Salvia microphylla: Varieties, Care and UK Growing Guide
TL;DR Salvia microphylla is the longest-flowering salvia you can grow in a UK garden — many varieties bloom from May to the first frosts Semi-hardy (RHS H3–H4) — survives mild UK winters in sheltered gardens, needs protection in colder areas Full sun and free-draining soil are essential; waterlogging is the main cause of losses Light […]
Overwintering Salvias in the UK: What to Do in Autumn
TL;DR Overwintering salvias in the UK depends entirely on which group your plant belongs to — hardy, semi-hardy or tender Fully hardy nemorosa and sylvestris need no winter protection — leave stems on until spring Semi-hardy microphylla and greggii need a mulch or pot move in colder gardens Tender guaranitica, patens and uliginosa need cuttings, […]
Salvia nemorosa Varieties: The Complete Guide
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?
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
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
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?
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
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 […]
Salvia guaranitica ‘Argentine Skies’ — Rare Sky-Blue, Exclusive to Middleton Nurseries
Salvia guaranitica ‘Argentine Skies’ is a rare, light-blue variety exclusive to Middleton Nurseries — a graceful, upright hardy salvia perfect for adding height and late-season colour to borders.
How to Grow Salvias in the UK: Complete Guide
Salvias are among the most vibrant plants you can grow in UK gardens. This complete guide covers choosing varieties, planting, watering and seasonal care.
