What to Plant With Salvias: A Guide to Companion Planting
What to Plant With Salvias?
When considering what to plant with salvias, the options are numerous and varied.
Some plants that can be planted alongside salvias include Stipa, Eryngium, Agapanthus, Petunias, Astelia foliage, Ground ivy, Heuchera, Foxtail barley, Roses, Tropical or exotic plants, as well as Coastal plants.
These companion plants add diversity, beauty, and complementary colors and textures to a garden or landscape.
Key Points:
- Numerous and varied options for planting with salvias
- Companion plants include:
- Stipa
- Eryngium
- Agapanthus
- Petunias
- Astelia foliage
- Ground ivy
- Heucher
- Foxtail barley
- Roses
- Tropical or exotic plants
- Coastal plants
- Companion plants add diversity and beauty
- Companion plants provide complementary colors and textures
- Planting with salvias enhances a garden or landscape
- Consideration of companion plants is important for a cohesive and visually appealing design
Did You Know?
1. Did you know that planting marjoram alongside salvias can help deter pests such as aphids, slugs, and snails? Marjoram’s strong scent acts as a natural repellent, making it a beneficial companion plant for salvias in the garden.
2. One fascinating fact about planting yucca plants with salvias is that yuccas have a symbiotic relationship with a specific moth species. The yucca moth helps to pollinate the yucca flowers while laying eggs inside them, ensuring the plant’s continued survival.
3. A lesser-known plant that complements salvias well is the dusty miller. The silver-gray foliage of dusty miller adds a stunning contrast to the vibrant colors of salvias, creating an eye-catching and harmonious planting combination.
4. Did you know that planting catmint alongside salvias can have a surprising effect on feline behavior? Catmint contains a compound called nepetalactone, which is known to attract cats and invoke their playful nature. So, if you have feline friends, planting catmint near salvias might provide them with hours of entertainment!
5. When it comes to attracting pollinators, planting salvias alongside sunflowers can be a winning combination. Sunflowers act as natural beacon plants with their large and vibrant blooms, attracting various beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. The salvias’ nectar-rich flowers make a perfect food source for these pollinators, ensuring a thriving and diverse garden ecosystem.
Stipa
Stipa, also known as feather grass, is an excellent companion plant for Salvias. The feathery texture of Stipa grass adds a beautiful contrast to the bold colors and shapes of Salvias. The delicate movement of the grass in the wind creates a sense of movement in the garden, adding a dynamic element to the overall landscape.
Furthermore, Stipa grass is drought-tolerant, just like Salvias, making them a perfect match for regions with limited water availability. They both have similar water requirements, making it easier for gardeners to maintain them together without worrying about overwatering or underwatering.
To create a stunning combination, consider planting Salvias with Stipa grass in a sunny spot in your garden. The wispy, golden-brown Stipa grass blades will provide a soft backdrop for the vibrant and showy Salvia flowers, elevating the visual appeal of your garden.
Eryngium
Eryngium, commonly known as sea holly, is a fantastic plant to pair with Salvias. Both Eryngium and Salvias are known for their spiky structures and are often used in garden designs to add texture and interest. When planted together, their collective spikiness creates a visually intriguing and captivating display.
In addition to their shared aesthetic appeal, Eryngium and Salvias also attract pollinators, making them invaluable assets for any pollinator-friendly garden. The spiky flower heads of both plants provide landing platforms for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, ensuring a rich biodiversity in your garden.
When selecting Eryngium varieties to plant with Salvias, opt for those with colors that complement or contrast with your chosen Salvia cultivars. The blue or silvery tones of certain Eryngium species can beautifully contrast with the vibrant red, pink, or purple hues of Salvias, creating an eye-catching color combination.
- Eryngium and Salvias are both spiky plants that add texture and interest to garden designs.
- They attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, ensuring a rich biodiversity in your garden.
- Select Eryngium varieties with colors that complement or contrast with your chosen Salvia cultivars to create an eye-catching color combination.
Agapanthus
Agapanthus, commonly known as Lily of the Nile, is a versatile plant that can be paired with Salvias to create a lovely garden vignette.
Agapanthus produces tall, sturdy flower stalks adorned with clusters of trumpet-shaped blooms. These flowers can range in color from blue and purple to white or even pink, offering a wide range of options for pairing with different Salvia varieties.
When planted together, the upright growth habit of Agapanthus provides a strong vertical element that complements the airy and bushy nature of Salvias. This combination adds depth and structure to the garden, creating a visually pleasing contrast.
In addition to their ornamental value, Agapanthus and Salvias are both low-maintenance plants that are well-suited for gardeners with busy schedules. They have similar soil and watering requirements, making it easy to care for them simultaneously without needing to adjust their individual needs significantly.
- Agapanthus can be paired with Salvias to create a lovely garden vignette
- Agapanthus produces tall, sturdy flower stalks with trumpet-shaped blooms in various colors
- Agapanthus’ upright growth habit complements the airy and bushy nature of Salvias, adding depth and structure to the garden
- Agapanthus and Salvias are low-maintenance plants with similar soil and watering requirements.
Petunias
Petunias are well-known for their vibrant and eye-catching flowers that come in a wide array of colors. When paired with Salvias, the result is a riot of colors and a visually stunning display. The strong vertical growth of Salvias and the trailing or mounding habit of Petunias create a beautiful contrast that adds interest and dimension to your garden.
Furthermore, both Salvias and Petunias are known for their ability to attract pollinators, making them an excellent combination for creating a haven for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The abundance of flowers from both plants guarantees a constant source of nectar and pollen, ensuring a thriving and flourishing ecosystem in your garden.
When planting Salvias with Petunias, consider selecting colors that complement each other or create a striking contrast. For example, if you have deep purple Salvias, planting hot pink or white Petunias nearby can create a striking visual impact.
Astelia Foliage
Astelia foliage, with its arching, sword-shaped leaves and unique textures, is an intriguing companion plant for Salvias. The silver or green leaf coloration of Astelia foliage serves as an excellent backdrop for the vibrant hues of Salvias, allowing their flowers to truly shine.
The architectural qualities of both Salvias and Astelia foliage create an interesting visual contrast, with the delicate and intricate flowers of Salvias juxtaposed against the bold, structural leaves of Astelia. This combination contributes to the overall aesthetic appeal of the garden, making it a true standout.
In addition to their visual appeal, Salvias and Astelia foliage have similar soil and sunlight requirements, making it easy to ensure their needs are met with minimal effort. Both plants thrive in well-drained, moderately fertile soil and appreciate full sun or partial shade. Planting them together simplifies gardening tasks and adds a cohesive look to your landscape design.
Selecting the right companion plants for Salvias can enhance the beauty and functionality of your garden. Stipa, Eryngium, Agapanthus, Petunias, and Astelia foliage are just a few examples of the numerous options available. By considering factors such as color, texture, water requirements, and pollinator attraction, you can create a stunning garden design that showcases the unique qualities of Salvias while creating a harmonious and vibrant landscape.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to plant salvias?
The best place to plant salvias is in an area that receives full sun and has well-drained soils. This allows them to thrive and bloom to their full potential. However, some salvias can also adapt well to part shade conditions. It is important to avoid excessive water and fertilizer as it can lead to fungal diseases. Additionally, providing slightly acidic soils will create an ideal environment for these beautiful plants to flourish with minimal care needed.
What are salvias best growing conditions?
Salvias thrive in full sun and require well-drained soil for optimal growth. To extend their blooming period, it is recommended to deadhead the plants. However, it is important to note that if the soil becomes excessively cold and wet during winter, salvias may not survive. To safeguard against potential winter losses, taking cuttings towards the end of summer is advisable. Alternatively, for tender varieties, cultivating them in pots and providing a frost-free environment during winter can help ensure their survival.
Do salvias like poor soil?
Salvias, known for their vibrant and aromatic blooms, thrive in poor soil rather than dense clay. To ensure their optimal growth, it is recommended to incorporate plentiful grit when planting in heavy soil. By providing a well-draining environment, salvias can flourish and showcase their full potential. Additionally, it is crucial to consider the ultimate height of the specific variety chosen and select an appropriate location in the garden bed for these delightful plants.
How do you keep salvias bushy?
To keep salvias bushy, it is important to regularly shape the plant through pruning. ‘Hot Lips’ salvia is particularly prone to developing long, leggy stems. To maintain a more compact and bushy shape, it is recommended to prune back the outermost stems. By cutting them back by about one-third of their length, you can encourage branching and promote denser growth in the plant.