vegetables, and beverages.
• Salvia hispanica (chia): The seeds of this sage are edible and are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. They are often used in smoothies, cereals, and yogurt.
• Salvia dorisiana (fruit sage): This sage has a sweet, fruity flavor that can be eaten fresh or used in jams and jellies.

8. What does salvia repel?

Salvia plants, also known as sage, can repel various pests, including:

1. Mosquitoes: The strong aroma of salvia foliage is a deterrent to mosquitoes. Planting salvias around your outdoor spaces can help keep mosquitoes at bay.
2. Cabbage moths: Salvia repels cabbage moths, which can damage cabbage and other cruciferous vegetables. Interplanting salvia with cabbage or planting it nearby can help protect your crops.
3. Carrot flies: Salvia also repels carrot flies, which can damage carrot roots. Planting salvia near carrot plants can help protect your carrots.
4. Japanese beetles: Salvia's strong scent can repel Japanese beetles, which are voracious pests that can damage a wide variety of plants.
5. Fleas: Salvia leaves can be dried and ground into a powder and sprinkled on pet bedding to repel fleas.

In addition to repelling pests, salvia plants can also attract beneficial insects, such as bees and butterflies, which help to pollinate your plants.