Hardy Salvias (S. microphylla, S. greggii and associated hybrids) are some of the longest-flowering perennials we offer and are among the best for attracting hummingbirds and other beneficial pollinators throughout the summer and into late autumn when many other plants have ceased flowering. Their aromatic leaves put off a strong sage-like aroma and have been used in traditional medicine. Hardy to 10 F and below. Deer and rabbit resistant. Perennial.

Requirements: Most salvias perform best in full sun and well-draining soil.  They perform famously in hell strips and borders that aren't often watered and are very drought tolerant once established. Good drainage is essential to winter hardiness (especially for Salvia greggii and hybrid cultivars).

Care: Old stems provide winter protection to new growth so it is best to prune them in the spring after severe winter weather has passed. Deadhead to encourage new growth and more flower spikes.

Our Selection

Salvia 'Dyson's Joy'

Salvia 'Royal Bumble'

Salvia 'UC Pink'

Salvia × 'Christine Yeo'

Salvia greggii 'Texas Wedding'

Salvia microphylla 'Dennis Pink'

Salvia microphylla 'Flower Child'

Salvia microphylla 'Hot Lips'

Salvia microphylla 'La Trinidad Pink'

Salvia microphylla 'San Carlos Festival'

Salvia 'Dyson's Joy'


An incredible bicolor flower of pale and dark pink hues that are complimented by dark calyces. Introduced by Dyson's Nurseries in Kent, England. Of hybrid origin but appears to have characteristics of S. gregii.


Height: to 20 in.    Spread: to 30 in.

Salvia 'Royal Bumble'


We are most impressed with the vigor and compact form of this long-blooming salvia. Flowers are very red on dark calyces. Sometimes listed as a gregii but is clearly a microphylla or hybrid species.


Height: to 30 in.    Spread: to 30 in.

Salvia 'UC Pink'


One of our best and most consistent bloomers of bright pink flowers.  Has proven hardy through many Northwest winters in a raised bed.  Of uncertain origin but if not an S. microphylla almost certainly a hybrid of it.


Height: to 30 in.    Spread: to 30 in. 

Salvia × 'Christine Yeo'


Exceptionally long-flowering, beautiful purple-violet flowers. Introduced by Pleasant View Nursery in England.  Thought to be the first every hybrid of S. microphylla and S. chamaedryoides.


Height: to 3 ft.    Spread: to 3 ft.

Salvia greggii 'Texas Wedding'


A very long-blooming selection with pure white flowers. Needs impeccable drainage. Sometimes sold as 'Alba.'


Height: to 30 in.    Spread: to 30 in.

Salvia microphylla 'Dennis Pink'


One of the 'truest pink' flowers of any Salvia microphylla. Also tends to have slightly larger flowers than our other salvias.    


Height: to 3 ft.    Spread: to 3 ft.

Salvia microphylla 'Flower Child'


An introduction by Monterey Bay Nursery from a sport occurring on Salvia 'Bezerkeley.' Grows dense and low with heavy blooms of soft pink flowers and dark calcyes.


Height: to 24 in.    Spread: to 30 in.

Salvia microphylla 'Hot Lips'


One of the most popular and commercially available salvias for it's appealing 'red lipped' flowers. Introduced to the horticultural world by the Strybing Arboretum via Alta Gracia of Mexico. Initial blooms are pure red followed later by the white flowers with red lips.


Height: to 30 in.    Spread: to 30 in.

Salvia microphylla 'La Trinidad Pink'


A bright-pink flowering salvia collected from Nuevo Leon, Mexico and introduced to the world of horticulture by Yucca Do Nursery in Texas.


Height: to 3 ft.    Spread: to 3 ft. 

Salvia microphylla 'San Carlos Festival'


A very long-blooming salvia with striking magenta flowers from summer to first frost. Tends to be especially heat and drought tolerant. Originally from Mexico and introduced to horticulture by Yucca Do Nursery of Texas. Low-growing and dense with unique triangular foliage.


Height: to 2 ft.    Spread: to 3 ft.

Additional resources: