Salvia is perhaps one of the most diverse annuals that grow well here in Central Florida. Varying heights, colors, element tolerances, and growing habits amongst the different species make picking the right Salvia for your garden important.
Salt tolerant Mexican sage (Salvia leucantha) grows up to four feet in height and width and has a bush like growth habit. Mexican Sage flowers prolifically in full sun with bright purple blooms. Indigo Spires (Salvia farinacea x longispicata) is of similar mature size as Mexican sage but has a more sprawling form. Indigo Spires is a cold hardy species with deep indigo blooms. Scarlet sage (Salvia splendens) is a very commonly used species of Salvia that has a smaller mature height of 12-16 inches. You can find more information on different Salvia varieties by visiting the University of Florida Environmental Horticulture website and searching “Salvia.”
Because of their diversity, salvias can be used in almost any application. Salvias are popular for their use in butterfly and hummingbird gardening, color massings, and ascent plantings. The photo up top depicts scarlet sage annuals dappled with bright orange and yellow marigolds along the entry to Reunion Resort, Orlando. Learn more about Salvia and other annuals in the Scoop, “ All About Annuals.”
