- Free mainland UK Delivery on Orders Over £59.99
Salvia Amistad UK is one of the most spectacular salvias you can grow — large rich purple flowers on vigorous plants reaching 120–150cm, flowering from late May to October. Despite being widely sold as a hardy perennial, Salvia ‘Amistad’ is tender in most UK gardens and needs overwintering from cuttings or under cover to perform reliably year after year.
TL;DR — Quick Summary
Quick Facts
| Parentage | Guaranitica hybrid — exact parentage debated |
| Hardiness | RHS H2–H3 — tender; NOT reliably hardy in most UK gardens |
| Common mistake | Being sold and planted as a hardy perennial when it isn’t |
| Flowering season | Late May to October — one of the longest salvia seasons |
| Height | 120–150cm in good conditions |
| Position | Full sun, sheltered, free-draining |
| Overwintering | Take cuttings in August OR move under cover before first frost |
| Awards | RHS Plant of the Year 2013 |
The most important thing to know about Salvia 'Amistad' UK: it is tender, not hardy, despite being widely sold and planted as a hardy perennial. This single misconception accounts for the majority of Amistad losses in UK gardens every winter. In the most sheltered, south-facing gardens in the south and west it sometimes survives a mild winter with a very heavy mulch — but this is not reliable, and in most UK gardens it needs treating as tender.
Once you know that, everything else about Amistad is uncomplicated. It’s vigorous, floriferous, spectacular in late summer, and straightforward to overwinter from cuttings. It deserves its RHS Plant of the Year 2013 title — you just need to manage it correctly.
🌸 Parentage
Parentage debated — widely considered a guaranitica hybrid. Growing requirements and habit place it firmly in the tender guaranitica group for practical purposes.
❄ Hardiness
RHS H2–H3 — tender in most UK gardens. Despite widespread sale as a garden perennial, treat as tender. Take cuttings in August for reliable overwintering. See our cuttings guide.
🌸 Flowers
Large, rich purple-violet flowers with distinctive dark calyces. One of the most vivid and eye-catching of all salvia flowers — RHS Plant of the Year 2013 for good reason.
📅 Season
Late May to October — one of the longest seasons of any salvia. Considerably earlier to flower than most guaranitica varieties, bridging the gap between spring and late-summer performers.
⬆ Height
120–150cm in a good growing season with shelter and rich soil. May need staking in exposed positions. One of the tallest salvias suitable for UK gardens.
🌿 Pollinators
Exceptional — both the season length (May to October) and the flower architecture make it one of the most valuable salvias for bees. The long tubular flowers suit long-tongued bumblebees. See our pollinator guide.
Salvia Amistad UK requires full sun, a sheltered position and free-draining soil. It rewards generous growing conditions — unlike the drought-tolerant nemorosa group, Amistad benefits from rich soil, consistent moisture and feeding through the season. Feed fortnightly with high-potash liquid fertiliser from May to September. Water regularly, particularly in the first season and for container-grown plants in hot weather.
In the ground, plant in a sheltered position against a south or west-facing wall for maximum warmth and frost protection. In containers, use a free-draining mix with 20% grit and move under cover before first frost. The RHS tender salvia guide confirms these requirements.
✓ Reliable methods
✗ Common mistakes
Verbena bonariensis
The classic tall partner — both reach similar heights and the airy verbena stems complement Amistad’s bold upright habit without competing.
Pennisetum ‘Hameln’
The bottlebrush heads of Hameln grass echo the shape of Amistad’s flower spikes and the golden autumn colour provides contrast as Amistad peaks.
Echinacea purpurea
Flowers simultaneously with Amistad in late summer. The open horizontal heads contrast with Amistad’s upright spikes and attract a broad range of pollinators.
Agapanthus
The drumstick heads at a similar height provide structural contrast. Cool blue agapanthus alongside deep purple Amistad is a particularly effective late-summer combination.
Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna'
Plant nemorosa at the front to bridge the gap before Amistad gets going. Both are purple-toned; the colour scheme is cohesive while the scale contrast provides drama.
Dahlia
Bold, rich-coloured dahlias share Amistad’s tender status and similar growing requirements. Deep red, coral or orange dahlias create striking contrast with Amistad’s purple.
Salvia Amistad UK is one of the most rewarding salvias you can grow when treated correctly. Browse our full salvia range at Middleton Nurseries — every plant labelled with its hardiness and care requirements.
Browse all salvias →Early access to rare salvias, exclusive offers and growing tips from John and James — direct to your inbox.
Stay in the loop with exclusive promotions, news, and updates. Sign up now and enjoy 10% off your next order
