Are you looking to create a hummingbird garden or adding an easy to care for perennial? If so, you may want to grow Salvia in your Phoenix garden.
Salvia is a favorite among hummingbirds. Salvia is from the Lamiaceae family, which is also known as the mint family. The leaves have a minty scent.
Salvia can be found in a variety of colors
Everything You Need to Know to Grow Salvia in Phoenix
Before planting a Salvia you’ll want to know the best soil to use, how much sun the plant prefers, the water requirements and the plant’s growth pattern. Before you start digging:
- Soil Requirements: What kind of soil does Salvia prefer?
- Sun Requirements: Does Salvia prefer sun or shade?
- Water Requirements: Is Salvia drought tolerant?
- Growth Pattern: How fast and how big does the plant grow?
- Blooms: When does the plant bloom and are the flowers scented?
- Wildlife: Does Salvia attract or deter any wildlife?
- Best Time to Plant: What time of year can I find Salvia at the local nurseries?
- Plant Care: How do I plant and care for Salvia?
What kind of soil does Salvia prefer?
In Phoenix we’re in luck because Salvias actually prefers our alkaline and rocky soil.
Salvias You can Grow In Phoenix
- Autumn Sage, Salvia greggi
- Mexican Bush Sage, Salvia leaucantha
- Scarlet Sage, Saliva coccinea
- Tropical Sage, Salvia elegans
Where should you Plant Salvia?
Salvia loves the sun and can get leggy in shade. That being said we have found that in Phoenix salvias are much happier with morning sun and some afternoon shade.
We have Salvia planted on the east side of our home where they receive full morning sun and the south side of our house.
How much Water does Salvia need?
Saliva is drought tolerant and is considered a low water plant. It is native to Texas and Mexico and does quite well in Phoenix, Arizona.
How Fast Does Salvia Grow?
This beautiful plant varies in size. Depending on the variety salvia may grow one to four feet high. Salvia greggi can grow three-feet wide and three-feet high. Salvia grows rather quickly.
Does Salvia Attract or Deter Wildlife?
Salvia is a magnet for hummingbirds. It is also attractive to birds and butterflies.
In our yard the hummingbirds return everyday to this plant and we enjoy watching them sip the nectar.
Deer and rabbits will usually leave this plant alone.
Salvia Blooms: Height and Available Colors
At nurseries you’ll often find Salvia greggi, which is a species of sage. You can generally find Salvia available in varies shades of red, pink, fuchsia and purple at your local nursery.
Several different cultivators ranging from purple, blue, deep reds to lighter pinks are available at local nurseries including: ‘Lipstick’, ‘Flame’, ‘Furman’s Red’, ‘Rosea’
Best Time of Year to Plant Salvia
The best time to transplant Salvia in Phoenix is mid-February and March. This is when you’ll see the most choices in variety at the local nurseries.
If you’re planting Salvia by seed start planting in the fall. Seeds should start to germinate in a couple weeks.
Salvia Pests
The plant seems susceptible to mealy bugs. To deter mealy bugs plant thyme or lavender near Salvia.