Salvia Tropicolor Series — New Colours in Salvia Breeding

The Salvia Tropicolor series represents one of the most significant developments in salvia breeding in recent years — a group of varieties that brings genuinely new colours to the microphylla and greggii group. Where most salvias in this family sit in the pink, red and white range, the Tropicolor series introduces warmer, more exotic tones: deep carmine, vivid sunrise orange-red, and rich claret.

The series currently comprises three varieties: ‘Tropicolor Carmine’, ‘Tropicolor Sunrise’ and ‘Tropicolor Claret’. All three share the same compact, bushy habit typical of the microphylla group, the same exceptional flowering season from May to the first frosts, and the same semi-hardy status — they will overwinter in sheltered UK gardens with a mulch but are safer treated as tender in colder areas.

At Middleton Nurseries we grow all three varieties. The reaction from gardeners who see them in person is consistently that the colours are more intense than photographs suggest — particularly Sunrise, which in full sun has a warmth and richness that makes it one of the most striking salvias we grow.

The Tropicolor Varieties

Salvia ‘Tropicolor Carmine’ — Deep, rich carmine-red with a compact bushy habit. One of the most vibrant colours in the microphylla range. Excellent in borders and large containers.

Salvia ‘Tropicolor Sunrise’ — Warm orange-red flowers that are genuinely unusual in the salvia world. Works particularly well with bronze and copper tones — phormiums, copper sedges, warm-toned grasses. A bold, high-impact variety.

Salvia ‘Tropicolor Claret’ — Deep claret-red, slightly darker and more jewel-like than Carmine. Excellent for late-season impact and particularly effective in the lower light of autumn.

Growing the Tropicolor Series in the UK

The Tropicolor varieties grow in exactly the same way as any Salvia microphylla: full sun, free-draining soil, high-potash feeding through the season, spring cut-back and summer deadheading. Semi-hardy (RHS H3–H4) — in sheltered southern gardens a generous October mulch gives them a good chance of overwintering. In colder gardens, take cuttings in August and overwinter in a frost-free space.

See our full salvia cuttings guide and overwintering guide for the complete process.

Browse the Tropicolor series at Middleton Nurseries

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy the Salvia Tropicolor series?

All three Tropicolor varieties — Carmine, Sunrise and Claret — are available at Middleton Nurseries, grown at our Staffordshire nursery using peat-free compost and dispatched nationwide.

Are the Tropicolor salvias hardy?

Semi-hardy (RHS H3–H4) — the same as other Salvia microphylla varieties. They will overwinter in sheltered gardens with a mulch but need frost protection in colder or more exposed gardens.

What grows well with the Tropicolor series?

The warm orange and red tones of the Tropicolor series work particularly well with bronze phormiums, copper sedges, warm-toned ornamental grasses and late-season perennials like heleniums and rudbeckias. See our companion planting guide for more combinations.

How do I care for Salvia Tropicolor varieties?

Full sun, free-draining soil, deadhead every two to three weeks through the season, cut back in spring once new growth appears. Feed fortnightly with high-potash liquid fertiliser from May to September. Treat as semi-hardy and overwinter in sheltered gardens with a mulch, or take cuttings in August as insurance.