Salvias are one of my go-to perennials for pots and have been for many years. Not only are they made of tough stuff, but they will flower for months on end. I’ve grown them everywhere, from window boxes on city balconies to big vases in Tuscany, and they always deliver, surviving scorching summers and frozen winters without a problem.
The Salvia plant family is vast, with some botanists and horticulturists estimating there are possibly 3,000 species growing worldwide. And, with so many options, you are sure to find one suited to your tastes and climate. Fortunately for us, many are perfect for pot-growing, including the classic purple-blue Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’, as well as the taller Salvia ‘Amistad’, which has regal, violet flowers that hum with pollinators all summer long.
So, if you want easy, vibrant color for a sunny patio or balcony, a good salvia display is near impossible to beat. I think these are some of the best perennials: dependable, low-fuss and beloved by bees. What’s not to like? Here's everything I know about this impressive species.
How to grow salvia in pots
Learning how to grow salvia in pots is pretty straightforward, and these are largely perennials that thrive on neglect, so long as they enjoy plenty of sunshine and have a drink of water every few days.
Here are my tips to guarantee long-lasting blooms that return year after year.
Growing and caring for salvia in pots
If you are learning how to grow salvia in pots for the first time, the most important thing to remember is drainage. Believe me, they hate sitting in soggy, waterlogged soil, especially if you are trying your hand with some of the Mediterranean varieties.
So, when choosing a small to medium-sized pot (10 to 12 inches in diameter), make sure it has a drainage hole, and place broken shards (or crock) at the base to prevent the soil from clogging it up.
I like the look of these rustic, rounded terracotta pots, available from Amazon, which would work well when planted with pink and purple salvias.
Next, using something like this organic potting soil from Whitney Farms, available at Walmart, fill your pots, combining the mix with some horticultural grit for a little extra drainage.
While you can plant salvias at any time, in my opinion, spring or early summer is ideal to give the plants a chance to grow before the weather ramps up around midsummer.
In terms of placement, if you live in a cooler region, such as zone 5, position your salvia in full sun. I recommend providing them with at least six hours a day. South or west-facing is ideal, especially for varieties like ‘Amistad’, which will sulk in shade.
However, in warmer areas, such as zone 9, you can get away with a part-sun-part-shade location, so long as they enjoy a decent amount of morning sunshine.
In terms of care, deep watering is best, especially in the first few weeks, soaking your pots with a full can of water. I usually touch the soil, pushing an inch or so down, to ascertain how damp or dry the soil is. In high summer, around July and August, you might be watering once a day.
Feeding isn’t really essential, especially if the container potting mix is fresh, but a fortnightly tomato feed (try this organic tomato feed by Espoma, available at Walmart) will keep container plants blooming for longer.
And, finally, don’t forget about deadheading. Spending five minutes a week snipping and deadheading salvia stems will help to encourage a second flush, sometimes lasting right into the fall if the weather plays ball.
Best salvia varieties for pots
There are so many different types of salvias, you are bound to find a color and style to match your yard.
For a compact option, try the 'New Dimension' pink-blooming meadow sage, which is available as starter plants at Walmart.
Growing no taller than 12 inches, this low-growing perennial is ideal for balconies and small patio pots.
Alternatively, for a taller variety, try this 'Black & Blue' variety, with live plants available from Burpee. With mauve blooms, this unusual option will look perfect in larger pots, growing up to four feet tall.
Or, if you are after a red-flowering option, try the pineapple sage, with live plants available from Amazon.
With crimson trumpet flowers, hummingbirds and other pollinators will adore this hot variety when planted in pots on the patio.
FAQs
Are salvias fully hardy during winter?
In my experience, there is no need to winterize salvias. Indeed, many species can survive done to zone 3, and will tolerate snow, frost and rain just fine during the winter months.
Salvia nemorosa, for example, can be grown as far north as zone 4, and shouldn't need any protection during December and January. However, if you are worried, it can help to bundle and group pots together near the home, to keep them slightly more sheltered.
There are around 50 species of Salvia that are native plants of North America. Indeed, the autumn sage, or Salvia greggii, is found growing in parts of Texas, and it is from this species that the infamous 'Hot Lips' varieties have been bred.
For another native option to try in your yard, see our guide on how to grow Texas sage. While not a true sage, this North American species is another long-flowering plant that will fill borders with color.
Shop potted salvia accessories
Plant this blue-colored salvia in a pot in full sun and enjoy blooms right through until the first frost.
