Plants from the Salvia genus (commonly know as sages) have be-
come very popular in Texas due to their heat and drought tolerance,
deer resistance and ease of growing.
Although there are other plants referred to as sage (i.e. Russian, Jer-
usalem and Texas sage), the Salvia genus contains the true sages.
The most well-known is probably autumn sage (Salvia greggii). And
culinary garden sage (S. officinalis) is another salvia that’s just as
hardy as its ornamental counterparts.
Alongside more well-known salvias, there are several you may nev-
er have heard of that look beautiful in the landscape, and will give
you a little bit of different in your yard.
1. Hot Lips (Salvia microphylla) is similar in growth habit to autumn
sage, but due to its slightly larger leaves it will tolerate anything from
full sun to light shade and still thrive. The flowers are an unusual com-
bination of red and white. Sometimes they are all red or white but will
also bloom in a mix of red and white on the same flower. Because of
its red flowers, this plant is popular with hummingbirds. Hot lips will
grow to about 3’ x 4’. Shear it back hard in early spring to keep it full
and beautiful.
_____________________________________________________
2. Namibian Sage (Salvia namaensis) is another trooper. This low
evergreen sub-shrub is a very unusual sage. The leaves are lobed like
an oak leaf, and it has a more prostrate growing habit, reaching only
18”- 2’ tall, but can grow to a width of 5’. The pale pinkish purple
flowers attract butterflies and bloom most of the growing season.
This is another salvia that is showing itself to be super tough. It has
survived our severe drought years and plus 100 to sub-20 degree
temperatures with ease.
_____________________________________________________
3. Forsythia sage (Salvia madrensis), named for its lemon yellow
flower spikes, is another top performer. It loves the shade and grows
quite tall, so it makes for a beautiful backdrop to other shade loving
plants (like majestic sage). Another survivor of extreme Texas wea-
ther, this salvia typically blooms later in the season and into the early
winter time, giving extra color when many plants have finished their
bloom cycles for the year.
_____________________________________________________
4. May Night (Salvia nemerosa) is a beautiful early season bloomer.
It is a shorter sage with spikes of dark purple or pink flowers from
early spring until the heat of summer. This sage performs best with
a little late afternoon shade and although it can get a little rangy in
the extreme heat, it bounces right back with little assistance.
_____________________________________________________
5. Pineapple Sage (Salvia elegans) is a must have for any culinary
or wildlife garden. This sage has a wonderful fruity, pineapple aroma
and flavor that goes great with fish or chicken or just sliced up in a
salad. Bright spikes of red flowers attract hummingbirds all summer.
This 3’x3’ perennial prefers late afternoon shade and will need a
little more water in the summer to keep the thinner leaves plump for
harvesting. All in all, a great mostly care-free salvia for Texas that
every garden should have. Happy gardening everyone!
