Plant of the Month: Salvia (October 2025)

A few years ago, my garden would be looking quite green at this time of the year. But not this year; I am pleased to say that it’s actually very colourful, all due to my collection of salvias, which I’ve added to year-on-year. As you know, they are not 100% hardy as they originate from hotter climates, but, they do appear to survive in sheltered, London gardens if the winters are not too severe. And, as a precaution, we have learnt to take cuttings – just in case!

Salvia curviflora (Tehuacan sage)

This Salvia species, with its velvety, fuchsia-pink whorls of tubular flowers, must be one of the most beautiful of all the sages. Originally from the dryer regions of Mexico, it has made itself at home in UK gardens and it’s even featured, more than once, on Gardeners’ World! My plants are quite tall now, although the one in a pot is not so happy, but the other, growing in the ground for 5-6 years, is covered in velvety spires.

Salvia x guaranitica ‘Animo’

This variety, introduced in 2020 from Australia, is a ‘mini-me’ of Salvia x guaranitica ‘Black and Blue’, but flowering in the summer months, whereas the latter flowers from November to May. Both varieties have the same rich, deep-blue colouring with black calyces, but S. ‘Animo’ only grows to about one metre with a graceful appearance, so ideal in a border – especially if adjacent to pink-apricot roses. It runs underground, though, so I have three plants now and I’m not complaining!

Salvia ‘So Cool Purple’

This variety is one of several in the ‘So Cool’ series, introduced from Australia in recent years but its parentage originates from Mexico. This is probably the hardiest and toughest of the salvias in my garden. With a shrubby, sprawling habit, its foliage and flowers are highly aromatic. I have to cut it back hard in the spring but I wouldn’t be without it.

Salvia ‘Pink Amistad’

This variety was introduced from Argentina in the last few years. I consider it tougher than the purple S. ‘Amistad’, which can be a bit temperamental at times. The softer pink flowers are beloved by bees and I noticed it does not wilt during the heatwaves.

Salvia ‘Magenta Magic’

This is my latest acquisition, which I find so, so, beautiful! It’s growing in a tall pot so that it can stand out and appears to like the neglect from lack of water. Originating from Tasmania, its spires of velvety magenta flowers are a delight to gaze at. Unfortunately, my phone camera is unable to capture its true colouring, no matter how many photos I take – this is the closest match, here harmoniously paired with Rosa x odorata ‘Mutabilis’.
I will be taking cuttings, as it’s too beautiful to lose!

Anna L