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By Ralph E. Mitchell Flowering varieties of Salvia are a gardener&#8217;s favorite as they provide a wide range of color and form. With colors from scarlet red to blue to white, in both annual and perennial plants of native and non-native origins, Salvia offers a plant suitable for all gardens. In particular, let&#8217;s take a [&#8230;]

By Ralph E. Mitchell
<figure id="attachment_5795" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5795" style="width: 294px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" class=" wp-image-5795" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/charlotteco/files/2021/02/012163-910x1024.jpg" alt="Annual red salvia" width="294" height="331" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-5795" class="wp-caption-text">Annual red salvia is a mainstay in flower beds &#8211; UF/IFAS Photo by Tyler Jones/ UF/IFAS File Photo</figcaption></figure>
Flowering varieties of Salvia are a gardener&#8217;s favorite as they provide a wide range of color and form. With colors from scarlet red to blue to white, in both annual and perennial plants of native and non-native origins, Salvia offers a plant suitable for all gardens. In particular, let&#8217;s take a look at the commonly available varieties including Red Salvia, Scarlet Salvia, Mexican Salvia, Sapphire Salvia, and Blue Salvia.
The only annual Salvia that most gardeners cultivate is the Red Salvia. This flowering annual produces spikes of red, purple, pink, salmon, white or bi-colored blossoms. In most garden centers, these are as common as marigolds with red being the predominant color available. Growing up to eighteen inches tall and up to a foot wide, this Salvia will produce a good flower show for several weeks. Then, to produce another flush of growth and subsequent flowers, cut off the old flowers. If this task is not completed, flowering will stop. Grow this Salvia in full sun and set transplants eight to twelve inches apart to create a mass of color. There are at least twenty varieties to pick from ranging from flower color to plant size.
Another favorite Salvia in our area is the Scarlet Salvia. This is a perennial plant that is a native to Florida. It is a tall plant up to four feet in height with rich red flowers produced from spring through fall. Sometimes used in mass as a tall groundcover, the Scarlet Salvia does best in full sun, but will grow in shade, but with fewer flowers. This Salvia is very drought tolerant and actually thrives in our Florida summer heat. At the end of the growing season when flowering ceases, cut it back for a neater appearance. One cultivar to look for is &#8216;Lady in Red&#8217; with deep red flowers. On occasion white and pink flowering versions may also be available.
<figure id="attachment_5794" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5794" style="width: 288px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img decoding="async" class=" wp-image-5794" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/charlotteco/files/2021/02/000285-1017x1024.jpg" alt="Salvia is a good container plant" width="288" height="290" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-5794" class="wp-caption-text">Salvia is a good container plant &#8211; UF/IFAS Photo by: Thomas Wright</figcaption></figure>
Mexican Salvia is another fairly common flowering Salvia available in our area. Another perennial, the Mexican Salvia has gray-green foliage with a somewhat wooly, hairy appearance that is soft to the touch. The multiple flowers are rose-purple and white in color and arranged in whorls. As with many types of Salvia, hummingbirds are very attracted to the flowers. Somewhat drought tolerant, the Mexican Salvia can be used in mass planting and looks good as a container specimen as well. Consider using the cut flowers in arrangements as they last for several days in good condition.
One of the largest flowers produced by Salvias is found on the Sapphire Salvia. The dark-blue flower spikes appear through the summer and fall months above the two-foot-tall foliage. Wide spreading, the Sapphire Salvia can grow two to three feet wide and accordingly, space individual plants fifteen inches apart. This perennial Salvia can be used as a groundcover when installed in mass plantings. Best planted in well-drained soils, this Salvia is drought tolerant.
One last species of Salvia to mention is Salvia farinacea or Blue Salvia. This Salvia is a native of the southwest United States. The grey-green foliage supports flower spikes of bluish-purple on this two to three-foot tall plant. A couple of blue-purple cultivars available include &#8216;Rhea&#8217; and &#8216;Victoria Blue&#8217;. There is also a white variety called &#8216;Victoria White&#8217; . Planted in front of the green foliage of a shrub hedge, this Salvia makes a real nice display. Keep in mind however, that Blue Salvia may finish flowering in mid-summer in our area of Florida.
Salvias of all types are readily available at most garden centers in our area. Try different cultivars to discover your favorite Salvia! For more information on all types of annual and perennial flowers, or to ask a question, please visit <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CharlotteMGLifeline/">https://www.facebook.com/CharlotteMGLifeline/</a>. Ralph E. Mitchell is the Director/Horticulture Agent for the UF/IFAS Charlotte County Extension Service. He can be reached at 941-764-4344 or <a href="mailto:ralph.mitchell@charlottecountyfl.gov">ralph.mitchell@charlottecountyfl.gov</a>.
Resources: 
Gilman, E. F. &amp; Howe, T. (1999) Salvia splendens. The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS. 
Gilman, E. F. (2014) Salvia coccinea. The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS. 
Gilman, E. F. &amp; Marshal, D. (2014) Salvia leucantha. The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS. 
Gilman, E. F. (1999) Salvia farinacea &#8216;Rhea&#8217;. The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS. 
Gilman, E. F. &amp; Howe, T. (1999) Salvia farinacea &#8216;Victoria White&#8217; &#8216;Victoria White&#8217; Sage. The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS.

By Ralph E. Mitchell
Annual red salvia is a mainstay in flower beds – UF/IFAS Photo by Tyler Jones/ UF/IFAS File Photo
Flowering varieties of Salvia are a gardener’s favorite as they provide a wide range of color and form. With colors from scarlet red to blue to white, in both annual and perennial plants of native and non-native origins, Salvia offers a plant suitable for all gardens. In particular, let’s take a look at the commonly available varieties including Red Salvia, Scarlet Salvia, Mexican Salvia, Sapphire Salvia, and Blue Salvia.
The only annual Salvia that most gardeners cultivate is the Red Salvia. This flowering annual produces spikes of red, purple, pink, salmon, white or bi-colored blossoms. In most garden centers, these are as common as marigolds with red being the predominant color available. Growing up to eighteen inches tall and up to a foot wide, this Salvia will produce a good flower show for several weeks. Then, to produce another flush of growth and subsequent flowers, cut off the old flowers. If this task is not completed, flowering will stop. Grow this Salvia in full sun and set transplants eight to twelve inches apart to create a mass of color. There are at least twenty varieties to pick from ranging from flower color to plant size.
Another favorite Salvia in our area is the Scarlet Salvia. This is a perennial plant that is a native to Florida. It is a tall plant up to four feet in height with rich red flowers produced from spring through fall. Sometimes used in mass as a tall groundcover, the Scarlet Salvia does best in full sun, but will grow in shade, but with fewer flowers. This Salvia is very drought tolerant and actually thrives in our Florida summer heat. At the end of the growing season when flowering ceases, cut it back for a neater appearance. One cultivar to look for is ‘Lady in Red’ with deep red flowers. On occasion white and pink flowering versions may also be available.
Salvia is a good container plant – UF/IFAS Photo by: Thomas Wright
Mexican Salvia is another fairly common flowering Salvia available in our area. Another perennial, the Mexican Salvia has gray-green foliage with a somewhat wooly, hairy appearance that is soft to the touch. The multiple flowers are rose-purple and white in color and arranged in whorls. As with many types of Salvia, hummingbirds are very attracted to the flowers. Somewhat drought tolerant, the Mexican Salvia can be used in mass planting and looks good as a container specimen as well. Consider using the cut flowers in arrangements as they last for several days in good condition.
One of the largest flowers produced by Salvias is found on the Sapphire Salvia. The dark-blue flower spikes appear through the summer and fall months above the two-foot-tall foliage. Wide spreading, the Sapphire Salvia can grow two to three feet wide and accordingly, space individual plants fifteen inches apart. This perennial Salvia can be used as a groundcover when installed in mass plantings. Best planted in well-drained soils, this Salvia is drought tolerant.
One last species of Salvia to mention is Salvia farinacea or Blue Salvia. This Salvia is a native of the southwest United States. The grey-green foliage supports flower spikes of bluish-purple on this two to three-foot tall plant. A couple of blue-purple cultivars available include ‘Rhea’ and ‘Victoria Blue’. There is also a white variety called ‘Victoria White’ . Planted in front of the green foliage of a shrub hedge, this Salvia makes a real nice display. Keep in mind however, that Blue Salvia may finish flowering in mid-summer in our area of Florida.
Salvias of all types are readily available at most garden centers in our area. Try different cultivars to discover your favorite Salvia! For more information on all types of annual and perennial flowers, or to ask a question, please visit https://www.facebook.com/CharlotteMGLifeline/. Ralph E. Mitchell is the Director/Horticulture Agent for the UF/IFAS Charlotte County Extension Service. He can be reached at 941-764-4344 or ralph.mitchell@charlottecountyfl.gov.
Resources:
Gilman, E. F. & Howe, T. (1999) Salvia splendens. The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS.
Gilman, E. F. (2014) Salvia coccinea. The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS.
Gilman, E. F. & Marshal, D. (2014) Salvia leucantha. The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS.
Gilman, E. F. (1999) Salvia farinacea ‘Rhea’. The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS.
Gilman, E. F. & Howe, T. (1999) Salvia farinacea ‘Victoria White’ ‘Victoria White’ Sage. The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS.

By Ralph E. Mitchell Flowering varieties of Salvia are a gardener’s favorite as they provide a wide range of color and form. With colors from scarlet red to blue to white, in both annual and perennial plants of native and non-native origins, Salvia offers a plant suitable for all gardens. In particular, let’s take a […]

Satisfying Salvia

Success using cut flowers is easy if you follow a few basic steps. Perhaps you purchased a bouquet or were the lucky recipient of flowers, but they only lasted a few days. Follow these simple step-by-step instructions to increase the longevity of your bouquet. Start with a clean vase. Kill any bacteria by sterilizing the [&#8230;]

Success using cut flowers is easy if you follow a few basic steps. Perhaps you purchased a bouquet or were the lucky recipient of flowers, but they only lasted a few days. Follow these simple step-by-step instructions to increase the longevity of your bouquet.
<figure id="attachment_734" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-734" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/duvalco/files/2018/02/cutflowerrunningwater.2018.png"><img decoding="async" class="wp-image-734 size-medium lazyload" title="make sure to use sharp by-pass pruners or floral shears" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="floral shears" width="300" height="239" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/duvalco/files/2018/02/cutflowerrunningwater.2018-300x239.png"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-734" class="wp-caption-text">Make a fresh cut at a 45 degree angle while holding the stem under water.</figcaption></figure>
<ul>
<li>Start with a clean vase. Kill any bacteria by sterilizing the container with 1 part bleach to 10 parts water and then rinse several times with hot water.</li>
<li>Use sharp by-pass pruners or floral shears to make a fresh cut at a 45 degree angle removing the lower one to inches of the stem. Make the cut while holding the cut end under water.</li>
<li>Strip off any leaves that will sit below the water line of the vase to prevent bacterial growth.</li>
<li>Mix floral preservative with water according to directions using warm water (100 to 110 degrees F). Don&#8217;t use warm water with tulips and hyacinths; use cold water instead. Avoid using water from a water softener because of the sodium content. Insert flowers in the container with the prepared water as soon as you make the fresh stem cuts.</li>
<li>Place flowers in a cool shady area, away from drafts and vents.</li>
<li>Keep flowers away from ripening fruit because the ethylene from the fruit will shorten the life of the
<figure id="attachment_736" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-736" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/duvalco/files/2018/02/Soleil-dor125.18.png"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-736 size-medium lazyload" title="daffodils exude a sticky sap and shouldn&#039;t be mixed with other flowers" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="daffodils as cut flowers" width="300" height="225" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/duvalco/files/2018/02/Soleil-dor125.18-300x225.png"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-736" class="wp-caption-text">Daffodils, like this Soleil d&#8217;or, should not be mixed with other flowers because of the sticky sap they exude.</figcaption></figure>
flowers.</li>
<li>Don&#8217;t mix daffodils with other cut flowers because they exude a sticky sap that prevents water uptake.</li>
<li>Make a fresh cut in the stem end as described above every two to three days and replace with fresh water. Clean the vase if necessary, especially if the water becomes cloudy.</li>
<li>Click <a href="http://www.jacksonville.com/entertainmentlife/20180209/are-flowers-in-your-future-for-valentines-day">here</a> for more information on having success with cut flowers.</li>
</ul>
Create your own garden for cuts: Create your own cutting garden by incorporating the right flowers into your landscape. Examples include dianthus, marigold, snapdragon, sunflower, and zinnia. Check out information on annuals that make good cut flowers by clicking<a href="http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg319"> here.</a> Select flowering perennials that also make good cut flowers. You probably have some of these in your landscape: agapanthus, coneflower, crinum lily, ginger, iris, salvia and jacobinia. Check for information on perennials by clicking <a href="http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg035">here.</a>
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Success using cut flowers is easy if you follow a few basic steps. Perhaps you purchased a bouquet or were the lucky recipient of flowers, but they only  lasted a few days.  Follow these simple step-by-step instructions to increase the longevity of your bouquet.
Make a fresh cut at a 45 degree angle while holding the stem under water.

Start with a clean vase. Kill any bacteria by sterilizing the container with 1 part bleach to 10 parts water and then rinse several times with hot water.
Use sharp by-pass pruners or floral shears to make a fresh cut at a 45 degree angle removing the lower one to inches of the stem. Make the cut while  holding the cut end under water.
Strip off any leaves that will sit below the water line of the vase to prevent bacterial growth.
Mix floral preservative with water according to directions using warm water (100 to 110 degrees F). Don’t use warm water with tulips and hyacinths; use cold water instead. Avoid using water from a water softener because of the sodium content. Insert flowers in the container with the prepared water as soon as you make the fresh stem cuts.
Place flowers in a cool shady area, away from drafts and vents.
Keep flowers away from ripening fruit because the ethylene from the fruit will shorten the life of the
Daffodils, like this Soleil d’or, should not be mixed with other flowers because of the sticky sap they exude.
flowers.
Don’t mix daffodils with other cut flowers because they exude a sticky sap that prevents water uptake.
Make a fresh cut in the stem end as described above every two to three days and replace with fresh water. Clean the vase if necessary, especially if the water becomes cloudy.
Click here for more information on having success with cut flowers.
Create your own garden for cuts: Create your own cutting garden by incorporating the right flowers into your landscape. Examples include dianthus, marigold, snapdragon, sunflower, and zinnia.  Check out information on annuals that make good cut flowers by clicking here.   Select flowering perennials that also make good cut flowers. You probably have some of these in your landscape: agapanthus, coneflower, crinum lily, ginger, iris, salvia and jacobinia. Check for information on perennials by clicking here.

Success using cut flowers is easy if you follow a few basic steps. Perhaps you purchased a bouquet or were the lucky recipient of flowers, but they only lasted a few days. Follow these simple step-by-step instructions to increase the longevity of your bouquet. Start with a clean vase. Kill any bacteria by sterilizing the […]

Success Using Cut Flowers

Ever wonder how you can keep cut flowers fresh and vibrant? Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and that means you might be receiving flowers from loved ones. After the initial oohs and ahs, many of us stick the bouquet in a vase with a little water and hope for the best, though this [&#8230;]

Ever wonder how you can keep cut flowers fresh and vibrant? Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and that means you might be receiving flowers from loved ones. After the initial oohs and ahs, many of us stick the bouquet in a vase with a little water and hope for the best, though this can often quickly lead to sad, droopy flowers—not very romantic.
There are lots of recommendations out there for how to keep cut flowers fresh. However, if you want advice from the experts, check out the UF/IFAS video below for great tips for making your gift last.
<iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NM1jBVFlDVo" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
Photo credits: moodboard/Thinkstock

Ever wonder how you can keep cut flowers fresh and vibrant? Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and that means you might be receiving flowers from loved ones. After the initial oohs and ahs, many of us stick the bouquet in a vase with a little water and hope for the best, though this can often quickly lead to sad, droopy flowers—not very romantic.
There are lots of recommendations out there for how to keep cut flowers fresh. However, if you want advice from the experts, check out the UF/IFAS video below for great tips for making your gift last.

Photo credits: moodboard/Thinkstock

Ever wonder how you can keep cut flowers fresh and vibrant? Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and that means you might be receiving flowers from loved ones. After the initial oohs and ahs, many of us stick the bouquet in a vase with a little water and hope for the best, though this […]

How to Keep Cut Flowers Fresh and Vibrant

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