Salvia nemorosa Varieties: The Complete Guide

An educational infographic set in a garden titled "Salvia Nemorosa Varieties: The Complete Guide." The central image shows various salvia colors—purple, pink, and white—surrounded by circular callouts labeling specific cultivars like 'Caradonna', 'Mainacht', and 'Rose Queen'. A technical bar at the bottom details care requirements like sun, soil, and hardiness.

TL;DR Salvia nemorosa is the most reliably hardy salvia for UK gardens — fully frost-hardy, drought-tolerant, and loved by bees Varieties range from deep indigo to soft pink, and from 20cm compact forms to 90cm border plants ‘Caradonna’ remains the definitive all-rounder — near-black stems, violet-blue flowers, RHS Award of Garden Merit The Sensation series […]

Salvia Companion Planting: What Grows Well With Salvias?

A lush, vibrant garden bed showcasing a variety of companion plants surrounding purple salvia spikes. In the foreground, a rustic wooden log sign reads, "SALVIA COMPANION PLANTING: What Grows Well With Salvias?". Surrounding plants include pink echinacea, lavender, orange yarrow, blue sea holly, and pink sedum.

TL;DR Salvias combine best with plants that share their love of sun and free-draining soil Ornamental grasses are the single best companion — they provide movement, contrast and extend the season Echinacea, verbena bonariensis and agapanthus all work beautifully alongside salvias in summer borders Spring bulbs planted beneath salvias fill the gap before salvias get […]

Middleton Nurseries at RHS Chelsea 2026: New Varieties and Show Highlights

A high-quality landscape photo of a flower show exhibit booth. A man with a joyful expression waves to the camera while seated next to a woman behind a display table. The foreground features brown burlap gift bags holding small green plants and prominent arrangements of bright pink and purple salvias. A black backdrop features a sign for 'Ye Olde Sweet Pea Shoppe' alongside multi-colored floral displays, framed awards, and a glimpse of an outdoor event space to the far left.

TL;DR Middleton Nurseries exhibited at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026 in the Salvias category in the Great Pavilion Chelsea is where we debut new varieties each year — the first chance for the public to see them before they go on sale New 2026 salvia introductions include Salvia guaranitica ‘Argentine Skies’, Salvia ‘Pink Velvet’ and […]

How to Take Salvia Cuttings: Step-by-Step UK Guide

A step-by-step infographic titled 'How to Take Salvia Cuttings: Step-by-Step UK Guide' featuring six numbered panels with Union Jack details. Step 1 shows choosing a healthy purple salvia plant. Step 2 shows using secateurs to snip a non-flowering stem. Step 3 shows trimming the lower leaves. Step 4 shows dipping the stem in white rooting hormone powder. Step 5 shows multiple cuttings planted in a terracotta pot of compost. Step 6 shows several young salvia plants thriving in small pots on a greenhouse shelf.

TL;DR The best time to take salvia cuttings is late summer — August and September — when growth is semi-ripe Softwood cuttings can also be taken in May and June from fresh new growth Take cuttings from non-flowering stems, 8–12cm long, just below a leaf node Root in gritty, free-draining compost in a warm, bright […]

Hardy vs Tender Salvias: Which Should You Buy?

A side-by-side comparison in a garden setting showing "Hardy Salvias" planted directly in the ground with deep purple and blue flowers, and "Tender Salvias" planted in terracotta pots with red-and-white and bright blue flowers. Wooden signs label each section.

TL;DR Salvias fall into three groups: fully hardy, semi-hardy and tender Fully hardy salvias (nemorosa, sylvestris) stay in the ground year-round in most of the UK Semi-hardy types (microphylla, greggii) need frost protection but are borderline in sheltered gardens Tender salvias (guaranitica, patens, uliginosa) need lifting, cuttings or a frost-free space over winter The right […]

Best Salvias for Pots and Containers UK

Salvia nemorosa in a terracotta pot on a stone patio — best salvias for pots UK

TL;DR The ultimate guide to choosing the best salvias for pots UK, tailored for your gardening needs. Introduction Container gardening and salvias are a natural match. Whether you’re working with a small patio or a balcony, salvias in pots give you flexibility that border planting doesn’t. The key is choosing the right variety and getting […]

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