If we consign the 'vulgar' or common varieties to the municipal and park beds, i.e. the S. splendens of this world with its gaudy reds, then there is a host of interesting species salvias in which to dabble in the connoisseur's garden.

Salvias are useful in the garden as they have long stems decorated with bright flowers ranging from white, pink, blue and bloody red. The intensity of the colours is useful in borders since the long stems can grow through other plants often providing unexpected bullets of colour. That they do not always grow as a mass of colour is useful since it helps to soften the border, whilst still providing points of colour.

Looking Good:
Visit Broadleas Garden in Wiltshire during July to see the splendid collections of salvias.

Best With:
Best grown near the front of an herbaceous border and intermixed with Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia) or astilbes.