Salvia ‘Pink Amistad’ — As Seen at RHS Chelsea Flower Show

Salvia ‘Pink Amistad’ is the pink-flowered sister of the iconic ‘Amistad’ — a variety that has been one of the most sought-after salvias in UK gardens since the original received the RHS Plant of the Year award in 2013. ‘Pink Amistad’ featured in the BBC’s coverage of RHS Chelsea Flower Show, bringing it to a wider audience and confirming its status as one of the most impressive large-flowered salvias currently available.

The flowers are a rich, saturated pink — a proper deep pink with real presence in the border. Like the original ‘Amistad’, it’s vigorous, reaching 100–120cm in a good growing season, and it flowers from late May right through to October — one of the longest seasons of any salvia.

The most important thing to know about Salvia ‘Pink Amistad’ is that it is tender, not hardy. Despite being widely sold as a garden perennial, it will not reliably survive frost outdoors in most UK gardens. Treat it as tender: take cuttings in August or move pot-grown plants under cover before the first frost.

Growing Salvia ‘Pink Amistad’ in the UK

Position: Full sun in a sheltered position. Against a south or west-facing wall is ideal — the additional warmth extends the season and gives some protection from frost.

Soil: Free-draining. Unlike the drought-tolerant nemorosa group, ‘Pink Amistad’ benefits from consistently moist soil through the growing season and rewards generous feeding.

Feeding: Feed fortnightly with high-potash liquid fertiliser from May to September. Water regularly — this is not a drought-tolerant variety in the way nemorosa is.

Staking: At 100–120cm in a good season, taller plants may need staking in exposed positions. Place a grow-through support in spring before growth becomes top-heavy.

Overwintering Salvia ‘Pink Amistad’

Take semi-ripe cuttings in August — they root in three to four weeks and overwinter easily on a frost-free windowsill. For pot-grown plants, cut back by a third and move under cover before first frost. In very sheltered southern gardens, a very generous mulch over the crown gives it a chance of coming through a mild winter, but this is not reliable. See our full overwintering salvias guide.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Salvia ‘Pink Amistad’ hardy in the UK?

No — ‘Pink Amistad’ is tender (RHS H2–H3) and will not reliably survive frost outdoors in most UK gardens, despite being commonly sold as a hardy perennial. Take cuttings in August or move under cover for reliable overwintering.

How long does Salvia ‘Pink Amistad’ flower?

From late May to October in most UK gardens — one of the longest seasons of any salvia and exceptional pollinator value across the whole period.

Can I grow ‘Pink Amistad’ in a pot?

Yes — container growing actually makes overwintering easier as you can move the pot under cover in autumn. Use a large pot (40cm+) with free-draining compost and feed regularly through the season.

Where was Salvia ‘Pink Amistad’ seen on the BBC?

Salvia ‘Pink Amistad’ featured in the BBC’s coverage of RHS Chelsea Flower Show, where it was highlighted as one of the standout new salvias. The original ‘Amistad’ won RHS Plant of the Year in 2013 and ‘Pink Amistad’ builds on that heritage with the same vigour and season length but in a rich, saturated pink.