When to plant Salvia in Nottingham

Salvia spp.

Salvia
Salvia · Salvia spp.

Salvias range from hardy border perennials to frost-tender bedding and tender perennial plants. Most prefer a sunny position and free-draining soil; check the cultivar label for hardiness, plant tender types out after frost, and protect or bring them under cover before winter.

90 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water

Add to garden

Calibrated to Nottingham · last frost ≈ 20 Apr

Plant out May to June. Frost risk November to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Plant outNoNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNo

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

  1. 01

    Plant Out

    11 May to 1 Jun

    Plant young salvias into well-drained soil or a roomy pot around 11th May - 1st June. Set them at the same depth they were growing before and space them apart. Water in thoroughly straight after planting so the roots settle quickly.

  2. 02

    Water Until Established

    11 May to 16 Jul Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Keep the compost or soil evenly moist from 11th May through the first dry spells after planting. Water at the base, not over the leaves, and let the surface dry slightly between waterings so the roots are encouraged to run deep.

  3. 03

    Pinch and Deadhead

    4 Jun to 7 Nov

    From 4th June, pinch out the tips on young plants to make them bushier, then remove faded flower spikes as they finish. Keep going through 7th November to extend flowering and stop the plant wasting energy on seed.

  4. 04

    Lightly Prune

    19 Jul to 18 Aug

    Tidy the plants after the main flush of flowers around 19th July - 18th August. Cut back the stems by about a third, just above fresh growth, and do not cut into old, leafless wood on shrubby types.

  5. 05

    Protect for Winter

    24 Oct to 7 Nov

    Prepare tender or half-hardy salvias for winter during 24th October - 7th November. Move containers to a bright, frost-free place or lift and pot border plants before frost. Leave hardy types standing in cold or exposed gardens, where the top growth helps protect the crown.

Suggested varieties

Popular varieties of Salvia to consider

Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna'

A popular upright perennial salvia with deep violet flowers and dark stems, good for borders and pollinators.

Salvia nemorosa 'Mainacht'

A reliable border salvia with rich purple flower spikes and a neat habit.

Salvia microphylla 'Hot Lips'

A shrubby salvia with red and white flowers over a long season in a sheltered, sunny spot.

Salvia guaranitica 'Black and Blue'

A tall, striking salvia for a warm border or large container, with dark calyces and blue flowers.

Salvia guides by town

See how Salvia timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.