Salvias

Salvias are one of Ashwood’s specialities: most of the plants are grown here on nursery and we’re proud that our salvia exhibits at the RHS Shows are Gold Medal winners. Salvias are a fascinating genus of plants which offer such a variation of flower colour, shape and foliage. They range from hardy microphylla, x jamensis, involucrata and patens varieties, through the half-hardy greggii varieties that are smaller-growing in habit and with highly aromatic foliage, to the exotic flowers of the tender varieties.

Their colour range is outstanding; intense blues, vibrant scarlets, soft yellows, apricots, pinks and even the occasional black. Surprisingly there are only a few salvias with white flowers. All have nectar-rich flowers that are brilliant for attracting bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects and they come into their own in mid-summer,  continuing their colourful display throughout autumn when many other plants are looking tired.

Salvias are so versatile, working well in a variety of situations. They are excellent subjects for a sunny mixed border, mixing happily with shrubs and English roses, or they can be used in a traditional herbaceous border where the taller salvias are invaluable. Salvias are equally at home in a summer bedding scheme with half hardy annuals, or used in summer patio pots with geraniums and fuchsias. For the more adventurous gardener, try them in a sub-tropical border where you will find that they are perfect companions for exotic subjects such as cannas, bananas and ginger lilies.