"Salvias in bloom"

Versatile and beautiful shrubby salvias are beginning to bloom.
Sunday, 16 November 2008     

Versatile and beautiful shrubby salvias are beginning to bloom.

The genus Salvia comprises over 900 species and many cultivars, hybrids and varieties. Some of the best of these for Sydney gardens are the shrubby ones from semi-tropical places like South America, Central America, Mexico and Texas. They will grow quickly to give a mass of blooms over a long period, in a rainbow of colours. They range in height from tall bushes up to 3m down to low groundcovers and neat shrubs of less than 1m in height. They have few pests, are water-wise, and need little care, except for a severe pruning in late winter followed by a dose of fertiliser. Most prefer a sunny spot in the garden, but some can cope with semi-shade and will still flower quite well. Check out our plant directory under Salvia to see a complete listing of the salvias growing in my Sydney garden. There are salvias for every season, but some of the ones which are looking good right now include cerise Salvia chiapensis, pale blue Salvia 'African Sky', bright pink Salvia involucrata 'Joan', brilliant blue Salvia guaranitica Large Form, and the beautiful new hybrid Salvia 'Wendy's Wish'.


Make a comment

* You can only post comments on Blogs if you are signed in. If you are already registered please go to the Home page and Sign-In first. If you are not an iGarden member please click here to register now.

My eBooks (PDF)

Most-recent blogs

Paradise revisited
17 Mar 24
I revisit a stunning Sydney acreage garden.

A bromeliad solution
10 Mar 24
Bromeliads provide a solution to difficult, dry, shady spots in Sydney gardens.

Refreshing whites for hot days
03 Mar 24
These white flowers add a touch of coolth,

Grooming the garden
25 Feb 24
Prepare your garden for a renewed lease of life in early autumn.

Late summer spires
18 Feb 24
These blooming spires decorate the garden now.

Previously at this time

2009 - 15 Nov
2010 - 14 Nov
2011 - 20 Nov
2012 - 18 Nov
2013 - 16 Nov
2015 - 15 Nov
2016 - 13 Nov
2020 - 15 Nov
2021 - 14 Nov
2022 - 13 Nov

Promotions