The genus Salvia is a large one, containing over 700 species of both annual and perennial plants. Some members of this genus are commonly called "sages", both ornamental species and the many culinary salvias. Salvias are a member of the Mint family and share the families' characteristics of square stems; simple, oval or lance-shaped leaves with toothed margins and whorls of flowers produced on spikes.

Many gardeners are familiar with the annual bedding plant salvia or the culinary salvia, but it is definitely worth exploring some of the ornamental perenial species too. All salvias grow best in well drained, evenly moist soil with full sun.

Salvia nemorosa has many beautiful cultivars. 'May Night' salvia was selected the Perennial Plant of the Year for 1997. It has a long blooming period with vibrant blue flowers, grows up to 18 inches tall and has a compact growth habit. The striking violet-blue flowers are very attractive when set against a light colored background or when mixed with white, yellow or orange flowers. 'May Night' is a hybrid salvia and will not come true from seed, but can be propagated from division or cuttings. It is hardy to Zone 4.

S. farinacea 'Strata' is another very attractive salvia; a 1996 All American Selection and Fleuroselect Winner. 'Strata' has beautiful bicolor flowers in white and blue. 'Reference' is another great bicolor with fuzzy white and blue flowers on 20 inch high plants. S. splendens 'Scarlet Bicolor' is a red and white bicolor. 'Strata', 'Reference' and 'Scarlet Bicolor' should all be treated as annuals in Nebraska.

Some species of Salvia have hairy leaves that make a great foliage contrast in the garden. Silver salvia, S. argentea, has very large, woolly leaves that grow in a rosette form. The foliage resembles hairy rhubarb leaves and are very soft and attractive. The flowers are creamy white to purple and the plant grows 2-4 feet tall. However, the flowers are at best a secondary feature of this plant, and may be removed before blooming to allow the foliage to remain dominant. S. coccinea or Texas sage 1-2 foot tall, graceful annual sage with fuzzy green leaves. The flower spikes are long, open and lacy, lasting for a long time in the garden. Texas sage is one of the easiest sages to grow.

Finally, Salvia officinalis or Common Sage has some ornamental cultivars aside from the culinary types. 'Aurea' has golden-yellow foliage that adds a striking foliage contrast in the garden. 'Purpurescens' has purplish foliage. 'Tricolor' has foliage striped with green, white and pink.