Guide for cultivating Salvia plants in pots - for a hassle-free, blooming patio perennial throughout the summer.
Pickin' Purple Perennials with a Punch: A Salvia Guide for Enthusiastic Gardeners
Hey there, green thumbs! Salvia is my all-time favorite perennial, and it's time to share why you should join the club. These rugged plants not only bloom for months on end but can withstand the harshest weather conditions with ease. Whether you're living it up in a city apartment or lounging in Tuscany, Salvia's got you covered!
With over 3,000 estimated species roaming the globe, finding one that suits your digs and climate is a breeze: not to mention, many are ideal for pot-growing! Mingle salvia types in your garden, and let colorful bees do their thing all through the summer. I guarantee these perennials will win a spot in your heart as one of the finest flora fits for sunny patios and balconies. So, let me school you in all things Salvia!
Cultivating Salvia in Pots
Mastering the art of growing Salvia in pots is a breeze, and luckily, these perennials are known for surviving on minimal maintenance. Just provide plenty of sunshine and a drink of water every few days, and you're set! Here are my top tips to reap those long-lasting blooms year after year:
Essential Salvia Care and Maintenance
Remember, drainage is the name of the game when you're learning how to grow Salvia in pots. Trust me; they abhor soggy, waterlogged soil, especially if you're experimenting with Mediterranean varieties!
When shopping around for a pot, aim for something 10 to 12 inches in diameter and promising drainage. Pro tip: pop a few crock shards or broken terracotta pots at the base to ensure your soil doesn't become blocked.
My go-to containers are these rustic, rounded terracotta pots available from Amazon, which pair beautifully with pink and purple Salvia.
Next, fill your pots with a combination of organic potting soil (for example, Whitney Farms, found at Walmart) and some horticultural grit for extra drainage.
The best time to plant Salvias is spring or early summer, allowing the plants enough time to establish before the summer heat wave strikes.
Position your Salvia in full sun if you're living in a colder region, such as zone 5, aiming for at least 6 hours of daily sunlight. South or west-facing is best for plants like 'Amistad,' which sulk in shade.
In warmer areas, such as zone 9, you can get away with a part-sun-part-shade location, as long as they enjoy a decent amount of morning sunshine.
Watering is simple; deep water your pots completely, checking that the soil is moist about an inch or so below the surface. In hotter weather, you may need to water daily in July and August.
Feeding isn't crucial if your container potting mix is fresh, but providing a fortnightly dose of organic tomato feed (such as Espoma, found at Walmart) will help keep container plants blooming stronger for longer.
Don't forget to deadhead regularly! Spending just 5 minutes a week pruning Salvia stems will encourage a second flush, sometimes lasting right into the fall, weather willing.
Top-Notch Salvia Varieties for Pots
When it comes to choosing the right Salvia for your pot-growing adventure, color and style are everything! Let's dive into some fantastic options:
New Dimension Meadow Sage is an excellent, compact choice, blooming in a lovely shade of pink. Available as starter plants at Walmart, it's ideal for smaller balconies and pots.
Prefer a taller variety? Check out the eye-catching 'Black & Blue' Salvia, featuring mauve blooms. These live plants are available from Burpee and will flourish in larger pots, reaching heights of up to 4 feet!
Or, if you've got a hankering for red, the Pineapple Sage with its crimson trumpet flowers will charm hummingbirds and other pollinators if planted on your patio. You can find live plants available through Amazon.
FAQs
Are Salvias winter-hardy?
In my experience, winterizing Salvias isn't necessary. Many species can survive in zones as cold as 3 and will freely endure snow, frost, and rain during the winter months. For example, Salvia nemorosa can be grown as far north as zone 4 and doesn't need protection over the winter.
If you're concerned about the cold, move your pots closer to the house to offer some extra protection.
North American Native Salvias
There are approximately 50 North American native Salvia species, including the autumn sage, or Salvia greggii. The 'Hot Lips' varieties, hailing from this species, are famous for their red and white flowers.
You can find 'Hot Lips' Salvia live plants for sale online through Amazon.
For an alternative native Salvia option, check out our guide on how to grow Texas sage. This North American species is another long-blooming plant that will fill borders with color.
Cultivating Salvia in pots not only requires minimal maintenance but offers a stunning addition to any home-and-garden, whether urban or rural. To ensure your Salvia thrives, choose a pot with ample drainage, fill it with a mix of organic potting soil and horticultural grit, and place it in a location with sufficient sunlight for your specific climate zone. For example, in a colder region, aim for at least 6 hours of daily sunlight, while warmer areas may enjoy a part-sun-part-shade location with morning sunshine. With the right care and maintenance, you'll be rewarded with long-lasting blooms that will undoubtedly become a favorite part of your lifestyle and garden.
