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Want to learn more about different Salvia species? Click here to explore detailed information
🌼 How to Care for Salvias
How do I prune salvia?
Salvias should be left through the winter, as the dead wood protects them from frost. They can be pruned in early spring, and more vigorous varieties may be trimmed again around June.
What are the common pests and diseases affecting salvias?
Salvias can be susceptible to aphids, capsid bugs, whitefly, sage leafhoppers, and glasshouse red spider mites. Additionally, fungal issues like grey mould (Botrytis) can develop in cool and damp conditions, especially during overwintering.
How often should I water it?
Water salvias regularly during dry spells, particularly newly planted ones. Established hardy salvias are drought-tolerant but benefit from deep watering during prolonged hot periods. Avoid waterlogging, as it can cause root rot.
Do salvias need feeding?
Hardy salvias require light feeding in spring with a balanced slow-release fertiliser or compost. Tender salvias benefit from fertilisation every 2–4 weeks during the growing season using a liquid feed for flowering plants. Over-fertilising should be avoided, as it can encourage foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Should I deadhead or cut it back?
Salvias should be trimmed around April or May, a technique often called the “Chelsea Chop,” once new shoots start to appear. Cut back to the fresh growth, and continue deadheading throughout the season. Vigorous varieties can be pruned again in July to encourage bushier, greener plants rather than tall, woody stems. Salvias should not be cut back in autumn, as leaving the foliage intact helps protect the plant from frost.
How do I propagate salvias?
Salvias can be propagated from cuttings, seeds, or by division. Softwood cuttings can be taken in summer or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer; remove lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone, and plant in a moist, free-draining medium. Seeds can be sown indoors 8–10 weeks before the last frost, germinating at 18–22°C, and seedlings should be transplanted after the last frost. Clump-forming hardy salvias can be divided every 3–4 years in early spring or autumn.
Are Salvias drought-hardy?
Most hardy perennial salvias are moderately drought-tolerant once established, thriving in well-drained soil and full sun. Tender salvias are less drought-tolerant and require more consistent watering.
What are the best salvias for UK gardens?
Hardy herbaceous salvias, such as Salvia nemorosa cultivars like ‘Caradonna’, ‘Mainacht’, and ‘Ostfriesland’, are recommended for UK gardens due to their vibrant summer blooms and adaptability to various soil conditions.
For expert tips on growing and caring for Salvias, visit the Royal Horticultural Society’s guide to Salvias or check out Gardening Know How’s Salvia care advice. Explore the collection at Middleton Nurseries today and discover standout plants that bring lasting beauty to your garden.
All our salvia plants are grown in our specialist nursery in Staffordshire, UK, using high-quality peat-free compost. This ensures that every salvia you buy from us is healthy, well-established, and of the highest quality. Buy salvias online in the UK with confidence, knowing our plants are sustainably grown and carefully nurtured for excellent garden performance.
🌼 How to Care for Salvias
How do I prune salvia?
Salvias should be left through the winter, as the dead wood protects them from frost. They can be pruned in early spring, and more vigorous varieties may be trimmed again around June.
What are the common pests and diseases affecting salvias?
Salvias can be susceptible to aphids, capsid bugs, whitefly, sage leafhoppers, and glasshouse red spider mites. Additionally, fungal issues like grey mould (Botrytis) can develop in cool and damp conditions, especially during overwintering.
How often should I water it?
Water salvias regularly during dry spells, particularly newly planted ones. Established hardy salvias are drought-tolerant but benefit from deep watering during prolonged hot periods. Avoid waterlogging, as it can cause root rot.
Do salvias need feeding?
Hardy salvias require light feeding in spring with a balanced slow-release fertiliser or compost. Tender salvias benefit from fertilisation every 2–4 weeks during the growing season using a liquid feed for flowering plants. Over-fertilising should be avoided, as it can encourage foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Should I deadhead or cut it back?
Salvias should be trimmed around April or May, a technique often called the “Chelsea Chop,” once new shoots start to appear. Cut back to the fresh growth, and continue deadheading throughout the season. Vigorous varieties can be pruned again in July to encourage bushier, greener plants rather than tall, woody stems. Salvias should not be cut back in autumn, as leaving the foliage intact helps protect the plant from frost.
How do I propagate salvias?
Salvias can be propagated from cuttings, seeds, or by division. Softwood cuttings can be taken in summer or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer; remove lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone, and plant in a moist, free-draining medium. Seeds can be sown indoors 8–10 weeks before the last frost, germinating at 18–22°C, and seedlings should be transplanted after the last frost. Clump-forming hardy salvias can be divided every 3–4 years in early spring or autumn.
Are Salvias drought-hardy?
Most hardy perennial salvias are moderately drought-tolerant once established, thriving in well-drained soil and full sun. Tender salvias are less drought-tolerant and require more consistent watering.
What are the best salvias for UK gardens?
Hardy herbaceous salvias, such as Salvia nemorosa cultivars like ‘Caradonna’, ‘Mainacht’, and ‘Ostfriesland’, are recommended for UK gardens due to their vibrant summer blooms and adaptability to various soil conditions.
For expert tips on growing and caring for Salvias, visit the Royal Horticultural Society’s guide to Salvias or check out Gardening Know How’s Salvia care advice. Explore the collection at Middleton Nurseries today and discover standout plants that bring lasting beauty to your garden.
Want to learn more about different Salvia species? Click here to explore detailed information