By Scout Nelson
Every gardening season brings a chance to try something new in our container gardens. Last year, I experimented with annual blue salvia, drawn to its pollinator-friendly nature and striking appearance. This experience was rewarding enough that I'm starting my own salvia seeds this year.
Salvia, part of the mint family, includes a wide range of species, from annuals to perennials. These plants can boast flowers in colors like blue, purple, pink, red, yellow, and white. My choice, Salvia farinacea, known as 'Victoria Blue' or 'Blue Bedder', is an annual in our region. It offers long-lasting blooms without the constant need for dead heading, although removing old spikes can promote new growth.
These flowers are distinguished by their spikes, stretching eight to ten inches above the foliage, with blooms that open at staggered times, ensuring a long flowering period. In the middle of the summer, a trim can rejuvenate the plants for autumn vigor.
Salvia plants are not only beautiful but also robust, tolerating hot, dry conditions well and thriving in full sun. They are ideal for both garden beds and containers, though it's vital to choose a container large enough to accommodate their mature size. Last summer, I learned the hard way that too-small pots mean daily watering is a must, especially in the heat.
Proper watering involves saturating the growing media thoroughly until water drains out the bottom of the container, ensuring the plants receive adequate moisture. This method helps avoid the disappointment of returning home to wilted plants.
Besides their visual appeal, salvias are a magnet for pollinators. The sight of bumblebees buzzing around the salvia containers brought me daily joy as they collected nectar and pollen. Such interactions with nature are what make gardening with salvias a rewarding endeavor. What flowers are you planning to start this year in your garden? Let's share and grow our gardening community. Happy gardening!
Photo Credits:proven-winners
Categories: North Dakota, General