is salvia an annual or perennial

January 2, 2025 by Robby

Salvia is a large genus of plants with more than 1000 species. Salvias, also called sage, are part of the mint (Lamiaceae) plant family. Many salvias bloom for a long time, some from late spring to fall. They have a strong, pleasant scent. Salvias are most often perennials but can be annuals as well.

Salvia plants are easy to grow and propagate. Not only do they add color to any garden, but they can also be used as medicine or in cooking, for example, to season food.

Is Salvia An Annual or Perennial?

Salvia is a popular plant known for its elongated flowering period and ability to thrive in hot, dry conditions. With over 900 species, salvias can be found across most of the world. But whether salvia grows as an annual or perennial depends on several factors.

The most significant factor is climate. Salvia prefers hot, dry climates. This makes it more likely to be a perennial in southern regions and an annual in cooler northern zones that experience winter freezes. However, even within these general guidelines, the specific salvia variety makes a difference.

Annual, Biennial or Perennial?

Most salvias are either annuals or perennials. However, a few may be biennial in especially cold climates, meaning they last for two years. Here is an overview of how different salvias grow:

Annual: Grown from seed and complete their life cycle in one season. Must be replanted each year. More common for salvias in zones 3-6.

Perennial: Survive winter and regrow the following year. Do not need replanting. More common for salvias in zones 7-10.
Biennial: Take two years to complete their lifecycle. Produce foliage the first year and flowers/seeds the second year. Less common for salvias.

So is salvia an annual or perennial? The answer depends on the variety and climate:

Annual Salvias

Many salvias grown as annuals are perennials in warmer climates but are treated as annuals where winters are cold. Popular annual salvias include:

Pineapple Sage: Perennial in zones 8-10, annual in cooler areas.

Gentian Sage: Perennial in zones 8-10, annual in zones 3-7.
Bedding Sage: Perennial in zones 7-10, annual in zones 3-6.

These tender perennials can survive winters in zones 7 or warmer but will die back in colder climates, requiring replanting each spring.

Perennial Salvias

Salvias that are dependably perennial include:

Garden Sage: Perennial in zones 4-10.

Culinary Sage: Perennial in zones 5-10.
Hot Lips Sage: Perennial in zones 7-10.
Giant Purple Sage: Perennial in zones 5-9.

These hardy perennials easily survive winters and regrow vigorously each spring in most climates. No need to replant annually.

Maximizing Flowering

Annual salvias generally bloom longer than perennials. However, perennials may last many years. Here are tips:

For longest bloom, grow salvias as annuals where not winter hardy.
For lowest maintenance, choose perennial types where they are hardy.
Extend bloom of perennials by pinching back spent flowers.

The best type of salvia – annual, biennial or perennial – depends on your climate and desired longevity. With smart variety selection, you can enjoy continuous color from salvia in almost any region.

is salvia an annual or perennial

Gentian Sage

is salvia an annual or perennial

JohnatAPW / Getty s

Gentian sage (Salvia patens) has stunning two-lipped blue flowers, with bloom periods between mid-summer to mid-fall. Its deer-resistant and doesnt have any serious issues with pests or diseases. Gentian sage is most often treated as an annual in cooler climates but is usually a perennial.

USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-10

Height: 2-3 ft.
Light: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained

Flower Color: Blue

Wood Sage

is salvia an annual or perennial

By Eve Livesey / Getty s

Salvia species and cultivars are well-known, but there are also hybrid salvias like Salvia x sylvestris, which is also known as wood sage. Wood sage is a cross between S. nemorosa and S. pratensis. A well-known type of this hybrid is May Night (Mainacht), which has blue-violet flowers from May to June. Another good cultivar is Pink Dawn, a shorter plant (18 inches) with pink flowers.

USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–8
Height: 18–24 in. tall

Light: Full sun
Soil: Well-draining, acidic
Flower Color: Dark purple-blue

PETITTI Sage Family Spotlight | Understanding Perennial Meadow Sage, Annual Salvia & Culinary Sage

FAQ

Does salvia come back every year?

Perennial salvias will return year after year from their roots and may self-sow through dropped seeds as well. An easy identifier for salvias is their square stems, just like their cousins the mints. Over the past couple of years, I’ve added more blue salvias to my gardens.

Can you leave a salvia outside in winter?

Great for providing fresh, vibrant colour in late summer and early autumn. Tender salvias won’t normally survive the winter outdoors, so take cuttings and overwinter in a frost-free greenhouse or replace plants lost to frost with new ones the following spring.

Do salvias like sun or shade?

Most salvias prefer full sun and well-drained soils, but some will bloom well in part shade. Once established, most salvia species are quite drought-tolerant and require little care. Excessive water and fertilizer can increase fungal disease problems for salvias. Most salvias prefer slightly acidic soils.

Is Salvia a perennial?

Varieties that grow in the southern zones – 7-10 – are considered perennials. Even though they are often grown as annuals in zones 3-6, it is possible for plants in zones 4-6 to come back the following year but as a new plant from the reseeding salvias in the fall. Though it often regrows, it is a different plant, not the same root.

Do salvia plants bloom all year?

Salvia plants come in a wide range of sizes, growth habits and flower colors. Try some of these varieties in your yard: Rockin’ ® Fuchsia (Salvia hybrid) is a wonderful annual with vibrant flowers each with a black calyx on tough plants. It will just bloom, and bloom and bloom all season without stopping.

Are salvia plants easy to grow?

Salvia plants are easy to grow and propagate. They add a burst of color to any garden but they can also work medicinally and for culinary purposes, such as for seasoning. Keep scrolling for popular types of salvia plants to consider for your garden. Plant salvia in the spring around late May or early June, after the first frost.

What are the different types of salvias?

Whichever you prefer, here are some of the most easygoing and dynamic types of salvias for mixed beds, borders and container growing. Perennial salvias are a staple in many gardens. Their tall, drought-tolerant purple, blue, violet, yellow, bicolor and red flowerheads often bloom longer than most perennials.

Is Salvia a sage?

Color Spires® ‘Violet Riot’ perennial salvia (Salvia nemorosa). Photo by: Walters Gardens, Inc. With close to 1,000 species worldwide, salvias are members of the mint family which also includes rosemary, thyme, lavender, and basil. Ornamental salvias are also a relative of common sage, the culinary herb used for cooking.

Where do salvias grow?

Salvias are native to the Americas, Europe, Asia, and the Mediterranean*. The majority of species are native to the Americas, particularly Central America and South America. The genus includes annuals, perennials, and woody shrubs, but it’s the 12 inch to 5 feet tall woody shrubs that gardeners are usually referring to when they speak about salvias.

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