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They are part of the Lamiaceae or mint family.
The herbal and culinary qualities of sage have been know for centuries.
They are also familiar to gardeners for their ornamental qualities.
Culinary sages are usually referred to as sage, while the ornamental types are known as salvias.
With an amazing range of foliage and flower colors and textures, ornamental sages will work well almost anywhere in the garden except wet shady spots.
To grow salvias, sow the seed in late spring directly in the garden.
Theycan also be propagated by root division in spring and by taking cuttings.
Plant salvias in a sunny spot, in well drained soil that is slightly enriched.
The native plants are used to poor soil conditions but cultivars will enjoy the addition of organic matter.
They are easy to grow, problem-free and adaptable to many different garden conditions, although they do best in full sun, and will not tolerate soggy soil.
Ornamental salvias are valued for their summer-long flower displays as well as attractive foliage.
The flowers have whorls of two-lipped flowers forming a spike.
Colors run from white to deep purple, with shades of pink, red and blue in between.
The foliage is also varied, from fuzzy silvery gray to smooth dark green leaves.
They can be small-leafed or have leaves up to 8 inches.
Some varieties also have variegated leaves that may show purples, whites or pink tones.
The foliage is often aromatic.
Splendens: The most commonly available cultivar is Salvia splendens, often called scarlet sage.
It has fiery red flowers and dark green leaves.
Newer varieties have been developed, with flowers shades ranging from cream through orange to lavender and purple.
This plant is a tender perennial, having originated in Brazil, but is often grown as an annual.
Chamaedryiodes: Known as germander sage, this species has striking gray foliage that sets off the bright blue flowers.
It spreads by underground roots to form a mound about 15 inches high.
This one is from the Mexican highlands, and will do well in zones 7 and above.
Argentea: This silver sage is grown for its unusual foliage.
It has intensely silvered fuzzy leaves in a low rosette.
Spikes of yellowish flowers are formed, but if you want just the foliage for show, these are easily removed.
This is a short lived perennial that will grow in zones 5 through 9.
Dorii: The desert purple sage is a beautiful native of the western states.
A small woody shrub, it puts forth short spikes of purple and blue flowers in late spring.
It requires fast draining soil and full sun.
Azurea: This is one of the best hardy salivas of all.
It does well in zones 5 - 9, and is tolerant of heat and humid conditions.
The tall branching stems have bright spikes of clear blue flowers.
A white flowering cultivar called September Snow has been developed.
Reptans: The West Texas cobalt sage is another fairly cold hardy variety of salvia.
Resembling a bright green stiffly growing grass in the summer, it bursts with bright cobalt flowers in early fall.
Hummingbirds love this deep rooted and drought tolerant salvia.
Superba Hybrids: Several ornamental hybrids have been developed from the S.
nemorosa species.
They include 'Blue Queen', with violet-blue flowers, 'Miss Indigo' with deep indigo spikes of flowers, and 'Pink Friesland' with long spikes of rosy pink, among others.
These have been bred for long showy blooming and hardiness through zones 3 to 9.
Salvias can remain undisturbed for long periods of time once established.
Most specimens are quite drought-tolerant and hardy.
Their flowers are excellent for fresh cut use, adding a nice vertical accent to floral arrangements as well as the perennial borders.
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