Fall Salvias for Georgia

While you can find salvias blooming in spring and summer, it is the fall salvias that captivate me most. What makes a plant special to me is one that blooms at a particular point on the calendar... something that comes into flower and signals a season or holiday. People often ask me, "I want a plant that blooms all year round", needless to say, this question bothers me to the core. For when a plant blooms all the time, we appreciate it less. When a plant only blooms for 2 weeks in October, we treasure it because it is rare and special. Sorry for the diatribe...

There are many fall-blooming salvias that I could mention: S. oxyphora, madrensis, etc... but alas, I don't want to bore you. So instead, I've narrowed the field down to 3 of my favorites. Sages are wonderful pollinator plants, particularly attractive to hummingbirds. Another reason to plant them is that deer are rarely a problem; in fact, I've only ever seen deer damage on one species, S. oxyphora.

Salvia leucantha, or Mexican Velvet Sage is deservedly growing in popularity. The overall effect is like a large fluffy lavender, yet without the scent. Velvet sage has a reputation for being tricky and tender, and while this is somewhat true, I think the most important element for success is proper siting- planting it in an ideal location. Drainage is key, and a light dressing of pine straw can also help enhance winter hardiness. S. leucantha also prefers full sun. There are two major forms I'd recommend, the straight species offers purple and white blossoms, while the cultivar 'Midnight' produces all purple flowers.

Salvia regla, or Orange Mountain Sage, usually blooms in October and typically produces a somewhat woody shrub over time. Here in middle Georgia, we seem near the northern limit of this plant, however, I have seen a large specimen growing in Clarkesville, Ga in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mts. S. regla produces a memorable profusion of shrimp-like blooms in a unique orange color. Orange is among my favorite colors, especially around Halloween. Just like velvet sage, orange mountain sage prefers sun and well-drained soils. And as with all salvias, one can easily propagate them and spread them around by taking cuttings. There are a few cultivars to choose from in various shades of orange though red. Flowers by the Sea is a good source all kinds of unusual salvias.

Salvia puberula, or Rosebud Sage, is probably the easiest of the 3 to grow. It is also the only one that naturally spreads via rhizomes. Consequently, it is easy to divide and share with friends. This plant produces highly fragrant leaves, which some people find unappealing. But this characteristic, along with its fuzzy magenta flowers, is the main reason I love it. I'm also drawn to its floral buds, which look like little spheres or purple candies. Because of its aggressive nature and ultimate height (up to 7 ft.), I'd suggest giving it plenty of space. It typically blooms in October. 'El Butano' or the exceptionally early and floriferous hybrid offered by Flowers of the Sea are good forms of this species. Plant Delights Nursery is also a great source for these and other great Salvias.