Collection Salvias
Discover our collection of rare and collectible salvias: Salvia discolor blackcurrant sage, Salvia elegans Honey Melon, White sage apiana... Ornamental and fragrant varieties with spectacular flowering that attracts hummingbirds, butterflies and bees. Easy to grow, perfect in borders, pots or mixed plantings.
Despite their exotic appearance, salvias are among the easiest plants to grow. Yet in a genus encompassing such a vast number of species, applying a single general rule would be misleading. At Fuchsia Delhommeau, we select rare and original salvia varieties that you simply won't find in any ordinary garden centre.
Salvias and their origins
The salvias of southern Mexico are not tropical plants — they are mountain plants. Few species are found below 1,500 m outside coastal zones exposed to strong humid influences. At high altitude, they never grow on north- or east-facing slopes, but can be found up to 3,000 m on the south- and west-facing slopes of all volcanic formations surrounding the central Mexican plateau.
How to grow salvias
What exposure do salvias need?
In our climate, a sunny position is the rule for almost all species, with some variation depending on their origin:
- Tropical, subtropical and desert species: aim for 100% sun exposure.
- Far Eastern species: partial shade at around 50% exposure is more suitable.
In all cases, avoid positions that are too exposed to wind, which can weaken the flowering stems.
What soil do salvias need?
Salvias thrive in well-drained, light and low-fertility soil. Overly nitrogen-rich soil encourages foliage growth at the expense of flowering. In pots, use a mix of potting compost and sand to ensure optimal drainage. Browse our curiosity plants growing tips for more detailed advice.
When to plant salvias?
Planting is best done in spring, after the last frosts. Some hardy species can be planted in autumn in regions with mild winters. Water thoroughly after planting to encourage rooting.
How to overwinter salvias?
Frost tolerance varies greatly between species. Salvias of tropical or subtropical origin must be brought indoors before the first frosts. Hardy species, such as certain Far Eastern Salvia, can remain in the ground with a protective layer of mulch.
Salvias and pollination: a remarkable seduction
If salvias exert such attraction on humans, it is because we respond to the same stimuli as the rest of the animal kingdom. Yet we are not the intended target of these generously displayed charms. To ensure their survival, plants need to mix their genes — which, being immobile, requires the help of a third party: water, wind, insect or bird.
The instruments of this seduction, in order of importance, are:
- Colour: reds and certain vivid blues target birds — particularly hummingbirds for New World salvias — while other colours attract insect pollinators.
- Flower shape: the lower lip acts as an ideal landing platform, often marked with a pair of white guide lines. This marking is absent in red species, which hummingbirds visit in flight.
- Nectar: hidden at the base of the funnel-shaped corolla, it rewards the pollinator for its visit.
Unlike many plants, salvia flowers are odourless — logical, since they are often pollinated by birds, which generally have no sense of smell. Their leaves, however, release powerful, heady fragrances from their scent glands, shared with other members of the Lamiaceae family. These aromas likely serve as a defence mechanism against predators: salvias are less prone to aphid infestations and are avoided by goats and other ruminants. Humans, far from being repelled, find these scents an additional source of attraction.
Our collection salvia varieties
Our selection includes rare and original species for every garden:
- Salvia discolor – Blackcurrant sage: unique black-violet flowers and silver foliage, with an interesting culinary flavour.
- Salvia elegans 'Honey Melon': vivid red flowers with a surprising melon fragrance — as decorative as it is unexpected.
- Salvia apiana – White sage: iconic in Native American rituals, with highly ornamental silver foliage.
- Salvia involucrata 'Mulberry Jam': spectacular fuchsia-pink flowering, ideal as a back-of-border statement plant.
Discover all our salvias in our botanical curiosities collection, alongside our cupheas and our iresines.
Frequently asked questions about salvias
Is salvia a perennial or an annual plant?
It depends on the species. Some salvias are true hardy perennials that regrow every year. Others, of tropical origin, are grown as annuals in our climate and must be brought indoors or replaced each winter. Use the filters in our catalogue to select varieties based on their frost resistance.
Do salvias attract pollinators?
Yes, and this is one of their greatest ecological qualities. Depending on flower colour, they attract bees, butterflies or hummingbirds. Salvias are an excellent choice for a wildlife-friendly and pollinator-welcoming garden.
Can salvias be used in cooking?
Some species, such as the blackcurrant sage or Salvia elegans with its melon scent, offer genuine culinary interest for adventurous cooks. Others, like common sage, are classic herbs of Mediterranean cuisine.
Can salvias be grown in pots?
Yes, most salvias adapt well to container growing, provided you choose a large enough pot and use a well-draining growing medium. Container growing also makes it easy to bring non-hardy species indoors for winter.